When I see the term "family restaurant," my thoughts turn to high chairs and kids -- some well-behaved, some not so much. So, my hubby and I approached our visit to the Four Seasons Family Restaurant on Shadeland Avenue (there's a sister version in Greenwood) with a bit of trepidation.

As "parents" only to a bevy of cats and a dog, we tend to seek out eateries weighted to the grownup side. But on a weekday lunch hour, the kiddies were nowhere in sight. The lunch bunch consisted of pad-and-pencil-wielding worker bees plus patrons from nearby neighborhoods.

The mood

Neat, clean and cheerful, the Four Seasons augments its abundant natural lighting with plenty of hanging lamps, along with ceiling fans, mirrored wall accents and plants. We studied a lengthy list of specials on the board just inside the door before being escorted to our window booth (the hostess actually asked if we preferred a table or booth, a nice touch.)

The food

The menu certainly doesn't lack in choices. Burgers, melts, pasta, cold sandwiches and salads join heartier entrees, including fried chicken, steaks, pork chops, seafood and ribs. Add the specials, and even the pickiest eater should find something tempting.

Never having met a croissant I didn't like, I went straight for the L'Anglaise ($6.95). The arrival of the large sandwich prompted flashbacks of Thanksgiving leftovers, as actual slices of white turkey, not processed deli meat, filled the toasted croissant. American cheese were melted under two slices of bacon for a tasty -- if not healthful -- addition.

Pete ordered one of the daily lunch specials, the mega submarine sandwich ($6.95). The moniker wasn't an exaggeration: This is a guy-sized offering, with roast beef, turkey and ham (again, real, not processed) plus lettuce, tomato, onion and two slices of cheese, accented by mayo on both halves of the hoagie roll.

So filling were the sandwiches that we abandoned the accompaniments (steak fries and soup with mine, fries and a salad with Pete's). My soup, a chicken-and-rice concoction, was loaded with both, as well as carrots, celery and onions in a clear broth. Pete's salad combined iceberg lettuce with chipped carrots, tomatoes and large croutons. Both arrived mere minutes before the sandwiches, so we had little time to indulge before moving on to the main event.

The drinks

We both ordered diet sodas ($1.55), which were promptly refilled as many times as we needed. Coffee, tea (hot and iced), hot chocolate and milk are also available.

The damage: $18.36

Head to the Four Seasons the next time you've got a hard-to-please, cash-conscious group to feed. Service is fast, prices are reasonable and everyone should be able to find something that satisfies -- whether your party is family or just famished.

By Julie Cope Saetre, Correspondent