Five Fish Lunches in Springfield

We know we've been on a lately, and we promise it won't last forever. But as long as our grocery stores continue to advertise seafood sales and television commercials sing jingles about filets of fish, we're going to keep on it one more week. Fish is a good source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, and we should all be eating it twice a week.

There's a new burger in town that we're dying to try, and you can read about it here in two weeks. But in the meantime, here are five places in town for a seafood lunch.

– This Italian deli and fish market at Route 22 and Mountain Avenue has been serving fresh fish to Springfield residents since 1995, when they moved here from Hillside. They may not be the healthiest items on the menu, but the lobster bisque or fried shrimp or are ideal for a seafood lunch.

– On the other side of town, Antonio Mozzarella Factory serves a Mediterannean tuna sandwich (no mayo) as well as a tuna salad served over greens with tomato, olives and red onion. It may still be chilly and rainy, but you can enjoy your lunch in an enclosed sunroom that makes it feel like summer in the Old Country.

– McDonalds has its filet o fish sandwich commercials, and Wendy's has been heavily advertising its Pacific Cod sandwich, but our own Checkers on Route 22 has its own fish sandwich for the season: the deep sea double. With two thin breaded filets, a slice of cheese, mayo and lettuce, it's definitely not what the doctor ordered, but it will only be around for three more weeks, so you might as well give it a try.

– This tiny Morris Avenue Japanese and Korean restaurant recently expanded into Morristown. Our favorite from the menu is the , a spicy sushi roll wrapped with attractive slices of salmon, snapper, tuna and avocado. All entrees start with miso soup and a small salad with ginger dressing. Now this is a healthy seafood meal.

– Our favorite Chinese restaurant in town, this Morris Avenue restaurant serves a good selection of lunch specials ranging from $6.95 to $7.95, each with a pot of jasmine tea, your choice of soup and a side of rice. Among those lunch specials is shrimp with chili sauce, shrimp with and shrimp lo mein. Looking for a special treat? Order a fresh whole fish from the regular menu, steamed or golden crispy ($17.95).