Java Cafe is more than a cafe. It is a cool place to have lunch, dinner or to hold a special function in Nanshan District.

It has street appeal with ample parking in front.

As you enter you are greeted with a huge Christmas tree welcoming you for the festive season, surrounded by a salad bar which is free with each main course.

The caf¨¦ seats 70 people upstairs and downstairs. It has dimly lit wall lights and is decorated with interesting movie posters.

Owners Linda, Raymond and Sun are world-travelers and their international chef Andy Wang can cook up virtually anything you request. He worked at a Ramada Inn in the United States for three years and at Shangri-La in Xi'an City for five years. The staff is well trained and attentive.

I began with tacos generously garnished with cheese and fresh taco sauce. Burritos were next. I had one with kidney beans and the other with beef priced at 28 yuan, and they were both excellent.

We continued with two pizzas: Hawaii pizza, made with huge chunks of ham, and a salami pizza. The tomato base was exactly as I expected and the pizzas are priced from 32 yuan.

The salad bar changes daily and features Caesar salad complete with croutons and creamy dressing and choices of French, thousand island and mayonnaise dressings.

You can also eat prime U.S. steak or spaghetti, chicken and some Chinese favorites. They do not use M.S.G. in their kitchen.

For dessert, try the caramel custard or the cheese cake both costing 15 yuan, and wash it down with a great selection of freshly brewed Java coffee.

Join me at their buffet on Saturday nights and taste the fine wines, watch a movie and have a relaxing night. I'm going back for more. See you there.

Editor: Catherine