HOME CENTRAL TAIWAN DINING

COMPASS MAGAZINE February 2008
　

Joy & Hope Veggie World By Pan Mu-rong Translated by Ann Lee (04) 2328-5656 140, DaDun 18th St Hours：11 am-2:30 pm, 5- 9:30 pm (closed on Monday) Credit cards not accepted. As its name suggests, Joy & Hope Veggie World is a vegetarian-friendly eatery that caters to local and foreign customers alike. Open for about nine months, the restaurant has attracted a sizable collection of switch, who come to enjoy fresh, organic meals at affordable prices. The restaurant also puts an emphasis on using healthy cooking methods and ingredients, like olive and grape seed oils, as well as mineral water. The menu flavors include inspirations from all over the globe, including dishes from Italy, Japan, the South Pacific and Korea. The management team explains that they will also be serving some Thai and vegetarian cuisine very soon. For a nice Italian dish, try the Pasta with Tomato Sauce (NT$180), which is the most-ordered dish at Joy & Hope. Another signature dish, Pasta with Pine Nuts and Pesto Sauce (NT$200), is a homemade-style entree with basil leaves and sauteed pine nuts. Other pasta choices include Curry & Bacon and Vegetables with Tomato Sauce, (NT$180/each). If you want an au gratin bake, the store manager recommends Rice with Mushroom & Curry Sauce (NT$210), which is made with coconut, cream and plenty of spices. The Penne with Bacon & Curry Sauce (NT$230) comes with a lot of vegetables and a tasty sauce. If you want even more green in your life, add a Garden Salad (NT$150) to your meal; you get a choice of Tangerine, Japanese He-Feng style, or Handmade Yogurt dressings. Main courses can the enjoyed in small or large set meals. The small set meal (NT$240/pasta), comes with soup, bread and a drink. The larger set meal (NT$290) also comes with an appetizer and dessert. For a limited time, if you come to Joy & Hope Tuesday to Friday (except dinner on Fridays), order a set meal and get a main course upgrade, plus five other dishes. The restaurant accepts reservations with no restrictions on the number of guests. As far as decor goes, the color scheme at Joy & Hope is red and white. Soothing background music and reading materials in a bookshelf make this restaurant a comfortable place to enjoy a "veggie-ful" lunch or dinner.