news/restaurant roundup: where can you find... Thanksgiving in Taipei 2012?

I'm thinking about turkey already. When I first moved back to Taipei over seven years ago (!), one of the holidays I missed most was Thanksgiving. It is really one of the holidays I remember celebrating with my family growing up, and our meals were always a unique American _and_ Chinese spread on the table... turkey stuffed with sticky glutinous rice (my mom's recipe), stir fried green beans sweetened with sugar and soy sauce (my dad's recipe), my favorite candied sweet potatoes, or creamed corn out of the can (my sister and my contribution as kids). Ha ha.

Being apart from my parents and family in Taipei for this holiday, I always tried to figure out how to capture the experience away from home, not always succeeding, especially since I didn't know where to find it. (Anyone seen Stovetop stuffing boxes or cornbread mix in Taipei?) Now I have a great group of family and friends to share the night with, and I take a moment to remember to be grateful for them and all that I have in my life.

So whether you just moved to Taipei, happen to be here on a business trip, or are just craving some turkey, here's a round up of options for you and yours. Some pricing may vary, had to base it on last year's pricing for some.

DINE IN-
Make your reservations now and if you pick buffet style, show up early to make sure you get enough turkey. Some restaurants offer turkey dinners throughout the weekend.

CARNEGIES
DAN RYANS
GRAND HYATT TAIPEI (buffet)
ROBIN's GRILL
THE TAVERN
GRANDMA NITTI'S
BRASS MONKEY
Check last year's Taipei Times article for details on the above restaurants.


TOAST BAR (02) 2737-0037

• $480 lunch/ $580 dinner. Available Thursday and Friday
• Manhattan clam chowder soup, roast turkey with stuffing, mashed potatoes, sausages, vegetable casserole, cranberry sauce and cranberry cheese pie

SHAFFER'S KITCHEN (02) 8789-4088

• $1,000/adult, $500/child. Discounts available for reservations of 8 or more. Turkey dinner available 11/22-25
• Roasted fresh Taiwan turkey (from carved turkey, seconds allowed), with potato dinner roll, spinach gorgonzola candied walnut salad, stuffing, roasted garlic mashed potatoes, gravy, orange cranberry sauce, spicy roasted sweet potato, crispy shallot string beans, herbal butter corn on the cob, pumpkin pie with fresh whipped cream and spicy hot apple cider.

LOFT BISTRO and WINE BAR (02) 2766-1682

• $950 ($900 with Advance Ticket)
• Citrus & Thyme Rubbed Roasted Turkey & Gravy, Sage, Sausage, Fennel Stuffing, Roasted Squash & Apple Green Salad,  Pomegranate Cranberry Sauce, Buttery Peas, Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Hot Spinach Dip & Pickle Plate, Pumpkin Pie with Bourbon CreamPLUS One glass of white wine, red wine or beer

ON TAP (02) 2741-5365

• NT$700
• Roast Turkey Meal - Stuffing, Mashed Potato, Sweet Potato, Carrots, Green Beans, Corn-on-the-cob, Gravy, Cranberry Sauce, Soup, Homemade Pumpkin Pie, with 1 bottled beer or glass of red/white wine

TO GO -
A great option so that you can have that turkey carving experience and make some of your sides on your own. For most, at least 3 days advance notice and available until the end of December. (And thank you Google Translator and no thanks to hotels that don't put their info in English)

GRAND FORMOSA REGENT- AZIE BUN
WESTIN TAIPEI
JAKE's COUNTRY KITCHEN
BRASS MONKEY

Check last year's Taipei Times article for details on the above restaurants.

CAESAR PARK- CHECKERS (02) 2311-5150, ext 2237 and 2238

• Roasted turkey (5kg) NT$3,000 or (7kg) NT$4,000- Terrazas Cabernet Sauvignon Red Wine, Meat Sauce, Cranberry Sauce, Brussels Sprouts, Caesar Salad, Sweet Potato and French Bread. 10 percent discount for orders over NT$5000.

COSTCO

• Roasted turkey $1999
• Pumpkin pies

DAN RYAN'S (02) 8780-9393

• Order 6 days in advance
  
• Whole roast turkeys for NT$2900 (with cranberry sauce and gravy), NT$3900
  (with cranberry sauce, gravy, stuffing and mashed potatoes), or NT$4900 (with cranberry sauce, gravy, stuffing and mashed potatoes) 

ED's DINER (02) 8502-6969 

• $3500 (order by 11/17)
•  Roasted turkey (12-14 pounds) and a sweet potato pie

FLORIDA BAKERY (02) 2702-1175

• Roasted Turkey (10-12 pounds) NT$2,480
• Roasted Turkey (16-18 pounds) NT$3,680
• Roasted Turkey w/ Stuffing (16-18 pounds) NT$4880
• Honey Roasted Ham (4-5 lbs) NT$1,980
• Candied Yam, NT$220 
• Side dishes, NT$450

