A visit to the Soup Exchange is a stroll down taste-bud lane. This Coral Springs franchise has been open since June and is the first Soup Exchange restaurant in Broward County.

After two visits to the Soup Exchange, I learned not to layer my plate with lots of lettuce early on in the line, so I would have room left for some of the delectable salads near the end of the bar. The trick to eating at this wonderful all-you-can-eat smorgasbord is to pace yourself. The huge two-sided salad bar has more than 100 items from which to choose.

My personal favorites on the bar are teriyaki mushrooms, which are marinated in a delicious soy and onion sauce, and curry chicken, which features chicken breast chunks with a snappy curry sauce.

In addition to common salad bar items like carrots, green onions, broccoli, and cucumber, there are also some exotic vegetables like jicama, a crunchy vegetable similar to the radish. Gourmet salads include ham and cheese Dijon, tuna tarragon, and chicken with dill. There are also assorted pasta salads like pasta marinara and pasta primavera.

Soup choices are rotated, with three soups served each day. Favorites are chicken noodle, cream of broccoli, and New England clam chowder. Others include minestrone, five bean and ham, and Southwestern black bean soup. Chili is also on the menu.

As you make your way to the dessert section you may want to try some nachos with sauce, hot garlic bread or muffins from the bakery. At lunch time, the dessert bar features cherry, blueberry, peach or apple strudle. At dinner, the dessert is Belgian waffles and strawberry shortcake. The dessert bar always has fresh fruit and low-fat yogurt.

There are several different prices at the Soup Exchange. At lunch, soup and salad is $5.95; salad only is $4.94. Soup and salad at dinner is $6.95. Senior citizens receive a 15 percent discount at lunch, and a 20 percent discount from 3 to 5 p.m. Children under 12 years old pay $4.15 for soup and salad and children under 5 eat free. Bakery and dessert items are included in the price.

Remember, at the Soup Exchange the price includes all-you-can-eat so bring a hearty appetite, pace yourself, and enjoy.

THE SOUP EXCHANGE

–1203 University Drive

Coral Springs

345-8108

Soup and salad bar

— Hours: 11 a.m to 9:30 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

— Credit cards: None.

— Non-Smoking Area: Yes.

Budget Dining is a regular column of the Fort Lauderdale News and Sun- Sentinel devoted to helping readers find inexpensive, local restaurants. Budget for two diners is $15 for lunch; $25 for dinner. The Budget Diner makes every effort to remain anonymous, and all the reviewer’s meals are paid for by the Fort Lauderdale News and Sun-Sentinel.