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FYI SOUTH Magazine, May 2006.

La Rinascente Cafe (07) 531-8080 138, GuYuan Street, GuShan District, Kaohsiung (near the ChiChin Island Ferry station) Hours:Everyday 12 am-11 pm

--By Mark Evans, translated by Annie Liu

While walking around the quay, or on the way to grab the ferry across to ChiChin island, you may notice this little gem across the road from the fishermen's boats and pleasure craft tied up at the docks. The interior of La Rinascente is adorned with traditional Italian renaissance period designs and the owner spent a lot of time in Italy studying and practicing making fine coffee and gelati. This becomes obvious as you walk in the front door and are confronted with rows of delicious homemade gelati and a menu stocked with Italian espresso drinks. Try their carefully prepared espresso (NT$45), great lattes (from NT$70), cappuccinos (NT$65) or this writer's favourite-the "Pinocchio" (Affogato); a shot of quality espresso poured over vanilla gelati (NT$80). Or you might like to try the Flower Tea made from fresh herbs picked from the outdoor garden (NT$80). Add gelati on the side for only an extra NT$35 and you can see why this cafe is quickly becoming a hotspot for college students and young professionals.