By LISA FERREIRA
THE FREE LANCE-STAR

From the number of tables festooned with colorful tropical drinks, the dining room at the Olive Garden looked like it was in the Bahamas rather than Fredericksburg. While the menu boasts a wine list with nearly 40 choices, few patrons were sipping them on the sweltering summer evening we visited.

My friend and I decided to cool off with icy concoctions, too-a raspberry margarita ($4.95) and a peach daiquiri ($4.95). An orange slice and whipped cream capped the sweet daiquiri. The margarita was more to my liking-a lip-puckering contrast of tangy and sweet.

OLIVE GARDEN 2811 Plank Road Central Park Fredericksburg Phone: 548-0812 Hours: Sunday-Thursday: 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Price range: Appetizers: $1.95 (alfredo or marinara dipping sauce for bread)-$7.95 Entrées: $7.50-$15.95 Desserts: $3.25-$4.50 Kids’ menu: $2.95-$4.25 Atmosphere: Comfortable Italian eatery serves a variety of pasta and other cheesy dishes in a homey dining room. Credit cards: MasterCard, VISA, American Express, Discover Other info: Parking lot, handicapped-accessible, takeout

We started with the San Remo Seafood Dip ($6.50). It was a tasty blend of cheese, crab and shrimp. We also ordered the Create a Sampler Italiano appetizer ($6.50). At the suggestion of our server, we selected the stuffed mushrooms along with the toasted ravioli. If you include a third option, the cost of the appetizer is $7.75.

The toasted ravioli were crisp on the edges with a thick, doughy center. The pillows were packed with a pleasant meaty mixture of beef and pork. The stuffed mushrooms were enormous but watery. The stuffing-clams, breadcrumbs and several types of cheese-tasted fishy and stale.

Entreés come with soft, garlicky breadsticks, and either a salad or soup. I opted for the Tortelloni di Fizzano ($9.95) and the garden -fresh salad.

I’ve always liked the way Olive Garden serves their salads-in big bowls, family style. It’s a friendly way to eat, and I usually get all the extra olives that way.