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.

Tasting Journey #170 - Fanier Burger

Fanier Burger
台北市內湖區瑞光路478巷18弄30號
02.2659.7752
http://www.fanier.com.tw/content.php?id=3260


Fast food quality in a family diner setting.

This place serves breakfast, burger and pasta.
Food quality so-so, but friendly service.
Refillable Americano coffee.
Busy restaurant.
Suitable for relaxing, non-formal gathering with friends.

 

Tasting Journey #169 - Sparkle Patio No. 3

Sparkle Patio No. 3
台北市信義區信義路五段16號B1
02.2758.8850
http://www.sparklehotel.com.tw/zh-tw/gourmet/patio-no-3-italian-bistro.htm



Located across from the landmark of Taipei, 101, Sparkle is a hotel (surprisingly) located on the basement of an apartment building.  According to their website, this hotel has a few restaurants, though the perimeters of these restaurants are not clearly separated.  We decided to try out Patio No. 3, an Italian style café.

Though in a nicely decorated hotel setting, we sat in a small long corridor.  I guess it is expected, as this is a restaurant converted from an old apartment in the most expensive district of downtown Taipei.

Their lunch menu ranges from $400-$500, and includes an entrée, soup, and bread.  We all decided to go for the lunch menu, seeing that a la carte entrees cost closer to the thousand NTD range.  It was disappointing.  The portion is small, and not worth the price.

Service wasn't great either.  There were a few servers around, but it seems that we were never able to get their attention when needed. 

Overall, the experience was disappointing.  I think there needs to be lots of improvements, both service, quality, and quantity. I don't think I will go back again.

 

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.