GRAND HYATT TAIPEI (02) 2720-1200, ext. 3198 or 3199

• Roasted Turkey (5kg) NT$4,900- Bread and Sage Stuffing, Corn on the Cob, Mashed Potatoes, Green BeanCasserole, Cranberry Sauce, Gravy, Mixed Greens with Salad Dressing, Pumpkin Pie,Pecan Pie and Cornbread
• Virginia Ham (7kg) NT$5,900- Corn on the Cob, Mashed Potatoes, Green Bean Casserole, Gravy, Mixed Greens with Salad Dressing, Pumpkin Pie, Pecan Pie and Cornbread

JASON'S SUPERMARKET

LANDIS TAIPEI HOTEL (02) 2598-5558

• Roasted turkey (6kg) NT $ 3,650-  cream corn and vegetables, sweet potatoes with cinnamon and chestnuts, cranberry sauce, gravy
• Pumpkin pie also available

LAWRY'S (02)2729-8555 

• Roasted rosemary and thyme Tennessee turkey (6kg) NT $ 2,900- with stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie and bottle of red wine
• Virginia honey ham (1kg) NT $ 3,400- with stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie and bottle of red wine
• Creamed spinach and creamed corn sides available

LE MERIDIEN HOTEL (02) 6622-5812 or fax (02)6638-8080 (3 days advance notice)

• Roasted turkey (12 pounds) NT$3200- Stuffing with bacon and dried fruits, cranberry sauce, roasted chestnuts, sautéed new potatoes, brussel sprouts,
• Virginia ham NT$2800- Dijon mustard, sautéed new potatoes, brussel sprouts, apple-raisin chutney
• Pecan or pumpkin pie NT$600

SAN WANT HOTEL (02) 2781-7063

• Stuffed roasted turkey (6kg) NT $ 3,388-  cranberry sauce, gravy, two loaves of french bread, orange honey chestnuts, homemade crispy gingerbread

SHERATON TAIPEI - THE DELI (02)2321-5858 ext. 8373

• Roasted Turkey Combo Hamper NT$3,800 - American Roasted Turkey (3.5Kg), Giblet Gravy, Cranberry Kumquat Compote, Cornbread Stuffing with Vegetables and Chestnuts, Lyonnaise Bacon and Small Potatoes, Garden Salad with Caesar Dressing, Tex-Mex Sweet Corn & Tomato Salsa, Pumpkin Bread,  Apple Pie
• Roasted Turkey Hamper NT$2,800- American Roasted Turkey (3.5Kg), Giblet Gravy, Cranberry Kumquat Compote,
• Roasted Virginia Ham Hamper NT$2,800- Roasted Virginia Ham (3.5Kg),  Cranberry Kumquat Compote, Apple Sauce,  Gherkin Mustard
• Side dishes hamper NT$900 (also available individually for NT$150-200)- Cornbread Stuffing with Vegetables and Chestnuts, Lyonnaise Bacon and Small Potatoes, Garden Salad with Caesar Dressing, Tex-Mex Sweet Corn & Tomato Salsa, Pumpkin Bread

SHERWOOD TAIPEI- TOSCANA (02) 2718-6666 Ext. 3001

• Sage roasted turkey (5kg)  NT$3,980-  cranberry sauce and gravy, mashed potatoes, beet salad, homemade Focaccia bread and a hand-made pumpkin pie.

WENDEL'S GERMAN BISTRO AND BAKERY
Tianmu (02) 2831-4415, DaAn (02) 2711-8919, Neihu (02) 8751-3708

• Roasted turkey NT$5,500- gravy, stuffing, glazed chestnuts, brussel sprouts with almond butter, sweet mashed potatoes, pumpkin soup, dessert

So where have you had Thanksgiving in Taipei? At home after slaving over a hot oven all morning? Or taking it easy at one of the other restaurants in town? Let me know if I've left one off the list, or if there's one that's better than the rest! It doesn't quite feel like a holiday with most people having to go to the office or school on Thursday and Friday, but at least we can eat some turkey.

where can you find... restaurants near 101 to watch Taipei New Year's Eve fireworks afterwards?

Happy new year!

Wherever you are celebrating New Year's Eve, whether it's with the hordes of people in drizzling rain near the 101 Fireworks in Taipei, listening to Mayday, Wang Lee Hom and SHE in front of Taipei City Hall tonight, or celebrating at home with family and friends in front of the TV, have a happy and healthy new year!

I can't believe it's going to be 2010!

