western/fusion: CHEF SHOW TIME

CHEF SHOW TIME
No. 8, Lane 20, Anhe Road, Sec 2
(moved from Dun Hua S Road address in summer 2009)
(02) 2702-5276

website: chefshowtime.myweb.hinet.net Chinese with some English for menu

hours: 11:30AM- 2 PM; 5:30PM- 9 PM

$$

Kid friendliness: high chairs available

Visit reviewed: 5/2/2009




With a name like Chef Show Time, I expected vegetables juggled in the air, flaming desserts or some table side chef magic. Or at the very least some fireworks inside my mouth. Wouldn't you?

Instead Chef Show Time was a sprawling menu of East meets West meets East again dishes including appetizers, salad, pasta/rice, seafood, vegetables (NT$180-2500) or a bowl of lu ro fan (NT$40) or a popular Taiwanese braised pork over rice dish. The brick red interior gives it a nice European feel and suitable for large dinner parties, like the one we spotted that night. The waitress helped us choose items from the menu after making some recommendations, and chose items that I saw echoed on plates for the large table in front of us.



There was some flair in the presentation and some good dishes during the night, but after ordering our various set menus, we were still wanting and ordered the lu rou fan which was probably my favorite dish of the night.

I thought the steamed egg with scallop and sea urchin (NT$480) would be a treat, but was overpriced for the chawamushi we got topped with uni.



A light vegetable soup, salad and trio of bite size appetizers starters for the set.





The bread that came with set was pretty good, and there was a mysterious homemade olive oil sauce that was strangely addictive.



Then the main dishes come out to be shared family style. I liked the creamy Seafood spaghetti with cream sauce with large pieces of fresh shrimp, scallop and mushrooms with al dente spaghetti.



The grilled lamb chops (NT$600) were chewy and thick, though I couldn't help but to yearn for the tender lamb chops from Sumie, which has a slightly sweet marinade.



The fried fish had too many baby bones for me- it's a personal dislike for me after too many bad experiences of not find it and having it caught in my throat.



Unfortunately, I didn't like the Thai style chicken either, which came in a thick gravy-like sauce that had too much of something in it for me- basil? oregano? I wasn't sure, but the chicken was also a bit dry and tough.




Fortunately, we tried the lu ro fan just for a taste, and it was good enough to want to order another bowl (but we didn't). At the end of the meal, I was wistful and wishing that more of the dishes were like the simple bowl of pork over rice dish- hearty, comforting and familiar.



Earl grey mousse cheesecake at the end of the set menu.




I did see some other things on the menu that looks interesting- pan fried asparagus with grapefruit sauce, stewed seafood with saffron sauce (bouillabaisse), pan fried scallop with soy and cream sauce- so perhaps a different set of dishes would have showed off Chef Show Time better?

I am still not sure as I'm writing this if I would feel the same or different after another visit, or if the effusive reviews on other blogs I've read are outdated with items no longer served on this menu, or if my tastes are just different than people who like these flavors. Maybe I'll find out someday, or maybe there are just too many good restaurants otherwise to eat at.

Since I've been to Chef Show Time, it's moved from its original location off of Dun Hua to new digs off of Anhe Road (that I haven't seen).


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japanese/tonkatsu: i strongly recommend ANZU

ANZU TONKATSU
No. 63, Nanjing E Road, Sec 2
(02) 2537-3767

website: anzu.com.tw Chinese only

hours: 11am to 2:30pm, 5pm to 9pm; weekends 11am to 9:30pm

$$

Kid friendliness: high chairs and kids dinnerware available

Visit reviewed: 6/12/2009 and 7/4/2009



Ever since discovering Saboten a few years back, all the tonkatsu places I've eaten at have paled in comparison. Anzu is the first one to give it some competition. I liked it so much that I took my grandma and sister there to lunch a few weeks after my first visit.

Anzu offers an array of variations of the tonkatsu (or fried pork cutlet) as well as a few side dishes and desserts. If you've never had tonkatsu, think of it as the japanese cousin to Country Fried Steak, but instead of being breaded and fried in breadcrumbs, it's breaded in panko or japanese breadcrumbs and instead of being topped with gravy, you have a sweet and salty tonkatsu sauce, similar to a Japanese Worcestershire sauce.

The space is open and modern, with lots of booth seating as well as a long shared table seating in the center.



The menu is in Chinese and Japanese with photos, but they have an English menu upon request.



The funny thing is that the English menu only has prices with Chinese characters- but mostly everything is in the NT$200-300 range. (And the characters for 1-3 are easy to spot with 1, 2 or 3 horizontal lines).



