Whether you're a Taichung resident, or one
of the many out-of-towners who flock into the
city every weekend, chances are that you'll
agree that this is one great town for eating.
From sidewalk vendors to exquisite European-style
restaurants, Taichung is filled with a massive
variety of food that is not only delicious but,
in most cases, very reasonably-priced (especially
by comparison to places like Taipei).
The Compass Taichung International Food Festival,
now taking place for the third consecutive year,
aims to highlight one particularly vibrant facet
of the local dining scene--international cuisine.
It also marks the 12th birthday of Compass Magazine--Taichung's
leading source of information about where to
go, what to do and, of course, where to eat.
On Saturday, May 20 from 10:30 a.m. to 7:30
p.m., the public is invited once again to Sogo
Department Store's outdoor plaza, where everyone
will have the opportunity to savor food and
drinks provided by about 20 of the city's many
establishments, listed in the next couple pages.
They will be serving delicacies from places
as varied as India, Ireland, Italy, Turkey,
Korea, Germany and Thailand. Notably, at least
seven of these establishments did not even exist
at the time of last year's festival.
Given the temperatures this time of the year,
nothing goes better with some food than a cold
drink, from a chilled beer to a cocktail or
soda from Festival Sponsor Coca-Cola. These
will also be available in abundance at the festival.
On the entertainment side, look forward to another
exciting line-up of some of the finest local
bands around, performing a crowd-pleasing variety
of music, from rock to blues. Groups range from
perennial local favorites like Boogie Chillin',
Milk, .22 and 'Round Midnight to new arrivals
like country/rock band CA$H and blues band Bad
Boy Blue, both making first-ever appearances
at the Festival (see Festival Schedule in this
article). In between live acts, DJ Pressplay
will keep things moving with his own special
mixes. There will also be a Raffle Drawing for
an attractive list of prizes.
Even after things wind down at Sogo in the
evening, however, the fun won't be over. For
the first time, there will be a Post-Festival
Party taking place at Grooveyard (105, HuaMei
West Rd.; 0939-574-737) at 9 p.m., featuring
more live music from Taipei blues band Bo Po
Mo Fo, as well as Bad Boy Blue and 'Round Midnight.
The door charge is NT$200.
Whether you stop by for a quick sampling or
stay the entire day, be sure and turn up with
a good appetite and deep thirst and join the
crowds at this annual Taichung tradition of
food and fun.
*For more information about the Compass Taichung
International Food Festival, contact Compass
at (04) 2358-5466.