If you are looking for last minute place for dinner for Taipei's New Years Eve in the 101 area, you can browse the this label. Everything will probably be packed and crazy, but it's worth a shot if you want to party it up. Keep in mind, there will be a ton of street vendors out tonight though so you can nosh your way through the night too. And of course, you don't have to be in the immediate area to see the fireworks, you can have a great view from across the river in Dazhi or Miramar too.

Here are the eateries in the 101 area off the top of my head- you can search the name in the upper left hand box for the review/number.

Neo 19 building (these eateries are usually packed on weekends, 1 hour plus wait without reservations, probably even crazier tonight)
-Macaroni Grill
-Chili's
-Ton Sushi
-Momo Paradise
-Watami
-new Thai place spotted

Vieshow building
-Food court
-Bellini Pasta Pasta

Mitsukoshi
-Thai Town
-Saboten tonkatsu
-Liang Ban Jia Korean BBQ
-Shanghai Shanghai
-Chun Tsui Tang
-Gordon Biersch
-Paul

NYNY building
-Food court
-Cafe Grazie
-Suzette Crepes
-McD's
-Mr.Donut/Starbucks/Coldstone's

101
-Jiu Riu
-Crystal Spoon Thai
-Shinyeh 101
-Food court

Bellavita
-L'Atelier Robuchon
-Ton Sushi
-Food court

Grand Hyatt Hotel
-Ziga Zaga
-Pearl Liang
-Cafe
-Cheers

nearby 101
-Chez Jimmy
-Joyce East
-NY Bagel
-Outback
-Da Fang Teppanyaki
-Micasa
-Agora Garden Hotel
-Brown Sugar
-Xinyi Eslite Mall

I'm curious if any of you readers are eating out here tonight and if so, what are the crowds/wait like?

my kitchen/japanese: cute seaweed smiley faces from HANDS TAILUNG

Have you ever seen those pictures of those really creative bentos? Just google "cute Japanese bento" and you'll see what I mean. So when I happened upon the plethora of kawaii! plastic goodies from Japan at Hands Tailung, I oohed and aahed and giggled.

You could make Winnie the Pooh or Hello Kitty shaped toast...



Bear, bunny, fish or car shaped hard boiled eggs...



Or as you could see up top, smiley faces for your rice balls, inari sushi or whatever the heck you want.



You can see which one I picked. I would have bought more, but the Sogo price was a bit steeper than I would have liked to have paid.

Not that creative? You could just put the food in a kawaii bento box and be done with it.



For all my panda friends...



When I was a kid growing up in Indiana and Southern California, my lunch was leftovers from dinner before, usually rice and veggies and some meat. Other kids would say, what's that? Sometimes in curiosity and sometimes in faux disgust. I remember trading nori seaweed strips for Doritos.

But then I worked in my elementary school's cafeteria as a student helper in exchange for free lunch everyday and giving extra crinkle cut french fries to my friends. I ended up growing up on sloppy joes, country fried steak, pepperoni pizza lunches and 15 cent ice cream sandwiches, in addition to the fried dumplings and braised pork and mushrooms over rice my parents would make for dinner.

So making these smiley faces brings out the kid in me...



Sure you could spend hours cutting them out by hand, but a sharp punch is much faster... Just punch, punch, punch and assemble. You could also mix and match the eyes and smiles. You could use a regular craft punch too, but I've never seen smiley face ones before.

When I make the boiled eggs, I'll give it a post as well. I ended up buying these at a much cheaper price at a little discount store on ZhongXiao near Pizza Hut that I like to shop at.

You can find a lot of other cute and random stuff here that you never knew you needed- browse at your own risk.

HANDS TAILUNG

Breeze Center
No. 39 FuXing S Rd, Sec. 1, 6F
(02)8772-1105

Xinyi Mistsukoshi A4, 5F
No. 19, Song Gao Rd
(02)2723-8050

Nan-Xi Mitsucoshi
No. 12 NangJing W Rd, 9F
(02)2563-0080

ZhongXiao Sogo
No. 45, ZhongXiao E Rd, Sec 4,10F
(02)2771-8007

TienMu Sogo department store
No77, Zhong-Shan N Rd, Sec 6,7F
(02)2838-27289

where can i find: thanksgiving 2008 in taipei?

Thanksgiving is once again right around the corner, along with suddenly cold wintery weather and on and off again rainy grey Taipei days.

Here are some options for finding turkey to-go or a night out. This is all found online, so please call to verify for yourself if you are making plans.

Last year, I ended up trying the turkey at Robin's Teppanyaki at Grand Formosa Regent. It was pricey and gourmet- meaning good but small portions with salad and dessert bar. I'm leaning towards trying the traditional sounding fare at Shangri-la this year... plus it's a buffet, so I'll definitely leave full. They better have enough sweet potatoes!