I think the English menu is still a bit confusing though- with dish names like "Big bowl of deep fried pork loin set" or "Anzu signature specially meal" which don't provide any English descriptions. You can also save a few bucks by order a bento from their to-go only menu (NT$180-250). Their katsu sandwiches are available only to-go. I've always thought about getting one to go, but I'm usually too full after eating.

Like Saboten, they give you whole sesame seeds in a ridged bowl and a chubby wooden stick to grind them up by yourself- a Japanese style mortar and pestle, as well the bottles of help yourself tonkatsu sauce and dressings and all you can eat shredded cabbage.





You can choose the plain pork loin tonkatsu (as I usually do), or with curry, tea, mushroom soup, grapefruit and grated radish, fried shrimp or croquettes, or even mixed in with eggs in a katsudon. The sets also come with all you can eat miso soup (their soups change every so often) and rice (choice of white or purple). For an additional fee, you can add a drink and dessert to your set.

There is the "pork loin" and the "pork fillet"- I feel like the pork loin or "li ji" in Chinese is juicier. The tonkatsu is quite large (noticeably larger than Saboten or other tonkatsu places I've been to), as well as a bit fattier. But just as crispy and just as mouthwatering.



I usually don't eat the fat and end up with chunks of fat leftover on my plate. You could always try the pork loin to get a leaner cut. But it won't be as juicy!



If you want to try something different, you can get the radish/grapefruit pork loin set to cut the grease of the crispy fried skin. They give you half a grapefruit to squeeze over the grated radish and it provides a citrus touch to the heaviness.



Out of the appetizers/side dishes, the one I liked best was the chawamushi or steamed egg. You have to resist to slurp up the creamy, pudding like consistency.



I wasn't as enamored with the stewed beef and vegetables and fried chicken. I wished the beef and vegetables were more fork tender. The portions are small, but the prices are around NT$100.




All in all, Anzu is a great place to grab lunch or dinner with the family or friends. It's suitable for large groups and has a lot of choices if you don't mind eating something fried or meaty.

When you go to the Nanjing location, make sure you find the right entrance. There is another Japanese restaurant on the corner that might be confusing.




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other location:
No. 2, Lane 271, Fuxing S Road, Sec 2
(02) 2701-0298

western/swedish: i strongly recommend FLAVORS

FLAVORS
No. 13, Alley 26, Lane 300, RenAi Rd, Sec. 4
(02) 2709-6525

website: flavors.com.tw

hours: lunch- reservations must be made in advance; dinner-

$$-$$$

Kid friendliness: no kids allowed.

Visit reviewed: 5/1/2009



Ever since Flavors Swedish Restaurant won for "Best Unexpected Find in Taipei" in my reader's poll last year, I moved it up on my to-do list to visit. After all, who would expect to find Swedish food in Taipei?

First things first, dessert! If you decide to go, you MUST remember to order the apple cake. It's moist, crumbly, sweet, flaky- just SO good. The picture doesn't do it justice and I would go back to Flavors for the dessert alone. It's more like an apple pie than what I pictured as an apple cake, but either way it was my favorite dish of the night.



I've never had Swedish food before (and I don't think Ikea counts). Flavors does have the Swedish meatballs (in a much more home cooked and delicious way), but they also have a full menu with changing appetizers, sous vide meats and seafood main dishes and drinks that reflect the simple, but hearty cuisine.

The English and Chinese menu is pretty huge and can be a bit overwhelming. If you choose a main dish, it comes as a set with the soup of the day, bread, salad, apple cake and coffee. There are also a few multi-course set menus to choose from- "Taste of Sweden" (NT$1700) with aquavit (a flavored spirit) and snapas (small shots of snaps), or Chef Ola's "Summer Gourmet Menu" which included 3 appetizers and 2 desserts (NT$1100).

We ended up wanting to try as much as we could, so we got the Taste of Sweden (though in retrospect, I would have gotten the regular meatball set since I am not a big alcohol drinker and it would be a price difference of NT$900 or so).

The atmosphere is romantic and intimate, with an elegant bistro like quality. They have a no kids policy so that adds to the "romantic dinner out" atmosphere that you can take a date. It's run by a couple who love food so the service is personable although the waiter spoke on the soft side so I didn't get everything he was saying.



The starters include the homemade bread which come with an olive tapenade and garlic spread. The bread is doughy and I like the rustic feel of the plating.



The lighting was dim with candles, so my camera was having trouble focusing on some pictures. So sorry in advance! The soup of the day was an orange and pumpkin soup had a nice savory and sweet touch.



