There's a whole lotta fast food at the Buttermilk Pike exit from I-75 in Crescent Springs, Ky. -- from the Golden Arches to Gold Star and everywhere in between. Now there's another option: Rima's Diner (2520 Hazelwood Drive, 859-331-6444), a locally owned casual restaurant that will appeal to families as well as the office lunch crowd.

The large menu offers a wide variety of choices, supplemented by daily specials. There's a lot of the "standard" fare, but it has a little bit of a twist. For example, there's a BLT ($6.29), but there's also a BLTE ($6.99), with the addition of a fried egg and Monterey jack cheese. Catfish ($6.99) and King Fish ($7.99) give the Lenten crowd a couple of options. All the sandwiches come with fries and slaw.

As investigative reporters, we had to try the Fried Dill Pickles ($4.99). Imagine these two things -- breading and dill pickle spears. Now put them together. That's exactly what they taste like. Whew, you can thank me later. A non-fried appetizer would make a nice menu addition.

The "Family Traditions" section of the menu includes Homestyle Meatloaf (two slices, $7.99), but it had not yet come out of the oven when we visited. We opted instead for the Grilled Pork Chops (two for $7.99) with mashed potatoes and the vegetable of the day, brussels sprouts. Oh, be quiet, you! Brussels sprouts are good! The potatoes were real, and the chops were tender.

From the specials, we chose Spanish Rice ($7.99). This was also nice and spicy -- our server even "warned" us that there were jalapeños in it -- and it was topped with a whole grilled marinated chicken breast. The dinner rolls were a step above the usual, possibly even homemade.

There are burgers and pizza, as well as a kid's menu, so most families have plenty of choices. I liked the sound of the Summer Salad, with dried cranberries and walnuts ($4.49). It can be topped with grilled or fried chicken for an additional $2.50.

We were too full for dessert, despite tempting choices like Red Velvet cake, German chocolate cake and several pies. All the desserts are homemade, so next visit I'll save room.

Rima's migrated north from Lake Cumberland, Ky., where Rima, the owner, and a friend ran "The Porch," a popular spot for home cooking. They are open for lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch (11 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday- Thursday; 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday; 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday), and they serve beer and wine. A home cooking haven in fast food city! Grade: B