Best of 2001: Best Weight Watchers Meeting In North County

Quails Inn Hotel, Bridge Room Mondays, 1:30 p.m.

1025 La Bonita Drive, San Marcos

800-888-7546

The first thing you notice is the view. Stepping out of the afternoon sun into the Quails Inn Bridge Room, your gaze sweeps across a wall of windows overlooking Lake San Marcos. Swans and paddleboats glide across the sparkling water. Looking around the room, you might think you've stumbled into a meeting of the Lake San Marcos Ladies' Gardening Club. Then Marie snaps you out of your reverie. "Welcome to Weight Watchers." Marie is the type of woman every overweight woman wants to look like: tallish and slender and blonde. Her makeup is perfect. You pay your money, get your materials, and stay for the meeting. Marie makes you laugh. You think, "I CAN lose weight. I'll be back next week." If only for the view.