La Fine Italian Restaurant 161, SanMin Rd., sec. 3, "C" bldg., 14F (04) 2223-7723 Hours: 10 am-10 pm (to 1 am Fri/Sat)

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A dreamy vanilla garden: La Fine Italian Restaurant

By Judy Chao
Translated by Blankie Hsu

      The name "La Fine"--Italian for "delicate" or "vanilla"--entirely captures the essence of this Italian restaurant, located on the 14th floor of Chung Yo Department Store's "C" building. With the elegance of a high-class hotel and classical European romance, it makes you feel as if you were in Italy.

La Fine asks for the highest quality of service from its staff and an on-line PDA food ordering/serving system speeds things up. In the elegant atmosphere, you can sense the attention to the little details, from the décor to the outdoor vanilla garden. Little surprises include the passionate, bright-red chairs in the restaurant's center and vanilla plants in the garden outside. At night, you can enjoy a romantic dinner with a great view of Taichung City.

     Unlike many Italian restaurants, La Fine's chef, Roberto Eccher, insists on serving the most traditional Italian food with little extra embellishment. What's most special is that nearly all its dishes, even its drinking water, includes the sweet smell of vanilla. Manager Oliver Liu suggests you start your meal with appetizer Piedina Con Crudo (NT$250), along with an Insalata Mista Bene mixed salad (NT$150).

There are a variety of spaghettis (NT$160-280), including Spaghetti Carbonara (with bacon and cream) and Spaghetti Alla Marinara (with seafood). Pizzas (NT$100-380) include a nutritious Capricciosa (ham and mushrooms pizza) and the specially-shaped Calzone pizza. After your meal, order a traditional Italian Panna Cotta (cream pudding), Tiramisu, or Cream Caramel (vanilla pudding) for dessert (NT$80-120). I especially recommend the Tiramisu, made from ladyfingers that are left standing for one day to absorb the thick cream flavors, leaving it to melt in your mouth within seconds.

     For drinks, a vanilla juice made with homemade essence oil, or prune vinegar conconction are all favorites at this place. Alcoholic drinks include a variety of beers, cocktails and imported red/white wines, hand-picked by Manager Liu and the chef.

      If you're looking for a place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, come to La Fine for a cup of Italian coffee or red wine, finish that dust-covered book and enjoy an afternoon of tranquility. You won't regret giving yourself a break from busy-ness of modern life.