The amuse bouche was swedish caviar on what seemed like a cream cheese mousse and bread. And it came with the frosted flavors aquavit. I'm not crazy about creamy mousses, but I do like caviar!



Next was your choice of appetizer- I got the grilled rosemary scallops which again were beautifully presented. They were juicy and wrapped in bacon- who would complain? I probably could have eaten more than three.



The 3 x snapas had three different shots with bite sized treats on cool looking forks. Smoked salmon and proscuitto. Imagine serving something like this at your next dinner party.




As each dish came, I was looking more and more forward to the main dish. And I wasn't disappointed. The meatballs and new potato with brown sauce and lingonberry jam was awesome. I think I heard the waiter say that the lingonberry jam is brought in by Chef Ola from Sweden.



The potatoes were roasted until the skin was crispy and the meatballs were plentiful and browned so they had a crispy and tender combination of textures. I was unsure to dip the meatballs in both of the sauces or in only one, but you end up mixing it all together, sort of like Thanksgiving gravy and cranberry sauce (although I never liked cranberry sauce before) and everything is on the sweet side. I would have loved more potatoes or vegetables.



My date got the sous vide venison which I wasn't crazy about. I stuck to my meatballs.



And then the 3 x dessert which included tiramisu and although our favorite by far was the apple cake. Next time, I'm going to just get a huge apple cake.



Flavors is open for weekday lunch by reservations only, but also offers brunch on the weekends. Flavors won"Best Unexpected Find in Taipei" on my blog's reader's choice poll.. and I have to agree. I don't know if I ever would have tried Swedish food in the states, but I'm glad it's available here.


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romantic/dessert: happy Chinese valentine's day- 10+ taipei romantic sweets for your sweet

Happy Chinese Valentine's Day! I can never remember when it is every year, but someone somehow reminds me about it. I sometimes get some emails asking for advice for suggestions for very special occasion places and there are definitely a lot of suitable places to woo your date.

I'm a dessert girl (if you couldn't tell) and always give a restaurant brownie points if they have a memorable or delicious dessert. So I'm just gonna throw together a little list of places you can see if you can make last minute reservations (if you haven't planned something spectacular or sweet already) for tonight.

1. Joyce East or Joyce Cafe - SOUFFLE



I love, love, love their souffle- you just have to make sure to order it in advance before you finish your meal so they have time to make it. Not too sweet, always fluffy, it will always be the first place I've ever had a souffle. Choose chocolate, vanilla, Grand Marnier or green tea, or get more than one! Their warm lava cake ala mode is also amazing.
Joyce Cafe- No. 22, Ching Cheng St, (02) 2713-8362;
Joyce East- No. 128 Xin Yi Road, Sec 5, (02) 8789-6128

2. Flavors Swedish Restaurant - APPLE CAKE



No kids allowed at this restaurant- so you will definitely have a nice night out without having to deal with food thrown on the floor or seeing other kids running around. The meatballs and new potatoes are fantastic, but their apple cake is like the best apple pie/crumble you will ever eat.
No. 13, Alley 26, Lane 300, RenAi Rd, Sec. 4, (02) 2709-6525

3. Saveurs - WARM CHOCOLATE CAKE



A recent find- this place is a steal at lunchtime for NT$400 for a full rustic French lunch set including full sized desserts. It's hard to choose between warm chocolate cake, apple tart, meringue or creme brulee, but you know what my pick is! The lamb shank and duck confit and sauces will blow you away.
No. 14, Ln 219, Fuxing S Rd, Sec 1, (02) 2751-0185

4. Patisserie La Doceur- APPLES AND CARAMEL MOUSSE MILLE-FEUILLE



You don't have to spend a lot to get something memorable- pick up a freshly made mille-feuille to-go for something different. Best eaten chilled, so deliver it to them right away, or keep it in the fridge for an after dinner surprise. This place is desserts and coffee/tea only, so come after lunch or dinner.
No. 5, Lane 41, Yong Kang St., (02) 2393-8098

5. Ben Teppanyaki- WARM CHOCOLATE CAKE (and Foie Gras!)



Splurge on some surf and turf and foie gras, but save room at the end of your meal with Ben Teppanyaki's warm chocolate cake.
No. 2 Lane 102, An Ho Road, Sec 1, (02) 2703-2296

6. Macaroni Grill- LEMON PASSION CAKE



Feeling something other than chocolate? Then try the Lemon Passion at Macaroni Grill which is ultra-moist because it's soaked in a sweet cream and then topped in a lemon mousse. It helped when I was craving Lemon Meringue and needed something different. Of course you can order any of their other super sized desserts- tiramisu, cheesecake, chocolate cake or apple crisp.
at Neo 19, 30 Sung Shou Road, (02) 2722-4567

