Archipelago 21' Restaurant 7, Lu Shun Road, section 2 (Zhong Ke Hotel) (04) 2249-3077; Hours: 10:30 am-12 am

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      Archipelago 21' Restaurant's official slogan is "Cuisine Without Boundaries" and it certainly provides a menu and atmosphere that seem to cross national borders. This new restaurant is conveniently located on the first floor of the new Jhong Ke Hotel (on the corner of Chong De and Lu Shun roads) and is bordered by the lush, tree-filled grounds of the Taichung Folk Park. Even the entrance of this attractive, 200-seat restaurant exudes a sophisticated, international image, with one side opening into a spacious indoor dining area with comfortable table and sofa-type seating and exotic decorations. The other entrance--bordered by an outdoor coffee bar--leads to an outdoor garden dining area that is wonderfully shaded by large trees and decorated for a Southeast Asian feeling, particularly romantic at night. The East-meets-West menu includes a "Local Food" section which has favorites like the Fried Onion Beef (NT$180), Chinese-Style Barbecued Lamb (NT$220) and Steamed Lemon Fish (NT$220). There are also various hot pot choices. Under the "Italian Delicacy" selection are 10 pasta and pesto selections (NT$160-220), baked pastas and salads. There are also Southeast Asian and Mediterranean dishes. Main courses include a side dish and tea. After 9 p.m., there is a long menu of Thai-style fried rice and noodles and other snacks. Drinks include plenty of coffees, teas and juices (NT$65-120), plus NT$100 beers. There is also live jazz in the garden each Saturday, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Diners spending over NT$300 get an hour of free parking in the hotel basement. --By Douglas Habecker, Translated by lya Chen