taiwanfun
From our archives, Compass Magazine, Jan. 2002
By Tammy Huang Translated by Dan Duckworth
If you’re looking for an elegant atmosphere, great food and reasonable prices, People Cafe offers one of Taichung’s best options.
The restaurant’s innovative architecture often leaves customers talking more about the building than the cuisine. Gray brick walls with a tower on top gives People Cafe the appearance of a castle. The bricks are made from recycled materials so the design is not only impressive but also environmentally friendly. To enter the restaurant, walk up the winding staircase to the second floor. From there, it is possible to see the entire restaurant, making it easy for customers to select the table they like most.
Given the popularity of this place, you may consider yourself lucky to get a table at all, especially at dinner time. It is not just the great food that people find attractive but also the romantic atmosphere, including moonlight filtering in through the high windows.
Another unique feature of the People Cafe is its clay wood-burning oven. This oven enhances each baked dish, including pizza, meat dishes and casseroles, with a light woody flavor. The house chef insists on using only the freshest, most natural ingredients, so you won’t find canned goods or artificial seasonings at People Cafe. Different kinds of cheese and cream are used to create a variety of dishes, but no ingredient is more important than the diligence of the chef.
People Cafe is also busy at lunch time, due to its very popular economic set meals offered Monday to Friday. These include soup, salad, main course, dessert and beverage for only NT$199. Those with a big appetite can order refills of pasta and soup free of charge. The lunch menu changes weekly, so that regular customers never grow tired of People Cafe.
Dinner averages NT$500 to NT$600 per person and features a house specialty, honey roasted chicken (NT$650). The sweetness of the honey enhances the natural flavor of the chicken during the roasting process. Cocktails are also available for NT$150 to NT$180.
As night falls, candles are lit on each table, setting the stage for a night of romance. For some diners, it feels a bit like entering the fairy tale castle where the beautiful woman falls in love with Prince Charming.
Besides restaurant dining, People Cafe also provides catering. Whether for a large cocktail party or just a small group of friends, friendly staff will meet your every need in planning the perfect party.
As if that wasn’t enough, People Cafe cooks are now planning to share their secrets in a new baking classroom, which will allow students to learn about making desserts and Italian dishes from experienced, professional chefs. Then you can surprise your family and friends with your new-found knowledge and cooking skills.
1, Da Ren (Ta Jen) Street
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