Tasting Journey #189 - Kura Sushi

Kura Sushi
台北市南京東路二段101號
02.2568.1519

Kaiten sushi, at $40/dish.
A fun and unique experience.

 

The lid pops open at a hinge instead of the conventional removable lid.

Touch screen computerized screen for ordering.

 

Every 5 dish allows for one draw opportunity. The prize is a cellphone strap with one of their dishes as the hanging deco. A well thought-out marketing scheme, as guests would try to eat more to round up to multiples of five for more draw chances.

In addition to the standard rotating belt, you can also make special orders all via their computer touch screen.  It will be served to you in an "express belt" where your selection will stop at your table. The
Express lane that stops at your table.  The computer screen will also show its estimated arrival time.
The computer screen will also show its estimated arrival time.

 

 

Empty dishes are dropped in this slot counter that adds up your total dishes consumed.  Also used to count the number of dishes for billing purposes.

Unlike typical green tea served in Japanese restaurants, Kura serves matcha - thumbs up!

Kura also serves more than just sushi. They also have tempuras & soup noodles. No sashimi though, so you quickly become full with all the rice ingested.

 

Becareful not to overstuff yourself!

 



Tasting Journey #188 - 養心殿精緻刷刷火鍋

養心殿精緻刷刷火鍋
台北市市民大道四段110號
02.2778.1223
http://www.shabu.com.tw/

 

Healthy high-end shabu shabu restaurant.
Under-trained staff, as they keep mixing up orders and re-taking orders.
Super comfortable high chair in a very traditional oriental ambience. 

Presentable dishes.
Full meal that comes with appetizer and dessert.
Quality food at great value.
Great experience.

Their squid/octopus paste ball looks like black sesame nougat. Creative.  Looks more appealing than its taste.
Must try their healthy purple rice. Unique and extremely tasty!

 

Tasting Journey #187 - Honey Pig

Honey Pig
台北市信義路四段415號
02.2725.5757
http://www.ipeen.com.tw/shop/996296-Honey-Pig

Korean BBQ chain restaurant in the States.
First international location, located near Taipei 101.
24 hours, though I wonder who'd be craving for kimchi at 2am.
American-style with refillable side dishes.

The restaurant created a hype when they first opened. Crazy line up, and impossible to get a table.  Six months later, we had to make reservation two weeks in advance.

Meat quality was disappointing, and the price point is above average.
Seafood pancake not comparable to Vancouver's Jang Mo Jib.
The only thumbs up is their bean sprout side dish where it is served warm, and seared on the hot plate.

Not worth the hype.
Would not revisit.

Tasting Journey #186 - 品田牧場

品田牧場
various locations
台北市萬華區桂林路1號4樓
02.2388.1611
http://www.pinnada.com.tw/index.html

Tonkatsu set that offers great value for the food.
Food is prepared with presentation.
Refillable rice, soup, and cabbage (standard for all tonkatsu restaurants).
Comfortable setting, though slightly noisy as it is often a family dinner choice.
Friendly service.

Tasting Journey #185 - fifteen 那不勒斯 pizza

fifteen那不勒斯pizza
台北市光復南路280巷36號
02.2721.8994

Great place for team meals, and gathering with friends.
Easy, comfortable and inviting atmosphere.
Quality food with decent price.
Pizza is a must. Made fresh at order.
Pasta don't bother.
Risotto is awesome.
Fries is unique.

Definitely worth revisiting.

Tasting Journey #184 - Texas Roadhouse

Texas Roadhouse
various locations
105台北市松山區民生東路三段156號1樓
02.2718.3011
http://texasroadhouse.com.tw/location/detail/18

American food-joint like TGIF's, Outback Steakhouse. Like the others, the portions are huge, and the service is friendly.  What differentiates this place from other American chains is the unlimited bread, and the dancing.

 

The staff performs line dances (Texas style of course) every hour to entertain the guests.  Singing birthday songs is of course part of the act.

There is a bucket of free peanuts on every table for when you first sit down.

 

The unlimited buns is served and is smothered in molten butter.

 

We ordered like there's no tomorrow.  I find that their appetizers and side dishes are the highlights of what we tried. The entree's are average, if not slightly  below.  Mostly because I had the ribs, and the ribs were not juicy.  Steaks are acceptable.  Worth mentioning dishes are: sweet potato topped with marshmallow, juicy wings, jalapeño poppers...etc. Not a lot of choices for drinks.