Tasting Journey #168 - 樂子 The Diner

樂子 The Diner
台北市瑞安街145號
various locations
http://www.thediner.com.tw/

Authentic ambience, N. american-style restaurant that serves all-day breakfast.

The restaurant is busy, and packed with occupied tables.  On a day where many of the people are working, the restaurant is still packed with people - a sign that shows we've come to the right place.

The service is so-so, but the food is quite authentic.  Portions are big, and selections are large.
Serving dishes from pancakes to benedicts, to burgers, and to ice-cream brownies.  Coffee also has free refills.

 

We went there for a relaxing brunch, but we ate like kings and queens.  Nachos are amazing, as I find that the nacho dishes in Taipei are typically quite sad-looking - in the sense that there's few pieces, and minimal toppings - something that you would not see in a family diners such as Danny's or White Spots in Vancouver.

Burgers are well-made. The patties remained juicy even when the beef is well-done.
The topping portions on the nachos are so generous that you can ask for more (we did).
Pancakes are 2-layered, fluffy and soft.  It's good already, but would've tasted even better if it had pecan or walnut in it, though my colleagues say that they prefer the consistent fluffines of the pancake alone.

 

Did I mention that these breakfast sets also include a 2nd drink (juice/milk...)  in addition to the waking potion of coffee/tea?

This place is suitable not only for brunch, but for lunch and dinner as well.
I would definitely revisit this place to try out more of their other dishes.

Tasting Journey #167 - 院子 Yard restaurant and bar

院子 Yard restaurant and bar
台北市基隆路一段163-1號1樓
02.2528.7733
no website available

Recently opened, and my friend is the manager there.
The restaurant is located in the heart of downtown Taipei, but an interesting location of an apartment building.  Following the address registered, I walked into the apartment, and all I see, is the security counter and the elevator.  I saw a huge door (behind the security counter) that has the restaurant's name - Yard, printed on it, but the door doesn't seem accessible.  Peeking through it, it looks like it's an emergency exit from the Kitchen.  Checking with the security guard, he says to walk to the backside of the apartment where the entrance of the restaurant is located.

 

In fact, the back side of the apartment is much more convenient, as it is just around the corner from the metro station.  If I were to follow the address, I would need to make a huge loop.

 

The restaurant is dainty.  A tiny yard is located on the front, and the wall has greenery that climbs to the ceiling.  From the inside, it is modern like a loft.  The counter is also designed with wooden crates.

 

Greeted by my friend, we sat down.  The menu doesn't have too many selections, but does indeed have all the basics ranging from salad, to sandwiches to pasta.  We asked for recommendations, and picked a few dishes to try.

 

We ordered a salad, an appetizer, and a pasta dish.  The salad is by far my most favourite.  It is presented in a jar form and a wooden bowl.  All the ingredients including the dressing lies nicely in the jar so that all you need is to pour it out and toss.

 

The appetizer's not bad, but I think the pasta needs some adjustments.  There too much sauce, but the flavour isn't rich enough. 

I think overall, it is a good starter, and I do hope that it gets better soon.
Would I go back? I'm not sure... probably yes if my friend continues to work there, and that it'd be a good chillout place.  Otherthanthat, the ambience and the food aren't so attractive nor unique enough to make me want to head back for me.

Tasting Journey #166 - 上引水產 Aquatics

上引水產 Aquatics
台北市民族東路410巷2弄18號
02.2508.1268
http://www.addiction.com.tw/#instantly_ct

 

High-end sushi at affordable price.

This place is located in a fish market.  The store is actually a fish wholesaler, but has remodelled the business so that it also offerse takeout and dine-in sushi and hotpot.  This time, we tried the sushi.  Even if dining in, it's called the "stand up" area, because there is no seats.  Like at the post office, you stand next to a tall table and eat.

Crowded with tourists, especially  HK'ers, this place has next to none interior decorations.  Located in a warehouse style space, the place is packed with as much products and varieties as you can imagine.

 

Food quality is unquestionable.  It's fresh and well-prepared.  Nuf said.

 

 

We bought the pre-packaged sushi, and ate outside.  Despite the cold weather, the enjoyment received from the food, very much warmed out heart.

Tasting Journey #165 - Mia Patisserie

Mia Patisserie
台北市大安區敦化南路一段235-2號
02.2741.2000
http://www.mia-patisserie.com.tw/

I came across this place while searching for recommendations for good high-end afternoon high tea.
This pastry shop also sells their pastry at several different deli stations in the malls.  This is their café version.

 

The café is located on the 2nd floor, and it is well-lit, tables are comfortably spread apart, and rich in high-tea ambience. 

There were 3 of us, and we took the server's recommendation to order high-tea set for 2 + and additional drink for the third person.  We were told that the bites were filling enough to accommodate for 3 girls.  He was wrong, or possibly we had appetites like dudes.  The set even started off with bread and soup... and that wasn't enough. We ended up ordering a single quiche dish that were small, but decent to fill the stomach.  

 

The high tea selection weren't that great either - Tiny, and so-so tasting.  We did end up having to pack a few pieces away, but that wasn't because we were full.  Rather, we were tired of eating dough-based delicacies.  We were craving for something savoury.

 

Price-wise, it came to around $1,000 per person.  I wasn't too excited at the quality given the price point, and hence the chance of me revisiting is probably slim.

Tasting Journey #164 - Campus Cafe

Campus Cafe
various locations
臺北市松山區光復北路11巷99號
02.2742.3438
 www.gocampuscafe.com

Cafe-style, campus atmosphere that serves pasta and sandwiches.

 

Pack with people, this place is upbeat, self-serve, and reeks nothing but modern and contemporary - a perfect place for loud chit chats with buddies.

 

The dishes are fairly tasty, and the price is decent.
The cream mushroom soup is rich in fresh mushroom taste.
The panini is also well made, with crispy bread and juicy meat.
The french fries are also fried to perfection with crispy skin and soft center.
However, the handmade tiramisu, recommended by my friend, was a disappointment.  No soaked lady finger, but actually layers of sponge cake-like base, it was dry and unflavourful.

 Definitely worth a second visit.

 

Tasting Journey #163 - 惡犬食堂

惡犬食堂
台北市忠孝東路四段216巷11弄18號
02.2779.1222

 

Japanese izakaya place that offers tasty grilled food.  Located closer to the outskirt of the busy shopping streets, this place is spacious (for an izakaya place), and offers comfortable and tasty dining experience.

 

Their limited offer dishes includes the chicken roll, as well as their tuna fish rice bowl.
The chicken roll is a chicken base batter, like a meat ball, that is grilled.  The interesting thing with this dish is that the texture contains cartiledge.  So as you bite, you can taste the crunchiness.
The tune fish bowl is filled with rice, and it comes with a raw egg that you blend into.
All the other grill items are extremely tasty as well, though I must say that I still prefer 作田.

 

Price is slightly above average, as you would expect in most izakaya places.  We did not order any alcohol, and the total came out to be $1,400 for two people.