What did you all do last year? Any recommendations for other hungry readers? Share, share!

SHERATON TAIPEI HOTEL
No.12, Zhongxiao East Rd. Sec.1
(02)2321-5858 ext. 8373

The Deli, 1st FL
"Californian roast turkey" basket for NT$3,500
"Virginia Ham" basket for NT$3,000
"roasted rib eye steak" basket for NT$3,800

Baskets also comes with Bourbon whisky sweet potato, Hawaii pineapple grape dressing, pickles, mustard, roasted assort vegetable, Californian spicy corn chips salsa, and sweet potato breed.

The purchase for takeout baskets is from November 1 to December 28. Period for pick-up is November 4 to December 31.

SHANGRI LA FAR EASTERN HOTEL
201 Tun Hwa South Road, Sec. 2, Taipei

Eat in on November 27
Cafe, 6 FL
(02)2376-3238

Thanksgiving specialties will be available as part of the Cafe's buffet. Pumpkin Nut Bread, Cranberry Salad, Herb Rubbed Roasted Turkey, Traditional Stuffing with Corn and Thyme, Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Marshmallows and more. Desserts such as Walnut Praline Pie and Pumpkin Pie. Lunch NT$750 and Dinner NT$890 per person.

To-go
Cake Shop, 1 FL
(02)2378-8888 x5867
3 day advance notice needed, available for pick-up from November 23 to 27.

Herb Roasted Turkey with Sage Stuffing NT$3,500 (good for 5 to 6 people) also includes Giblet Gravy, Cranberry Dressing, Whipped Sweet Potatoes, Brussel Sprouts and Smoked Bacon

Also available are Honey Baked Ham, Mashed Potatoes with Butter, Pumpkin Pie and Maple Pecan Pie with prices starting at NT$150.


LAWRY's
Core Living Mall, 12 FL
NO. 138 Pateh Road, Sec 4
(02) 3762-1312

Nov 27, 2008
Glass of Special Selected Red Wine
Lawry's Freshly Baked Home Made Bread
Pan Cake Roll with Prawn
Lawry's Original Spinning Bowl Salad
Choose One of the Following
Atlantic Lobster Tail and Turkey Combo
or
Prime Rib and Turkey Combo
Served with Turkey Stuffing and Cranberry Sauce
Mashed Potatoes with Gravy
Dessert & Beverage
Pumpkin Mille-Feuille
Freshly Brewed Italian Coffee or Fine Hot Tea Selection
NT2,299+10% per person


GRAND FORMOSA REGENT
41 Chung Shan N. Road, Sec 2

azie bun
02-2523-8000 ext. 3157
3 day advance notice

“Sumptuous Turkey Basket To Go” includes a Roast turkey, side of Mixed Mushrooms, Fresh Glazed Vegetables and Mashed Potatoes (NT$3,000). Also available is 6-inch French Pumpkin Pie NT$500.

MIRAMAR GARDEN TERRACE
83 Civic Blvd, Sec 3

Garden Terrace
Eat-In
7-course Thanksgiving Set Dinner Menu- NT$1,200 per person includes Cream of Pumpkin Soup with Poached Quail Egg, turkey slices with gravy, potato and cranberry sauce, and traditional Pecan pie.

Take-out
(02) 8772-8800 extension 2311

November until 12/31/2008
3 day advance notice

Turkey Hamper Take Away NT$2,700 per set (good for 6 persons)

WESTIN TAIPEI
133 Nanking East Road, Section 3
(02) 8780-6565

The Whole Roasted Turkey (5 KG) with Cranberry delight includes a home-made sauce, roasted potato, creamed Brussels sprouts, butter cauliflower, chestnut stuffing, cranberry sauce, and red wine sauce.

The Virginia Honey Glazed Ham includes roasted potato, home-made muffin, cream Brussels sprouts, butter cauliflower, and pineapple red wine sauce.


CHECKER's at CAESAR PARK TAIPEI
across from Taipei Train Station on Chung Hsiao West Road
(02) 2311-5151, extension 2237 / 2238
from 11/15-12/31 (48 hours notice)
delivery available

Choose from
Whole Thanksgiving Turkey basket (5~7 kg) NT $3000 or
Whole Thanksgiving large Turkey basket(7~9 kg) NT$4000
Orders over NT$5000 include a free "bumpkin pie" (haha)

COSMOPOLITAN GRILL (thanks Raven!)
218 Changchun Road, Taipei
2508-0304

EAT IN
11/27 only, starts at 6:00PM
NT$790/person + 10% service

* Waldorf Salad
* Pumpkin Soup
* Roast Turkey with Mashed Potatoes Brown Gravy and Cranberry Sauce
* Homemade Pumpkin Pie

TAKE OUT
3 day advance notice. Limited availability

Whole Turkey (16 lbs) with Gravy NT$3000
Whole Turkey (16 lbs) with Stuffing & Gravy NT$3500
Whole Pumpkin Pie (9”) NT$650

In addition to turkey baskets, there's also roasted chicken, roasted ham, steamed mutton, Mongolian beef rib, Einsbein, and hand-made bumpkin pie (NT$480)

Check out additional information from last year's wrap up and the comments from readers who share information! I'm sure lots of places are the same more or less.. Here is the info from last year that I cut and paste from last year's wrap up.

