Tasting Journey #175 - Yellow Lemon

Yellow Lemon
台北市中山區明水路561號1樓
02.2533.3567

 

I came across this restaurant in an article that was recommending dessert places.  It supposedly, is known for its 分子 (atomic) style dishes.  Frankly speaking, I don't quite understand what that really means, but either way, if it tastes good, then I'm all up for it.

The restaurant, like its name, uses mostly yellow as the base colour, and open-kitchen style. As soon as you walk in, you are hit with sunshine and sunniness.  The glass displays are filled with desserts that are made into shapes of all kinds of fruits.  My guess is that they're made of fondant, but they look so real.

 

Sitting down, we looked at the menu. To my surprise, this place not only serves dessert, but has quite a selection for proper meals.  From weekend brunch sandwiches, to veal dishes.  Because we were there for Sunday brunch, we didn't try the desserts.  However, I did end up getting one cake to go.

 

I ordered a sandwich and a coffee.  Presentation was lovely, and I can smell that it is made with fine ingredients (well, plus the cost reflects it too, lol).  However, the sandwich did taste a bit greasier than my liking.

The dessert was by far, mind blowing - Pineapple mimosa.  Rich in pineapple flavour, every bite filled your mouth full of citrous.  The fibrous pineapple also added rich texture to the cake.  I must say that it was the highlight of this restaurant, though technically I wasn't served the dessert there.  The whole cake was $780, and I wouldn't have bought it if it wasn't on sale for 50% off.  Definitely made the right decision there.

 

 

 

Tasting Journey #174 - 古月炎串燒居酒屋

古月炎串燒居酒屋
台北市遼寧街-246號
02.2515.5225

Recommended izakaya place by my colleague.  She said it's owned by her friends, and that it's her favourite grill spot.

The restaurant is small, and "Japanese", like all izakaya places.  Not too many seats, and it seems that reservations are constantly full.  We happened to be there just a bit earlier than dinner time, so we were lucky to be given a spot.

Menu has quite a few selections, all very standard, and nothing too extraordinary.  Having tried quite of a few items, I would say that the noteworthy dishes is the boneless chicken wing stuffed with chili pepper.  This is unique as most other places would stuff kimchi or mentaiko instead.  Despite the menu selection, I was disappointed to see that they didn't offer 山藥 (mountain taro) slices with 明太子. They only had potato slices instead. 

 

My colleague recommended their chili sauce as it is their "special ingredient".  It tasted good, but nothing too special that would serve a lasting taste in my memory.  All other grill items were also average.

In summary, this is a mediocre izakaya at a typical price range.  I must say that my favourite is still 作田 by far, both for ambience and for quality.

 



Tasting Journey #173 - Butter Cafe

Butter Cafe

台北市大安區忠孝東路四段122-1號2樓

(愛群大廈C棟入口)

02.8772.3832

 

Came here for Sunday brunch with my girl friends.  We met up at 11am and the restaurant was empty.
Maybe because it is located on 2nd floor or maybe the food just wasn't attractive enough for the crowd.

Frankly speaking, I am only logging this journal three weeks since my visit and I don't remember what was attractive about the dish.
The restaurant is spacious, so serves as a great place for girl's chit chat tea time.  However, if you are looking for a tasting journey, maybe 十里安 next door is a better choice.
Price-wise is average for its location in the East district.

Tasting Journey #172 - 樂子咖啡

樂子咖啡
Various
臺北市基隆路一段147巷5弄1樓
02.2764.1680
www.thediner.com.tw

This restaurant had a deal on Groupon, so we came to give it a try.  The restaurant is located in the heart of Taipei, in the busiest area of East District near City Hall.

 

Upon arriving the cafe, we immediately saw a patio that has an external heater. Love. Walking in, I noticed that the decoration is made of lots of displays ranging from photos to lego figurines to books.  All fell within one theme - inspirational quotes.  What really stood out for me is "Eat to Live". I'm ure many will resonate with that, lol.

I have to say cafe's like this mostly caters to audiences that only require a comfy place for chit chat, and not so much focus on the food. So I guess there's no surprise nor disappointment there.  The interesting section of the menu is the pancakes. Every dish, whether savoury or sweet, was made on a wrap/pancake-ish type of base.  Some worked well, others, meh…

 

Overall experience isn't bad. I probably wouldn't return for the food, but if I need a last minute place to rest my feet, this would be an option to consider.

Tasting Journey #171 - 一番食堂

一番食堂
臺北市延平北路二段91號
02.2558.8488

 

Izakaya/sushi place that offers hospitality and quality food.

 

 

 I was in the area for some errands and stumbled across this precious find.  The restaurant looks like any other local izakaya that is rich in Japanese flavour.  But what really stood out for me is the hospitality of the server and chief.  They were really chatty, and the chief could not stop sipping on his whiskey.  He noticed that I was taking photos of the dishes, and kept reminding me to take photos of the restaurant exterior. To this date, I am still puzzled by why, but his hospitability definitely stuck around.

We sat at the sushi bar, and the service was quick.  We got all our dishes in no time.  Quality was amazing.  Their 炎稍比目魚was mind blowing. It absolutely melted in my mouth. It was buttery smooth, yet not fatty. Amazing. A definite must try at this place.  Their sashimi bowls are also excellent. Lots of sashimi, and the rice had sprinkles of seaweed sesame, always a delight on rice.

 

Price range is also very affordable for the quality received. I would definitely recommend this place if you are ever in the area.