SEA WORLD: 79-17 Albion Ave., Elmhurst (79th Street and Queens Boulevard across from the Pan American Hotel): 429-6161

CUISINE: Seafood

HOURS: Monday - Saturday: 5 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.; Sunday: 3 p.m. to 10 p.m.

HANDICAPPED ACCESSIBLE: Yes

CREDIT CARDS: Most major credit cards

A new addition to Queens cuisine has taken the borough by storm. Sea World, which held its grand opening Thursday, March 19, is a dining experience like no other.

Upon entering, guests are greeted by the soothing sound of rushing water. To the right, a statue of gold dolphins, one atop the other, ride a foaming, blue wave into a two-story waterfall, illuminated by blue and white lights. On stage in front of the waterfall is a live band which plays nightly. Tiny yellow lights line the walls and form boxes around the brightly lit chandeliers which adorn the ceiling.

The restaurant can seat 500 people on the first floor and another 1,000 on the second floor, which will be open in a month or so for weddings and other occasions.

For $32.95, guests can choose from either a one-and-a-half pound Lobster or a one-and-a-half to two-pound Dungeness Steamed Crab.

While you are waiting for your waiter or waitress to bring you this delectable crustacean, a truly awesome buffet awaits hungry patrons, presenting them with an array of seafood including shrimp, scallops, claw fish, salmon, cod fish, oysters, steamed and baked clams, mussels and more. A fresh Seafood Steak (tuna, salmon or halibut) is also available and the fish changes daily.

If that isn’t enough, there is an all you can eat soup, salad and fruit bar, decorated with bright lights sprouting from the top and, among other delicacies, a pineapple with fresh fruit-shish kebabs of strawberry, grapes, melons and pineapples jutting out of it from all angles. In addition to the overwhelming seafood choices, guests have a selection of a variety of meats as well.

The soup special, New England Clam Chowder, was thick and delicious with plenty of clams, served in an edible bread bowl.

Behind the mounds of lobsters and crabs are the chefs, who can be seen preparing the food while guests decide what they want at the buffet.

Children 12 years and under cost $12.95 (Lobster and Crab are not included) and children under 6 years are free.

So be sure to bring a hearty appetite and a love of seafood. With all Sea World has to offer, guests are guaranteed to leave satiated.