TAKE OUT

azie at GRAND FORMOSA REGENT HOTEL (LAI LAI)
41 Chung Shan N. Road, Sec 2
(02)2523-8000 ext 3157
from 11/18 - 12/24 (at least 3 days notice)

Turkey Basket for Takeout (NT$2,750)
6kg turkey with stuffing, traditional cranberry sauce, turkey gravy, various steamed vegetables, mashed potato, and a special Turkey Leftover Cookbook for guests to transform leftovers.
7-inch Pumpkin Pie is also available for NT$500.

LANDIS TAIPEI HOTEL
41 Min Chuan East Road, Section 2
(02)2598-5558
3 days notice

Roast cranberry turkey (6 to 6.5 kg) for six or eight persons. (NT$3,200)
with 6-inch pumpkin pie.

EAT IN

LAWRY's
Core Living Mall, 12 FL
NO. 138 Pateh Road, Sec 4
(02) 3762-1312
thanksgiving day only

NT$2299 + 10%/per person
Roast Turkey or Prime Rib
Salad and bread
Asparagus with bacon
Pumpkin pie
Glass of wine

DAN RYAN's
8 Dun Hua North Road
Tel: (02) 2778-8800
thanksgiving day only $980/person

Seafood Pumpkin Soup
House Garden Salad
Roasted Turkey with mashed Potatoes (spuds !!!)
Turkey Stuffing & Homemade Gravy
Candied Yams, Green Beans, Cranberry Sauce
Pumpkin Pie

CAPONE's
No. 312 Chung Hsiao E Road, Sec 4
(02) 2773-3782
thanksgiving day ONLY
$790+10%/Person

Cranberry Salad With Gorgonzola , Chicken ,Walnuts
Bread Basket
Pumpkin Cream Soup
Roast Turkey With Cranberry sauce ,Honey Ham ,Candied Yam and Corn
Pumpkin Pie with Ice Cream Covered and Cranberry Sauce

After calling, the information on the web seems to contradict what the hotel is saying. There is only Take out from Azie, no eat in. The dining in at Robin's DOES include turkey though the website says it does not.

Robin's Grill and Teppan at GRAND FORMOSA REGENT HOTEL (LAI LAI)
41 Chung Shan N. Road, Sec 2
(02)2523-8000 ext 3157
on thanksgiving day ONLY
NT$1,350 per person for Lunch and NT$1,550 per person for Dinner. 12pm - 2pm
6pm - 10pm

Choose soup: Butternut pumpkin soup with crab and lemongrass flavor or Chestnut cream soup with morel and black truffle
Appetizer and salad bar: Pumpkin lune with scallop and rosemary butter
Choose main course: Roasted Thanksgiving Turkey with giblet gravy and cranberry sauce, glazed sweet potato, brussel sprout with bacon and truffle mashed potato
or
Roasted US prime rib of beef with bordelaise sauce,
or
Surf n’ Turf with 3oz fillet stea, half rock lobster thermidor and grilled halibut
Choose dessert: Pumpkin and blueberry cheesecake or Pecan pie with pumpkin sorbet accompanied by Coffee or tea.

COSMOPOLITAN GRILL (thanks Raven!)
218 Changchun Road, Taipei
2508- 0304
NT$800 + 10% for Person

Relish Tray
Pumpkin Soup
Roast Turkey with Mashed Potatoes, Brown Gravy and Cranberry Sauce
Homemade Pumpkin Pie

RUMORED TO HAVE:

EAT IN

CAFE at GRAND HYATT TAIPEI
No.2, Sung Shou Road, 1FL
Taipei, Taiwan
(02) 2720-1234
on thanksgiving only
Roasted turkey part of the regular buffet

Grandma Nitti's
8, Lane 93, Shi Da Road
Taipei 106 Taiwan
(02) 2369 9751
Eat in and take out

JAKE's COUNTRY CAFE
705 Zhongshan N Rd, Sec 6, Taipei
(02) 2871 5289
turkey for 6-8 people with stuffing and gravy NT$2300
Eat in and take out

TAKE OUT

JASON's SUPERMARKET at 101
5 days advance notice
Turkey, stuffing, pumpkin pie and tea

COSTCO
frozen turkeys 6kg for NT$750-1000

DEAN AND DELUCA(at Breeze)
Breeze Center, B2F
N0.39, Fu-Hsin S Road. Sec 1
Taipei 105
(02) 6600-8888 ext 7301
$2800

SHERATON TAIPEI HOTEL
12, Chung Hsiao E Road, Sec 1
(02) 2321-5511

Basket with turkey and trimmings -stuffing, 3 different sauces, veggies, etc.- for 3000. Order 3 days ahead at least.

