CLOSED (not sure when it closed but updating this in 2019)
visited: 7.22.2005
pricing: $$
I was introduced to Salsa Bistro when a friend hosted his birthday party there. I have to note that we got terribly lost when trying to find it- the way that I listed the address may be different than how it's listed on other sites. In Taipei, a lot of smaller restaurants are on lanes/ or alleyway streets which are offshoots of the main street. So Salsa Bistro is No.9 on the Lane, not on the main street. No. 9 on An Ho Rd is actually near another restaurant, Pasta West East.
When we finally arrived, there were delicious appetizers waiting for us. I would definitely recommend what we had, which was pumpkin bread and sauteed shrimp, both of which came with supplemental green and red sauces. At first, I thought, pumpkin bread- that sounds strange and imagined something like banana bread. But it was more petite and like a starter bread with more flavor and texture.
The menu has a good selection of meats, seafood and pasta. If you order a main entree, you can choose 2 of 4 accompanying side dishes: banana fries, rice, croquettes or vegetables. Jeff decided to get the half roasted chicken and I got the pork loin. Both were great selections- they were tender, flavorful and a good portion. I also sampled some of the lamb from a friend and that was equally good. The sides were good flavors to match, but I was slightly disappointed with the amount. The banana fries were more like banana dollars, but they were crispy and sweet. I didn't care too much for the croquettes- I found them kind of bland, but the rice was good.
The atmosphere was romantic and quaint- the whole restaurant was about ten tables or so, and you could see the kitchen and servers. The service was prompt and courteous. We also ran into some friends there who brought business guests from Japan, so it's a great place for any occassion. I would definitely go there again and with friends. Be sure to double check the address with the restaurant anytime you are going somewhere new and have the phone number handy!
