THROUGH the glass French window, the small lake shone in the sun and the green grass and evergreen trees waved in the cold winter wind.

A sizzling sound broke the quiet and the strong aroma of roasted meat made taste buds stand up quickly.

The broiled chicken, steak and mutton on iron pans added spice to the tranquil noon at the Poolside Cafe inside the Galaxy Hotel.

Unlike the sliced beef on an iron pan served in many Chinese restaurants, the Western-style dishes were not so spicy. The first was quick-fried with seasonings, while the latter were put raw onto the heated iron pan.

The "grilled spring chicken with Italian pasta and vegetables," priced at 80 yuan ($9.6), which used a whole spring chicken without any bone, had a tantalizing crisp, golden skin.

Roasted for only a short time, the meat inside was tender and fragrant. Red pepper powder dotted the chicken, making it a little hot as well.

The whole chicken, some Italian pasta and a baked potato were enough to fill a big stomach.

However, the "mixed steak and mutton fillets, hot dog and bacon on the iron pan," priced at 148 yuan ($17.8), were for two persons to share.

The meat combo was placed onto heated plates rather than grilled in an oven, which kept them tender. It's rare to see so many different meats on one plate.

To make the steak tastier, you can pour some mushroom sauce on it, while the mint sauce is needed to cover the smell of mutton.

So much meat at the same time can be greasy, but sweet, creamy maize helps combat the oil in your stomach.

Lunch is the best time there, because the sunshine coming through the window will light your table and put you in a good mood, both of which will give you a good appetite.

Place: Poolside Cafe in the lobby of Galaxy Hotel

Address: 888 Zhongshan Xilu

Phone: 6275-5888