何道明 Douglas Habecker
From our archives, Compass Magazine, Feb. 2001
Douglas Habecker
Where should I take her (or him) for Valentine’s Day? That is a question that many people will no doubt be asking themselves as they try to come up with a good date idea for that romantic occasion. Taichung has no shortage of pleasant restaurants so we have decided to provide a sampling of places that might be suitable for a special date, ranging from steak houses to vegetarian fare. We’ve done our job. The rest is up to you and your sweetheart.
-UFO REVOLVING RESTAURANT (Closed)
22F, 105, Chienkuo Road (Golden Plaza Dept. Store)
Tel: (04) 2218-8888, ext. 6800
What better place to enjoy a special date than Taichung’s sole revolving restaurant, not to mention highest dining spot in central Taiwan? Enjoy a variety of Western dishes, from steak to lobster, starting from about NT$780 and including a salad bar. Or, try heading there after dinner hours, which end at 9:30 p.m., for late-night snacks and/or drinks while you watch the city lights (80 minutes to see all 360 degrees). The restaurant is open to 1 a.m. Given its popularity, it is strongly recommended that you reserve a place as far in advance as possible.
-RUTH’S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE
26F, 367, Taichung Kang Road, section 1
Tel: (04) 2323-2872
Want an impressive way to remind someone they’re special? Try a delicious, expensive steak dinner with a panoramic view and very classy surroundings. Ruth’s Chris has a well-earned reputation in Taichung and around the world as a very upscale dining spot with food and prices to match. Be prepared to spend at least NT$1,000 to NT$1,500 per person. However, impeccable service and amazing steaks, not to mention other non-steak dishes, help make it well worth it, not to mention an unforgettable dining experience. Afterwards, linger over the city lights with a glass of wine, coffee and one of Ruth’s Chris’ very good desserts.
-SHANGHAI 1924 RESTAURANT
95, Wuchuan West 3rd Street
Tel: (04) 2378-3181
Pretend for a meal that you’ve gone back in time about 70 or 80 years to the heyday of Shanghai. Shanghai 1924 does a pretty good job of creating a classy retro atmosphere–complete with antiques and old Shanghai-style posters–combined with medium-priced Chinese cuisine main courses, which come with soup, fruit and drink. Just as nice for a romantic date, Shanghai 1924 is located along Taichung’s so-called ‘Champs Elysees’ near the Taiwan Museum of Art. This street’s picturesque cafes, particularly attractive at night, make for a nice post-dinner stroll and provide plenty of choices for a dessert and coffee.
-SALT & PEPPER RESTAURANT (Closed)
185, Pokuan Road
Romantic is the word that easily comes to mind when describing the evening ambiance of Salt & Pepper, with its soft lighting, candles and attractive, classy decor, full of cozy corners. While the menu has a full selection of the restaurant’s unique East-meets-West fusion cuisine, the management will be providing something special for Valentine’s Day for about NT$1,200 per person, complete with flowers for the ladies. The atmosphere makes it a perfect place to linger and talk, over drinks and dessert.
-VILLA BELLA RISTORANTE (Closed)
25, Ching Cheng 9th Street
Tel: (04) 2326-1761
Living up to its Italian name, Villa Bella is indeed a beautiful house that resembles a little transplanted part of Italy, right in the heart of a quiet Taichung neighborhood. This makes it a very romantic hideaway for a Valentine’s Day dinner. Let proprietor Stefano and his family prepare a classic, delicious, multi-course Italian dinner for you and your date at their discretion–there are no menus. Trust us, you’ll be pleased with both the food and the cozy, quaint setting.
-THE STEAK HOUSE
12F, 1039, Chienhsing Road (Grand Formosa Hotel)
Tel: (04) 2328-8000
As has already become evident by the above suggestions, there is something hopelessly romantic about dining at night with a good view of the city lights. The Steak House once again demonstrates this with its low lights, classy ambiance and, most of all, the views right down Taichung Kang Road from 12 floors up. The food is outstanding with not only great steaks but also a variety of other options, available with a great salad, appetizer and dessert buffet. The prices tend towards the high end but one always gets what one pays for. For an upscale, romantic dining experience, it is hard to think of a better place.
-EURO CHOICE
397, Tunghsing Road, sec. 3
Tel: (04) 2329-9796
Care for a truly European dining experience for Valentine’s Day? Try one of Taichung’s truly European restaurants, not to mention a pretty classy-looking place. For years, Euro Choice has been providing excellent Continental-style cuisine, from escargot to fillet mignon, to discerning diners. Combined with attentive service, this makes it a great place for an important business lunch–or romantic dinner. Expect higher-end prices, of course. And what better way to finish off a romantic meal than one of the restaurant’s specialties–a Swiss-style chocolate fondue (cheese and oil fondues are also available).
-PHILIPPE CAFE ET RESTAURANT
9, Kuan Chien Road
(Moved to: 2, Lane 20, WuQuan W. 6th St, West Dist.)
(04) 2376-8089
Vegetarians also need a ritzy, romantic establishment to dine at and Philippe Cafe is just that. Escaping from the average hole-in-the-wall Chinese-style vegetarian place, this restaurant features Western vegetarian cuisine and an ambiance which looks like something out of the classier side of New York or Paris, complete with uniformed waiters. The food is very good, to the point where even dedicated meat-eaters will not think twice about consuming it, and there is a small decent salad bar to go with meals. The best part, for those who don’t want to blow their paycheck, is the fact that all this is available for very reasonable prices. Philippe Cafe isn’t a big place, so make sure you book ahead.
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