Filled with newly-constructed high-rise apartments, corporate offices and a growing number of expatriates, there's a definite need for a comfy space with homestyle Western cuisine, freshly-squeezed juices, imported brews and expertly mixed cocktails in Beijing's Wangjing area. And this is exactly what owners Meng Qingyan and Aimee Bertram of the newly opened caf &bar Chatterbox have set out to provide for the neighborhood.

Cozy and brightly colored on the inside with Chinese/English service and menu, Chatterbox specializes in Mexican food (burritos 20-30 yuan, quesadillas 24-28 yuan, tacos 30 yuan) and large American-style pizzas (98-128 yuan) made from scratch. The enormous juicy burgers are also not to be missed by meat lovers (40-45 yuan). Vegetarians can choose from a range of healthy and delicious options.

It's a great place to enjoy a chat and let off steam with colleagues over drinks, offering a good selection of imported bottled beers (Heineken 20 yuan, Corona 25 yuan, Hoegaarden 45 yuan) and an enticing list of smooth cocktails (gin and tonic 30 yuan, mojito 35 yuan, sangria 40 yuan) to help wash down a day's work. Happy hour runs daily from 4 until 9 pm (selected drinks only), slashing a good 10-20 percent off prices.

The less busy hours on weekday mornings or late afternoons also make it an ideal spot to plug-in and use the wireless Internet. Deliveries servicing the nearby area are also available, offering a special treat for working meetings or for those lazy Sunday afternoons.

"There isn't much in this area that offers quality Western cuisine," says Bertram, "So our aim is to fill that niche."

10:30 am until late. O'Live Mall, Building 515 No 7 first floor, Wangjing Dongyuan 5 Qu, Chaoyang district. 8442-2326

朝陽區望京東園五區橄欖商街515號樓一層07號

(China Daily September 27, 2009)