EXPRESS LANE : HOT AND SPICY ARTICHOKE DIP.

Here's a quick dip that's terrific for casual entertaining.

1 can (14 ounces) artichoke hearts, drained and chopped

1 cup mayonnaise-style salad dressing

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese 

1 can (4 ounces) diced green chiles

1 clove garlic, minced

2 tablespoons sliced green onions

2 tablespoons chopped tomatoes

In a medium bowl, mix all ingredients except green onions and tomatoes until blended. Spoon into a 9-inch pie plate.

Bake in preheated 350-degree oven 20 to 25 minutes or until lightly browned. Sprinkle with green onions and tomatoes. Serve with crackers or chips. Makes 2 cups dip.

Express to Go

POQUITO MAS, 3701 Cahuenga Blvd. W., Studio City [phone]; 2635 W. Olive Ave., Burbank [phone]; 10651 Magnolia Blvd., North Hollywood [phone]; 8555 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood [phone].

This small place, which started out 13 years ago in its Studio City mini-mall location (and has since expanded to the other locations mentioned above) has long been a favorite with chefs, studio people and others, including this writer. And when you try it, you'll understand why. The Mexican-inspired dishes are good (no lard or MSG), fresh and turned out in short order.

Diners can choose from a variety of tacos, mini tacos, dinner plates, tostadas, nachos, burritos and quesadillas. The soft and mini tacos are available with steak, chicken, carnitas, shrimp or vegetables ($1.60 to $3.25). Dinner plates come with rice, beans, guacamole, salsa, fresh tortillas and your choice of charbroiled steak, charbroiled chicken, simmered chicken or simmered pork ($4.95).

Nachos, which make a terrific Saturday lunch or appetizer any time, can be ordered with Jack and Cheddar cheeses ($3.85) or steak, chicken or pork ($3.55). We've tried them all, and topped with sour cream, salsa and guacamole, they hit the spot - yum!

If tostadas are one of your favorite dishes, the variations here with chicken, pork or steak ($5.10) are terrific - better than those at many other Mexican fast-food establishments of this type. All come in a shell with guacamole, salsa, beans, lettuce and sour cream.

To appease hungry appetites, the burritos, available with vegetables, meats, chicken or shrimp, and filled with Jack cheese, guacamole and salsa are a good bet ($3.75 to $5.95). The Nature's Grill Burrito sports fresh-grilled eggplant, zucchini, mushrooms, red and green bell peppers, red and white onions, black beans, Jack cheese and a little red bell pepper sour cream ($4.25). For 85 cents more, you can top any burrito with cheeses and red sauce.

Quesadillas with meats or chicken or just cheese ($3.75 to $4.55) are another good choice, as are Maschiladas - two Jack cheese enchiladas topped with cheese, red mojado sauce and served with beans and rice ($3.95; $4.55 with chicken or steak).

For $1, you can add beans or rice to any item, making it a combination plate.

Don't miss the popular and delicious tortilla soup - loaded with vegggies and cheese ($1.25 small; $1.95 large).

A Qids meal - with a mini taco or enchilada or quesadilla or burrito - and all with rice and beans - is available for $1.99.

If you're having a party this summer, you might want to consider the party packs.

To avoid a wait for takeout during prime lunch or dinner hours, phone ahead so your order is ready when you arrive. Parking at some locations is more difficult than others.

This is high on our list of inexpensive haunts that offer good value - and the tasty fare keeps us returning frequently.