FROM the outside the Sanepeer Coffee Shop at Honlux Hotel, Taizi Road appears to be an ordinary diner, easily ignored by the hurried passerby. But if you happen to step in --- like Shenzhen Daily reader Maxy Lanerolle --- you'll encounter something very special: a high-quality, low-priced array of Western and Chinese foods.

The 38 yuan executive buffet lunch on weekdays includes cold and hot dishes, salads, a pasta bar and fruits and desserts, all tasty and attractively presented. High-quality coffee and black tea are included in the price.

You can also enjoy baked oysters in Portuguese sauce, sauteed shrimp with spicy sauce and baked crab, with each costing above 38 yuan for one serving on the a la cart menu.

"It is definitely worth the money given the quality and wide choice of food, the elegant ambience and the reasonable price," said Lanerolle, who has patronized the caf¨¦ regularly since his first "accidental" visit six months ago.

Cafe manager Bonnie Cao said the Sanepeer Coffee Shop has been serving good food at low prices for a year and some people in the neighborhood now regard it as their personal kitchen.

"Some of our customers come every day for lunch and even return for the dinner," said Cao.

It is worth to come back only for the sake of the delicious oysters, of which 80 to 100 are sold daily, said Cao. Smothered in yellow, rich-flavored Portuguese sauce, the silky, fat oysters taste first-rate.

Sanepeer's chef, surnamed Zhu, has worked with foreign chefs in a Sino-foreign catering group for 13 years so it's no wonder the Western dishes at Sanepeer match the food in bars and eateries run by foreigners in the Shekou area.

The American-style barbecue buffet dinner is another specialty of Sanepeer. The 600-square-meter cafe has a balcony overlooking the street. Though the balcony is not large but it has enough space for a barbecue oven and a preparation counter.

Priced at only 68 yuan, the buffet dinner also includes mouthwatering dishes such as iced fresh oysters from New Zealand and salmon sashimi.

Sanepeer also features some superb a la cart dishes including grilled lamb chops with garlic (70 yuan) and grilled king prawns (88 yuan). The lamb chops are tender and tasteful, while the king-sized prawn is pleasantly sweet.

And don't forget the French onion soup to go with the lamb. The salty soup, with baked cheese and bread and strongly flavored with sliced onions, will whet your appetite for the meat dish.

With a romantic setting, the well-stocked bar features cold draft beer and live piano performances from 7:40 to 8:20 nightly.

Sanepeer is also a cozy spot to enjoy a warm night --- or day --- drinking with friends. It also offers free beer specials the entire time it's open. From 6 a.m.-1 a.m. you can get one free brew for every three premium brands purchased or a freebie for every two local brands bought.

The caf¨¦¡¯s service is as good as its food. The waitresses speak good English and the menu is in Chinese, English and Japanese.

 
Editor: Wings