The buffet is offered from 8pm to midnight on Friday and Saturday only and is a sweet $17.50 (as of October 2004). They accept only walk-ins. The Rotunda is an informal grouping of sofas, love seats, armchairs and regular and bar tables around a circular area. Walk in and seat yourself, and someone will come by to take your drinks order.

There is everything from chocolate cookies to fondue and chocolate pastries to chocolate ice cream, fudge, chocolate mousse... There is even a waffle counter churning out hot waffles, with all kinds of chocolate toppings, of course.

The atmosphere is informal, with a good number of families and kids. At the same time, because of the subdued lighting and cozy grouping of the seating arrangements, it is romantic. There is a jazz band and/or pianist to complete the experience.

All in all, this is a must. When I first learnt of this buffet, I was sure I was going to go there at least once a month--but it's been 4 months and counting. It really does satisfy your craving for chocolate.

Lunch at Portofino is an elegant affair and cannot be hurried - dishes are made after you order. To get a table at the height of lunch hour, you must call ahead and reserve. It is open for lunch and dinner Monday to Friday and for dinner only on Saturday and Sunday.

Dinners are pricey, but their lunch menu is amazingly affordable, with soups and salads starting at $3 and entrées at $7.

A word of caution - if you are a gourmand, then maybe this isn't exactly for you on a hungry day. Their portions tend to be smaller.