On top of it all, I find myself in a church. This is not MY church! What would my sainted Irish mother say?

But wait. This is no longer a church. This is P.J.'s Abbey, a restaurant that resides in what was an abandoned church, where, thanks to the City of Orange redevelopment and the dreams of owner Gary Mead, the only prayers are for the gifts which we are about to receive.

Gary (and his son, Gary Mead, also) got the building from the city for about $400,000 and put about a million of their own into remodeling. They even print a quarterly news letter to sing the praises of their Old Gothic Church and the entire Old Town Orange and Orange Historic Plaza District ("Antique Capital of California'').

Appetizers come fast and furious. Sauteed Button Mushrooms to fight over ($6.95). Grilled Wild Mushroom Polenta with Marinara Sauce ($6.95). Lightly battered, but not abused, Tempura Appetizer come in Veggie, Chicken and Shrimp ($7.95). Ahi Tuna Salad is next ($8.95) or the now ubiquitous Pan Seared Ahi with citrus soy vinaigrette ($16.96).

Entrees are, literally, a blur, because they are split up and served all together on a plate for each person. They include the Charbroiled Choice New York Steak with a mushroom demi glaze ($17.95), the St. Louis Spare Ribs (full order: $17.95), the Pan Seared Pork Tenderloin with a sun-dried cherry walnut sauce and garlic mashed potatoes ($17.95). Is it just my imagination running away with me or are more and more restaurants now serving REAL mashed potatoes?

In accordance with the laws of "The Food Police of Orange County,'' P.J.'s Abbey serves "Gourmet Pizzas"($5.95 to $6.95). Since we are from the Inland Empire, we have a dispensation in this matter. But we do do dessert. Among the usual sweet fare on the "Can I Show You . . "platter is a carrot cake to die for. (If you die in a former church, do you go to a former heaven?)

One other thing you need to know is that both Gary Meads are very proud of their daily soups. The House Vegetable and the Soup of the Day are both $2.75 for the cup and $3.50 for the bowl.

At P.J.'s Abbey, lunches are served Monday through Friday 'til 3 p.m. and dinner is Sunday through Saturday beginning at 5 p.m.. On Sunday mornings, the Mead family rests . . . or watches football on TV.

P.J.'s Abbey is located at 182 South Orange Street, Orange. For more information, call (714) 771-8556.