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by MADELYN MILLER

In the category of best deal on a lobster tail, I have researched the world to find affordable lobster. If you're ever in or even near Halifax, Nova Scotia, try Your Father's Mustache Pub and Eatery. For ten bucks, you'll get two lobster tails, a baked potato, bread and beverage. But that's $10 Canadian. With the current exchange rate, you'll end up saving almost 40% more, so your dinner is just about $7.00. I don't understand why people deal in drugs when there is so much more markup on lobster. I have calculated that if you eat 14 lobsters, you can pay for your ticket to Canada.

A simpler approach might be to try match that deal in Dallas. On Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday nights, there is Lobster Madness at Daddy Jack's, a super seafood place committed to top quality fresh fish at very affordable prices.

The fish is so fresh, they hand write the menu at the last minute to allow for changes. (In fact, when I asked for a menu for reference to write this review, the server apologized profusely for his penmanship.) Even the prices change daily because of variations in market prices for fish.

Obviously, we had to try the lobster special (whole main lobster $10.95, a twin $18.95) It came with a baked potato , corn on the cob, and a plastic bib so you could really enjoy. It was obviously the thing to order. Almost everyone around us was eating lobster. I've always believe in the axiom "when in China, eat what the Chinese order" and it certainly translates into seafood restaurants. Apparently those in the know plan ahead for their lobster indulgences. We called anonymously for a reservation, and were told to arrive no later than 6:15. They were right. The place was packed by 7:00 and everyone looked like they were enjoying their tails, even though the waiter informed us Daddy

Jack's serves lobsters with one claw (are they less expensive because they are disabled?)

We also tried sautéed soft-shell crabs with scallion butter ($13), two crispy, generous sized crabs that I would order again if it wasn't lobster night. Another good choice is the New England Dinner, a one lb. lobster and one lb. of crab legs with potato and vegetable ($22.95). Two girls sitting next to us were splitting this (there is no additional sharing charge) and it still made for an enormous dinner at $11.50 each.

How do they keep the prices so low? The decor is simple--a basic red and white checked tablecloth kind of place. The charming menu covers and wall art were drawn by school kids.

Daddy Jack's focuses on what they do best--fish. This is not a place for someone who doesn't enjoy seafood. The only non fish item on the menu is filet of beef (10 oz. $19) with sautéed mushrooms.

A few tips for dining at Daddy Jack's:

1. Dress casual so you don't worry about dribbling melted butter. And put on the bibs they offer.

2. Even if you have the address and directions, the storefront sign is a little subtle. I passed it twice. Look for the name Daddy Jack "s in the center of a clock over the restaurant. It may be easier to look for the neon lobster in the window.

3. Make a reservation

4. Go early and be hungry.

And if all this isn't enough, wait for Thursday night, when Daddy Jack's has an all you can eat Lobster dinner for $29.95

DADDY Jack's
1916 GREENVILLE 826-4910

Photo by Martha Hollis

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