GOOD TASTES.

DRINK IN A BAG: Here's something novel for the margarita crowd - Margarita in a Bag. Created by Lt. Blender's Frozen Concoctions, you simply add tequila, and warm water to the 12-ounce plastic bag containing sugar, corn syrup solids, lime, lemon and orange juice solids, citric acid and natural flavors. Shake, freeze for six hours and squeeze to dispense. Or if you can't wait, serve on the rocks or mix part of the sugar mixture with tequila, triple sec and ice cubes in a blender. The bag, once liquid is added, makes 1/2 gallon - or 8 cups (8 servings).

We're skeptical about how much time and fuss it really saves as margaritas are so easy to make from scratch. And it seem's rather pricey - $7.99 per bag (excluding liquor). It's available in traditional (original) or Strawberry Daiquiri flavor at Barbeques (cq) Galore stores (www.bbqgalore.com)

- N.H.

GINGERITA ADVENTURE: If a ginger margarita sounds appealing, you might be interested in Gingerita Margarita Concentrate from Perfect Beverage Company in Santa Monica. You combine one part of the concentrate to one part tequila, one part sour mix and one part club soda with 1/2 cup ice. Shake well or blend. Gingerita is available in 32-ounce bottles for $9.95. You can order by calling [phone] or look for it at Gelson's markets. The concentrate can also be used to prepare cosmopolitans, ginger salad dressings, ginger marinades and more.

- N. H.

FREEBIE LEAFLET: If you're in the market for some different fish recipes, order a copy of a ``Quick & Easy Recipes: Cooking With Alaska Frozen Seafood,'' from the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute. It features creations with salmon, halibut and cod. Write to Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute, 311 N. Franklin Street, Suite 200, Juneau, AK 99801-1147 or call [phone].

- N.H.

DINING OUT

Ready to dine in bed?

A new Indian restaurant, Nirvana, in Beverly Hills, actually has, in addition to regular tables, a sort of picnic-on-a-bed dining arrangement.

Described as ``Indian tandoori with an exotic flair served amid erotic elegance,'' the menu begins with a page of starters priced from $8 (lollipop chicken wings) to $22 (assortment of kebabs).

The starter list also includes crab masala ($14), lamb cakes ($9) and chicken and cheese-stuffed quail ($12).

Main dishes ($18 to $39) are highlighted by boar and venison chops and smoked lobster ($39 each). At the same price a whole leg of charbroiled lamb flavored with rum is served with mashed potatoes.

Saffron-spiced chicken kebab and chicken with parsley, coriander and cheese are both ticketed at $23.

Endings of rice pudding, cheesecake or ice cream ($7 each) and a mango napoleon ($9) are called ``sensuous pleasures.''

The Kama Sutra-themed Nirvana at 8689 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills, has a full bar, is open nightly from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. Information and reservations: [phone].

- Larry Lipson

CAPTION(S):

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Photo:

(1) no caption (Margarita in a Bag)

(2) no caption (Gingerita)

(3) no caption (``Quick & Easy Recipes: Cooking With Alaska Frozen Seafood'')