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FYI SOUTH Magazine, April 2006.

PUB GRUB TO CORDON BLEU: DINNER AT WILLY'S SECOND BASE 321, JianKang Rd., Sec. 2, Tainan City (06) 291-1050 Hours:6 pm-late(Closed Mondays)

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--By Steven Crook Translated by Annie Liu

Since this magazine last wrote about the food at Willy's Second Base, some things have changed. There's a new owner, and a new French chef, Sylvain. But speaking as big fans of Willy's from way back, we're glad to say that a lot has stayed the same--the place still serves up huge portions of pub grub and Tex-Mex food, and still offers a range of bottled, canned, and draft beers (from NT$100) that can satisfy the pickiest drinker.

Sylvain, who has been working here since late last year, has raised the bar for Western cooking in Tainan. His weekly specials typically feature European dishes, and instead of following the French-Fries-with-everything route, he serves scallop potatoes with some dishes. His attention to detail is obvious from every dish, right down to the pine nuts added to salads.
Steak dinners are priced NT$390. Old favorities like burgers (from NT$220), pizzas (from NT$200), and pastas (NT$250) are still available and very much in demand. Tex-Mex items--nachos, fajitas, and so on--are NT$200 to NT$340.
Starters go for NT$80 to NT$200. When ordering, bear in mind that some of these items--such as the excellent Grilled Chicken Salad--are satisfying meals in their own right.

Customers are very welcome to make suggestions, or ask for dishes not on the menu. If he can, Sylvain will cook what you want. It's also possible to "mix and match" from items on the menu. As the weather gets warmer, more salads will be offered. And Willy's isn't just a place to eat and drink. There's a big-screen satellite TV showing all major sporting events.
According to one British customer, "Many expats hear about this place before they've even arrived in Taiwan." If you haven't been already, drop by and find out why Willy's is a landmark for both locals and foreigners.