Akaligo Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi Chiang Mai, 51/4, Moo 1, Chiang Mai-SankampaengRd., T. Tasala, A. Muang, Chiang Mai Open daily: 6 am - 10:30 pm. Tel: 053-888888 Fax: 053-888999

Situated in the elegant Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi Hotel, which is set in a lush valley, Akaligo serves its customers with the exquisite taste of Mediterranean Italian cuisine, with contemporary architecture providing the panoramic view of extensive gardens as well as the nearby colonial suites while dining.

Beyond the fact that the name Akaligo literally means "timeless" in the Sanskrit language, the restaurant itself conveys a contemporary Mediterranean ambience through its symbolic structures; from the teak arch portraying the bottom of a boat to the white orchid decorating the green marble tables - providing a marine touch to the regional atmosphere lent by the hotel's Lanna antiques and decor.

Now let's see the menu. The list of dishes and drinks served at Akaligo is functionally designed, categorized into courses; from the starters to the dessert with the separate drinks selection. But what marks the difference of Akaligo? Occasionally, there is a guest chef visiting from abroad and the customers are provided with the opportunity to explore new and unique Mediterranean creations. Venetian Chef Oscar Pasinato who visited in January, for example, prepared the Italian homemade full-course; comprising Entre beef carpaccio with parmesan cheese in creamy porcini mushroom soup, with white truffle oil drops, squid bolognaise pasta, pork chop Milanese and his wife's original recipe apple tart with vanilla ice cream. In terms of drinks, the hotel's original cocktails designed by the 20 Mandarin Oriental Hotels worldwide are offered. Just check out the MO Cocktail Collection and get ready to have a sip of class.

For Jazz aficionados, Sunday Jazz Brunch is a feature of the beginning of the week, with something new every week and live - and lively - Jazz musicians gilding your off-time hours.

Caffe Gourmet by La Gondola 39/7-8 Ratchamankha Rd., T. Phra Singh, A. Muang, Chiang Mai Open daily: 7 am - 11 pm (closed Monday) Tel. 053-283824, 053-207091 and 085-0371653

What is the first thing that comes to your mind when hearing the word "gondola"? Certainly, the picture of a traditional boat taken along the canal in Italy's Venice, where the artistic environment and canal-dwellers' ways of life are synchronized, appears immediately. So does Caffe Gourmet by La Gondola, where wholesome dining experience complements your aesthetic urban lifestyle.

Though relocated from its Ping River locale to the more urban area inside the city moat, on Ratchamanka Road, the original charm of the familiar riverside La Gondola is still maintained at Caffe Gourmet with some additional global cuisines as well as a touch of the Asian ambience. And to provide the contemporary Mediterranean sense, creamy frescos arching over the rough bricks and wooden ceiling have been applied.

As well as providing the authentic taste of Italian cuisine, all dishes are prepared with a great concern for health: separate veggie dishes are included in the menu to serve all health-conscious customers. Again, most ingredients are in-house, from some cheeses and Italian sausage to the fresh vegetables grown in the restaurant's organic farm in Chiang Dao district.

The place's current delicacies include breaded chicken in Gypsy sauce with olives, capers and tomatos, Gordonzola salad with blue cheese, scallops in Marsala sauce and almond crust, and crepe with apple and cinnamon.

Also Sunday Jazz Brunch at your comfortable budget; a la carte or set brunch style, and Saturday Jazz Night from 4 - 8 pm are available.

Tawan Restaurant Centara Duangtawan Hotel 132 Loi Kroh Rd., T. Chang Klan Tel. 053-905000 Ext 3227

Open Friday and Saturday: 6 - 10 pm / Sunday: 11 am - 2 pm

Traveling on weekends to relax is not always the answer to spending your day off, but you should still reward yourself after an exhausting week's work.

A nice way to spend your weekend is to visit a neighborhood restaurant, and among the wide range of restaurants here in Chiang Mai, the Japanese Buffet at Tawan Restaurant is highly recommended. Located on the 2nd floor of Centara Duangtawan Hotel, the restaurant is open every Friday and Saturday evening, and Sunday afternoon. Japanese food-lovers will never be disappointed with over 50 Japanese menu items, especially the quality selection of fish sushi like salmon steak, which is very fresh and full of flavour. In addition to sushi, the buffet includes salads, sashimi (Japanese fresh raw seafood), zaru soba (Japanese chilled noodles), gyoza (fried dumplings), Japanese pizza and more, as well as sweets, baked goods, fruits and ice cream. Everything is only 250 baht per person and 130 baht for children (service charges excluded). And if you have the Duangtawan Member Gold Card, you can enjoy a 15% discount!

When you're thinking of going Japanese for dinner, think of Japanese Buffet--fresh quality and value for your money! Only at Centara Duangtawan Hotel, near Chiang Mai Night Bazaar.