Step from the everyday shopping mall into a tropical rainforest with booming thunderstorms, wild animals swinging from trees and an erupting volcano. Welcome to the Valley branch of the popular Rainforest Cafe chain. Hidden in the vast jungle before making programmed, enraged appearances are hollering gorillas, trumpeting elephants and snapping crocodiles. Some of the action is so loud that toddlers may find it a frightening experience. But older kids can become so enthralled by the wild, non-stop action that they can forget to eat their lunch or dinner. Even adults sometimes have to be nudged. Some of the props are real, like shrieking parrots and a captivating, two-story aquarium filled with colorful fish.

There are few complaints about the quality of the food, nor the many menu choices. But if you're expecting to find food prices comparable to similar fare at ordinary restaurants, you'll be disappointed. Other restaurants don't bear the expense of an admission-free indoor amusement park. Generally, adult appetizers and burgers are in the $8 range; sandwiches, salads and pizzas around $10 and entrees from $12 to $16. However, portions are huge, even on the extensive kids' menu, and often large enough for sharing. Rainforest Cafe is so popular that you can usually expect a wait, even with reservations. -- Cecil Tuck

Categories: Foods-Carry Out, Restaurants-American, Restaurants

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