We are talking sleek, sophisticated, international hotel know-how. Plus the Shenzhen ingredient in Four Points by Sheraton Shenzhen's China Spice restaurant is the unexpected view -- the Shenzhen River near the Huanggang Checkpoint.

This worldly hotel in the Special Economic Zone's Free Trade Zone for foreign companies caters to serious business. Even Executive Chinese Chef Sam Sham, previously at Crown Plaza Xiamen, has his own business card. The fourth floor restaurant, with its English-speaking staff and English-language menu, is part of an impressive hotel operation under an exceptional woman. Zhang Lei is the first Chinese woman to achieve the status of general manager not only of a Sheraton Hotel but in the entire Starwood Group, one of the world's largest hotel companies.

Now to get down to the business of eating. China Spice's lamb special continues through Jan. 31 and is worth the visit. My personal favorite was Wok-fried Sliced Lamb With Big Spring Onion (58 yuan). The tender lamb comes from Dongshan on Hainan Island (who knew lamb thrives in the tropics). Other lamb specials are Claypot of Lamb Belly (78 yuan), Honey Glazed Lamb Leg (42 yuan) and Lamb Bone on Hot Plate (68 yuan). Poached Lamb (48 yuan), served cold, thinly sliced and elegantly arranged, was not my cup of tea -- more like American leftovers for a white bread sandwich.

Other recommendations at China Spice, which specializes in Cantonese cuisine -- Chef Sam¡¯s superb Braised Eggplant With Spicy Seafood Sauce (42 yuan). This dish is anything but simple with its multiple stir-fryings and broth baths to produce the rich dark sauce combined with seafood. Also recommended, Crispy Rice Crackers With Assorted Seafood Stew (48 yuan). A wonderful combination of textures and tastes. And for a touch of sweetness, sample the four kinds of egg tarts -- egg white, egg yolk, green tea and chocolate -- in delicately crumbling pastry (32 yuan).

China Spice is one of six restaurants at Four Points Sheraton Shenzhen, each with a totally different menu and feel. Worth noting, the hotel's Panash restaurant on the second floor is offering a special two-for-the-price-of-one Sunday buffet Dec. 18 from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The price is 188+10 percent service without alcohol and 268+10 percent service including wine, sake or beer

And for anyone in search of a serious bar, The Lounge, just off the lobby, has the feel of a bar that would fit seamlessly into any major Western city.

Editor: Donald