7. Tai Yi Milk King- SHAVED ICE



Okay, so Tai Yi isn't quite a romantic hang out (maybe the opposite), but it's so hot and humid outside, the thought that someone would bring shaved ice to me so that I didn't have to sweat it outside myself is pretty noble. Who wouldn't want some shaved ice relief? One of the pleasures of living in Taipei is the ability to get shaved ice almost everywhere (thanks to Meet Fresh), but I still think Tai Yi is the best! My favorite combo is the red bean and rice ball with condensed milk.
No. 82, Xin Sheng S. Road, Section 3, (02) 2362 3712

8. Big Tom's Ice Cream- ICE CREAM AND WAFFLE



Go for dessert or take home a few scoops, Big Tom has lots and lots of flavors without being too sweet. Plus their waffle is delicious- crispy on the outside, soft on the outside, without being too cake-like. My favorite flavor is peanut butter.
No.505, Ren-ai Rd., Sec. 4, (02) 2345-4213;
No.233-2, Jhongjheng Rd., 2 FL, Danshui, (02)2626-1622;
No.1, Lane 63, Sec. 7, Jhongshan N. Rd., Tienmu, (02)2875-5511;
No.219, Sec. 2, Chang-an E. Rd., Songshan, (02)2772-2658

9. Ginjer Cupcakes- Cupcakes



I overindulged in the cupcake craze back in LA (Sprinkles, Auntie Em's, Yummy Cupcakes, Crumbs), but somehow it hasn't hit Taipei yet. But you can still get American style cupcakes at Ginjer - my favorites are the ones with cream cheese or chocolate frosting. Pick up a few or plan ahead next time and get custom order designs.
No. 20, Lane 233, Dun Hua S. Rd, Sec 1, (02) 8773-3061

10. Paul- TARTS OR NAPOLEONS OR MACARONS



Pay the price that you normally wouldn't for the apple tart, strawberry napoleon or macarons. They also have a full menu now with crepes, sandwiches, omelettes and eggs, so you can also eat before you indulge in your desserts.
No. 107, Ren Ai Rd, Sec. 4, (02)2771-3200

So some quick suggestions from the top of my head. Of course, we don't have to have a fancy dinner or dessert. No matter what, just take a few minutes today to express your love with some hugs and kisses. I always loved getting handwritten cards. But something sweet to make the endorphins rush and the heart beat a little faster never hurts.

A few other ideas to-go:

- Macarons from Paul, Franciacorta or VVG Bon Bon. (I'm not that familiar with macarons in Taipei- any suggestions??)
- Hello Kitty dessert from Hello Kitty Sweets
- Blueberry cheesecake from 85 Degrees C
- Room for Dessert's waffle
- Pozzo's chocolate ganache cake
- Black as Chocolate chocolate cake
- Movenpick ice cream
- Beard Papa cream puffs
- Napoleons or tarts from Paul
- Fondue? (Is there fondue in Taipei?)
- Frozen yogurt from YoFroYo
- Warm brownie from the Diner
- Dessert tofu from Sweet Dynasty
- Warm chocolate cake from Chili's
- Egg tarts from Parent's Restaurant
- Nutella crepe from Crepes Suzette at NYNY

I know I haven't eaten everywhere in Taipei! What are your favorite desserts or romantic spots?

back to taipei from LA

hi all!

So I'm back in Taipei, slowly adjusting to the time difference, the humidity/heat and the lifestyle.

The first day back, it was sort of surreal walking around Vieshow again and I was sort of in a daze having landed at 5 am and slept most of the day. The crush of people, everyone speaking in Chinese, the relief of stepping inside an air conditioned space. I wonder why it's different this time around- it's not like I haven't gone away for a month or more before. But I'm so exhausted this time around, going to bed at 10pm, up at 4-5am.

Maybe because I didn't sleep well on the flight, or the few nights before leaving LA.

Maybe because of the heat.

Maybe I'm getting old. Haha. Hopefully it will just take the usual week to adjust back.

Well, just wanted to let you know the blog will soon be back to its regular programming (Taipei eats!) though I still do have a lot of LA eats that I'd like to mention. It was a great trip- a couple weddings, a few birthdays/anniversary parties, lots of catch ups with friends, new restaurants to eat at, some home cooking and baking, a little shopping and even made it to the beach. Easing back to life in Taipei, so hopefully I can refocus my brain to the stuff that I enjoyed before I left and can't wait to share with you. Somehow I just couldn't write about it when the tastes of LA/OC/SD were fresh on my mind when I was away.

Any new must eats in Taipei pop up while I was gone?