AGORA GARDENS HOTEL
No. 68, Sung-Kao, Rd.
02-8780-5168
Package for 2500NT

WELLCOME SUPERMARKETS

where can you find halloween in Taipei?

from howstuffworks.com

hello hungry readers!

Just wondering if any of you out there could share information about Halloween events going on this year in Taipei.. restaurant events, costume parties, or kids events? (BTW, Costco has a ton of bulk Halloween candy- snickers, m & m's, etc)

I see some decorations here and there and have heard about kids being able to trick or treat through McD's?? But I thought the best way to find out would be to ask you guys!

Maybe you're not in Taipei, but say hi and let me know what your favorite kind of candy is or what you're going to be for Halloween this year!
Happy haunting!

dessert/bakeries: ROSE PIE at SOGO

ROSE PIE
at SOGO, B2
No. 45, Zhong Xiao E. Road, Sec. 4

(02) 7711-0768

website: rosepie.com.tw

hours: Sun- Fri: 11am-9.30pm; Sat: 11am-10pm

$

Visit reviewed: 4/6/2008

So who remembers me craving lemon meringue pie? (You guys were no help, by the way!!) Who knew there was a supermarket and little pie shop in Sogo????

My friend wanted to get some drinks from Sogo's supermarket and I had only been to their food court on B1, so she introduced me to another basement floor I'd never been... that actually had lemon meringue pie among a ton of other kinds of pies.

Rose Pie's offerings looks like Taiwanese King's Hawaiian with more fruit and cream type of pies, but I almost gasped in surprise when I saw the lemon meringue with the fluffy egg white meringue topping. You won't spot apple pie or other crust topped pies here.



While I did have my craving satisfied by a birthday gift from a friend a few weeks ago of a lemon meringue pie from Home Cake (to be reviewed!), I couldn't resist checking this out.

In comparison, I'd have to say it was not tart or sweet enough for my American tastebuds, but they did a good job with the meringue and flaky crust. I'd like to go back and try the fruit custard pie, tiramisu and cheesecake. I guess pie isn't really a big thing in Taiwan yet- it's mostly about the bread and cakes here so far.

Based on their brochure, they seemed to have originated from Taichung and only have this location in Taipei. You can buy pies by the slice (around NT$45) or over 45 different kinds of whole pies (NT$300-450), as well as cakes. Check out their website to see pictures and the various styles they offer.

where can you find: lemon meringue pie in taipei?... or other American style pies

I finally made it to Jake's Country Cafe a few weeks ago (before I got hit up with just not feeling so hot and upset stomach and needing to lay in bed for 24 hours and sleep)... and now I am craving some Lemon Meringue Pie... They have it on the menu there, but just didn't have any that day. Boo hoo.

So my friends, where the heck can I get some Marie Callendar-esque lemon meringue pie? Fluffy white pillows uptop a sweet and sour lemon filling and graham crust.

You know who else has some amazing lemon meringue pie- Gulfstream in Los Angeles.

It's torture thinking about it actually. And I'm too lazy to make my own. So if anyone can point me in the right direction, I'd be so happy.

where can you find: a romantic restaurant in Taipei?

Happy Valentine's day everyone!

I know that there is also a local "lovers day" in Taiwan, but Valentine's day made me think about where would one go for a romantic dinner in Taipei? I've added a "romantic" label to my posts for those places that I think could be considered so (and of course, the places are varying levels of romantic) and some places may be more setting the mood at dinner than during lunch, and I know there are probably a lot of other places that are romantic that I have yet to visit.

For me, I think the factors that make a restaurant romantic are a good dessert to share ( like the souffle at Joyce East) and an atmosphere to enjoy each other and the food (so no loud music, crowds or bright lighting) (like at Sumie at San Want Hotel or Forchetta) .

So... where you do guys take your dates/significant others/long time husbands or wives on a special occasion? Do you think it have to be an expensive place to be considered romantic?

where to find...thanksgiving 2007 research wrap up

Where to find... Thanksgiving 2007 research results! It might be a little late to order take out for tomorrow, but try calling to make a reservation if you want to try and have turkey tomorrow somewhere. I'm saving the information for next year, hopefully it will be more or less the same. If you try any of them, please let us know what you liked and didn't like!!

