|
Gulu's House serves up authentic French bistro fare
By Douglas Habecker Translated by Ann Lee
22, JingMing 1st St
moved to :
48, JingMing Rd
(04) 2327-1393
Hours:11:30 am-3:30 pm, 5-10 pm
(closed Wednesdays)
No service charge.
Credit cards not accepted.
Chinese/English/French menu.
Although French chef Gregory Le Cloarec has used his skills at fine restaurants in New York City, London and France, it was in Taichung where he finally realized his long-time dream--running his own dining establishment. A year ago, he opened the very cozy, 30-seat Gulu's House and has been doing a booming business ever since, attracting a steady stream of Taiwanese, French and other Western diners.
The youthful-looking Brittany native came to the city because of his Taichung wife, who he met in New York. When he first arrived, many locals--perhaps stymied by the challenges of pronouncing "Gregory"--dubbed him "Gulu", which he later named his eatery after. A broad spectrum of customers love the authentic French bistro-style fare that he offers on an extensive menu which, he says, is a compilation of his best entrees. Favorites include the Roasted Chicken Leg with Mustard and Rosemary Ratatouille (NT$310), Tomato Stuffed with Minced Pork Provence Style (NT$260), and Chicken Breast Stuffed with Cheese & Bacon (NT$280). Main entree prices include tea or coffee, salad and creme brulee dessert, and adding NT$50-90 will get you an extra soup and/or bread.
Clearly, Gulu's House is not an expensive place; on the high end is the US New York Striploin with Pepper Sauce and Potato Fondants (NT$580) while a selection of pasta and gratin dishes, including the popular Clams Pesto Sauce Spaghetti, run between only NT$130 and NT$230. There are 10 omelette selections (NT$150-180, served with salad plus pasta, rice or mashed potato), plus a la carte starters (like the Egg Mimosa or escargot-like Clams Fareit), soups and desserts (NT$50). If that weren't reasonable enough, Gulu's offers a NT$150 Monday-Friday Business Lunch (12-3 p.m.) with a choice from seven spaghetti or omelette entrees, plus salad, soup and tea/coffee.
One savory special is also worth noting--Gregory offers NT$180 Brittany-style crepes with a glass of apple cider, usually on the second Tuesday of each month (5-10 p.m., call to confirm), with delicious toppings like bacon, cheese, mushroom and egg, or a sweet chocolate-and-banana variety.
With an ideal location on a little alley in the popular Little Europe/JingMing 1st Street area, just off of TaichungGang Road, Gulu's House is getting steady bookings for individual customers and groups of up to 25, so it's always a good idea to make a reservation.
 
|
July 2008
