HOT SPOTS : IRISH PUB.

Byline: Larry Lipson

Timmy Nolan's, 10111 Riverside Drive, Toluca Lake, [phone]. It's a cutesy, narrow, two-story bar with darn good pub-style fare. And its tiny kitchen dishes up a ``foine'' Irish stew, a hearty corned beef and cabbage plate plus well-turned pastas and steaks. You'll love it.

Under priced, over par

Tavern on the Green, 10400 Glenoaks Blvd., Sun Valley, [phone]. You eat comfortably in a country club setting and you eat well here for amazingly low prices. Would you believe an all-you-can-eat Friday night fish fry for $6.95?

Fast and fresh

Baja Fresh Mexican Grill, 19960 Ventura Blvd., Woodland Hills, [phone]. (Also in Studio City, Westlake Village, Newbury Park, Simi Valley, Woodland Hills and elsewhere.) New-style, light Mexican food made from fresh ingredients, served quickly and inexpensively.

Kevin and Michael show

Twin Palms, 101 W. Green St., Pasadena, [phone]. Actor Costner's bucks and ex-Trumps chef Roberts' food have blended for a moderately priced garden bistro hit that has now taken its act to Orange County and has big expansion plans. Foodworld may eventually top ``Waterworld.''

Boffo Italian

Ca'Brea, 346 S. La Brea Ave., Los Angeles, [phone]. Chef Antonio Tommasi reigns here with moderately priced cucina rustica that'll knock your socks off. The packed dining room proves it nightly.

Taking off

Typhoon, 3221 Donald Douglas Loop South, Santa Monica Airport, Santa Monica, [phone]. All our familiar Asian favorites and several new goodies out of one kitchen in a relaxing, runway view setting.

New wave bistro

L.A. Farm, 3000 W. Olympic Blvd., Santa Monica, [phone]. Provocative, L.A.-style comfort food with a hint of a Gallic accent in a casual, hip, farm-themed setting. Ex-La Serre chef Jean-Pierre Peiny is host-owner.