T.G.I. FRIDAY'S (Shi Zheng Branch) (04) 2252-3579 16, ShiZheng Road Hours: 11:30 am-12 am ( to 1am Fri/Sat) Credit cards accepted; limited parking available

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--By Douglas Habecker, translated by Charlie Shen

Anyone who wants to experience the all-new corporate look and image of this popular American bistro-style restaurant should head straight to TGIF's third Taichung branch, which just opened on ShiZheng Road, just around the corner from WenXin Road, section 2. The ShiZheng branch is TGIF's 12th restaurant in Taiwan but, notably, it is the company's first stand-alone restaurant in Asia. The attractive building includes an outdoor deck with seating for 64, plus a small parking lot in the back. However, the biggest surprise is inside. Friday's has left behind its well-known vintage '40s/'50s image for a fresh, young, modern look that embraces the '70s through the '90s. The walls are covered with bright paraphernalia from that era, from surfboards and giant crayons to rock/pop star memorabilia. Tables, plenty of comfortable booths and a big rectangular bar are surrounded by black wood, tiled floors, silver ceilings, TV screens, hanging cone-shaped lamps and other touches. The menu here is the same tasty mix of all-American food and beverages, including Southwest American cuisine, pasta, chicken and seafood, burgers, sandwiches, and "Steak & Jack Daniel's Grill" dishes, like the popular, new Double Glazed Ribs (NT$480 half-portion, NT$820 full). Of course, there's the sinfully-rich dessert list, ranging from old favorite Mocha Mud Pie (NT$170) to the new Friday's Cinnamon Fried Ice Cream.