TAKE OUT

CHECKER's at CAESAR PARK TAIPEI(thanks Lili!)
across from Taipei Train Station on Chung Hsiao West Road
(02) 2311-5151, extension 2237 / 2238
from 11/15-12/31 (48 hours notice)

Choose from
Whole Thanksgiving Turkey (5~7 kg) NT $2800 or
Whole Thanksgiving large Turkey (7~9 kg) NT$3,800
Includes Red Raspberry sauce, homemade meat sauce, Honey Sweet potatoes, marinated cabbage, and Turkey stuffing
option to include 9" pumpkin pie and gift basket add NT$200

Baked ham with honey (approx 3 kg) —NT$1,100
Includes Pineapple sauce (Add NT$999 for gift basket)

Homemade Pumpkin Pie (approx 9 inches)(Add NT$399 for gift basket)
NT$480

azie at GRAND FORMOSA REGENT HOTEL (LAI LAI)
41 Chung Shan N. Road, Sec 2
(02)2523-8000 ext 3157
from 11/18 - 12/24 (at least 3 days notice)

Turkey Basket for Takeout (NT$2,750)
6kg turkey with stuffing, traditional cranberry sauce, turkey gravy, various steamed vegetables, mashed potato, and a special Turkey Leftover Cookbook for guests to transform leftovers.
7-inch Pumpkin Pie is also available for NT$500.

LANDIS TAIPEI HOTEL
41 Min Chuan East Road, Section 2
(02)2598-5558
3 days notice

Roast cranberry turkey (6 to 6.5 kg) for six or eight persons. (NT$3,200)
with 6-inch pumpkin pie.

COSMOPOLITAN GRILL (thanks Raven!)
218 Changchun Road, Taipei
2508- 0304
limited availability

Whole Turkey (16 lbs) with Gravy $2800
Whole Turkey (16 lbs) with Stuffing & Gravy $3300
Whole Pumpkin Pie (9”) $650

EAT IN

LAWRY's
Core Living Mall, 12 FL
NO. 138 Pateh Road, Sec 4
(02) 3762-1312
11/22 only

NT$2299 + 10%/per person
Roast Turkey or Prime Rib
Salad and bread
Asparagus with bacon
Pumpkin pie
Glass of wine

DAN RYAN's
8 Dun Hua North Road
Tel: (02) 2778-8800
11/22 only $980/person

Seafood Pumpkin Soup
House Garden Salad
Roasted Turkey with mashed Potatoes (spuds !!!)
Turkey Stuffing & Homemade Gravy
Candied Yams, Green Beans, Cranberry Sauce
Pumpkin Pie

CAPONE's
No. 312 Chung Hsiao E Road, Sec 4
(02) 2773-3782
11/22 ONLY
$790+10%/Person

Cranberry Salad With Gorgonzola , Chicken ,Walnuts
Bread Basket
Pumpkin Cream Soup
Roast Turkey With Cranberry sauce ,Honey Ham ,Candied Yam and Corn
Pumpkin Pie with Ice Cream Covered and Cranberry Sauce

After calling, the information on the web seems to contradict what the hotel is saying. There is only Take out from Azie, no eat in. The dining in at Robin's DOES include turkey though the website says it does not.

Robin's Grill and Teppan at GRAND FORMOSA REGENT HOTEL (LAI LAI)
41 Chung Shan N. Road, Sec 2
(02)2523-8000 ext 3157
on 11/22 ONLY
NT$1,350 per person for Lunch and NT$1,550 per person for Dinner. 12pm - 2pm
6pm - 10pm

Choose soup: Butternut pumpkin soup with crab and lemongrass flavor or Chestnut cream soup with morel and black truffle
Appetizer and salad bar: Pumpkin lune with scallop and rosemary butter
Choose main course: Roasted Thanksgiving Turkey with giblet gravy and cranberry sauce, glazed sweet potato, brussel sprout with bacon and truffle mashed potato
or
Roasted US prime rib of beef with bordelaise sauce,
or
Surf n’ Turf with 3oz fillet stea, half rock lobster thermidor and grilled halibut
Choose dessert: Pumpkin and blueberry cheesecake or Pecan pie with pumpkin sorbet accompanied by Coffee or tea.

