&8220;Family style&8221; in Chinese restaurants usually denotes a serving style. Everybody shares each other&8217;s food. Family style takes on an entirely new meaning at the China Caf/ in Pelham, where its long time owner calls customers family.

&8220;It&8217;s like family here,&8221; said Debra Hsu, caf/ owner, who has been in business 16 years. According to Hsu, she has thoroughly enjoyed watching many of her customer&8217;s children, and the customers, grow over the years. She calls many by name, and knows their professions and personal tidbits.

ATMOSPHERE

Recently renovated, the cafe is cozy and homey. Its low light makes it an intimate setting for dinning. The walls are decorated with imported Taiwanese Art. Nestled in the back is a buffet server. Booths line the walls and sprinkles of tables color the floor.

MENU

Delicious soups, tasty entr/es and succulent appetizers fill the menu/buffet. You can find most all of the usual Chinese take-out favorites, like Beef with Broccoli, Kung Pao Chicken and Mongolian Beef. Two of the hottest items on the menu are hot and sour soup and richly marinated chicken wings.

&8220;(The) soup is really popular and of course the wings,&8221; said Hsu.

Most of the restaurant&8217;s business is during the day, when they serve a lunch buffet.

The buffet is small version of the menu; with soups, wings and plenty of entrees for everyone.

SERVICE

You might have to wait a few minutes at lunchtime, but the employees work hard to get everyone in a chair. Once seated, service is friendly and inviting. Servers are quick and management wears a big smile. When you are there, you&8217;re family.

FIND IT

3018-C Pelham Parkway

Pelham, AL 35124

Hours: Lunch buffet, Monday-Friday 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Sunday 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Dinner, Monday &045; Thursday 4:30 -9 p.m., Friday and Saturday 4:30-10 p.m