The Scene-
Dozens of Buddha statues smile down upon diners in this quirky but comfortable main drag chain restaurant. Vinyl booths in baby blues and peachy pinks lead up to a fascinating Day-Glo plastic food display. Translucent window treatments keep camp in, Clairmont Road out.

The Food-
Predictably Americanized, the big attractions at Golden Buddha are the flaming pupu platters and sticky neon orange sweet and sour dishes. Fans of authentic Chinese food will doubtless be dissapointed by sticky steamed dumplings or Szechuan vegetables in sodium-heavy sauce. If you're looking for a safer bet, try shrimp in a light, wine-flavored lobster sauce. Better still is the shrimp and broccoli with a brown sauce loaded with hints of ginger and garlic and spicy red pepper flakes.