COSMOPOLITAN GRILL (thanks Raven!)
218 Changchun Road, Taipei
2508- 0304
NT$800 + 10% for Person

Relish Tray
Pumpkin Soup
Roast Turkey with Mashed Potatoes, Brown Gravy and Cranberry Sauce
Homemade Pumpkin Pie

LAWRY's
Core Living Mall, 12 FL
NO. 138 Pateh Road, Sec 4
(02) 3762-1312

Take out NT$2500
Roast turkey 6.5 for 8
a bottle of Red Wine
Pumpkin Pie
order by 11/21 3pm

RUMORED TO HAVE:

EAT IN

CAFE at GRAND HYATT TAIPEI
No.2, Sung Shou Road, 1FL
Taipei, Taiwan
(02) 2720-1234
on 11/22 only
Roasted turkey part of the regular buffet

Grandma Nitti's
8, Lane 93, Shi Da Road
Taipei 106 Taiwan
(02) 2369 9751
Eat in and take out

JAKE's COUNTRY CAFE
705 Zhongshan N Rd, Sec 6, Taipei
(02) 2871 5289
turkey for 6-8 people with stuffing and gravy NT$2300
Eat in and take out

TAKE OUT

JASON's SUPERMARKET at 101
5 days advance notice
Turkey, stuffing, pumpkin pie and tea

COSTCO
frozen turkeys 6kg for NT$750-1000

DEAN AND DELUCA(at Breeze)
Breeze Center, B2F
N0.39, Fu-Hsin S Road. Sec 1
Taipei 105
(02) 6600-8888 ext 7301
$2800

SHERATON TAIPEI HOTEL
12, Chung Hsiao E Road, Sec 1
(02) 2321-5511

Basket with turkey and trimmings -stuffing, 3 different sauces, veggies, etc.- for 3000. Order 3 days ahead at least.

AGORA GARDENS HOTEL
No. 68, Sung-Kao, Rd.
02-8780-5168
Package for 2500NT

WELLCOME SUPERMARKETS

where can you find... thanksgiving dinner in Taipei?

A great question emailed to me by reader Joe W.- where to find a good thanksgiving dinner in Taipei? For many Americans, that's probably a top question on our minds since it's already November and it's not really a Taiwanese holiday!

If you are doing turkey day at home, you can do the slave over a hot stove all day thing or you could order a package from a restaurant. I spotted an ad last year from Post Home for a turkey with all the sides package that I was seriously considering for this year. I also spotted a pre-cooked turkey by a chef at the Grand Hyatt sold in limited editions at Costco in the previous years- don't know if that happens every year.

If you are looking for a sit-down turkey dinner, where to go? Honestly, I have no idea, but I'm sure MUST be some good places to go. Can you just drop in or do you have to make reservations? Will there be candied yams and stuffing (my personal favorites)?

Or do you just have Chinese food like any other day here?

Let us know!

where can you find... the best waffles in Taipei?

When I first moved back to Taipei, I always had a lot of questions about where to find this or that.. I want to try something new because I know there are a lot of people who visit the site who actually do live and eat in Taipei with some great knowledge (though some of you just come to look at pictures of xiao long bao or beef noodle soup. hahah), or are looking for something in particular.

So I want to try every week to post "where can you find..." something and PLEASE respond if you have an opinion.

Also- if you have been LOOKING for something, let me know, either in the comments section or email and I will post it up in a future "where can you find..." and hopefully our fellow readers (lurkers!) will help us out.

So this week- where can you find the best waffles in Taipei?

Some places I've spotted waffles- coffee shops, McCafe, Hyatt Cafe, Big Tom's, Joyce Cafe- where it's more for afternoon tea or dessert.

I think the best waffles I've had in Taipei were at the Formosa Regent Hotel. That was a few years ago so I should go back to refresh my memory and see if it's still the same. I like my waffles light, airy and crisp, not thick and cake-like which tend to be the case here.


not taipei: from the Campanile in LA


Also if you make your own waffles at home, what's your favorite recipe or where do you get the mix or waffle makers? I find it easier to use a mix as a base and add a few things. While they have Krusteaz at Costco and various Japanese brands at the supermarkets, I haven't been able to find Betty Crocker here so I actually brought a box back from the states... I think I will bring back a waffle maker too on my next trip around.


AZIE at Grand Formosa Regent Hotel
41 Chung Shan N. Road, Sec 2
(02) 2523-8000 ext 3157

CAFE at GRAND HYATT TAIPEI
No.2, Sung Shou Road, 1FL
Taipei, Taiwan
(02) 2720 1234

JOYCE CAFE
No. 22, Ching Cheng St
(02) 2713-8362

What have you been looking for?? :)

edited 4/2009

I think all this time I had the Grand Formosa hotel confused with the Far Eastern hotel.. and I think that the good waffles I had years ago was at the Far Eastern since the Grand Formosa revisited was NOT good. I will have to revisit the Far Eastern sometime and see, and it makes sense since it's a Shangri La hotel.