taiwanfun
From our archives, Compass Magazine, Apr. 2002:
By Tammy Huang Translated by Patricia Li and Cheryl Robbins
Even a few years ago, specially themed restaurants were relatively rare in Taichung. That, however, appears to be rapidly changing as a sometimes-bizarre variety of theme eateries has continued to spring up. Below is just a sampling of what’s available.
Banana Restaurant
What kind of establishment is filled with condoms? How about a restaurant? Well, there is now such a place–the Banana Restaurant, the only condom-themed restaurant around. With government support, Banana Restaurant not only serves food and beverages but also promotes AIDS awareness. Marvel at the artistic versatility of this rubber medium in the condom-art on display. Each patron receives a free condom and patrons also enjoy 20 percent off all other condom purchases. Dishes are “rated” on the movie rating system, with those garnering restricted ratings seeming to be customer favorites. Dish names are peppered with traditional Chinese sexual innuendoes. For example, “one pillar holds up the sky” (NT$520) and “a hidden but beautiful world” (NT$420). There are guitar performances on weekdays from 7 to 8:30 p.m. and violin performances on weekends.
162, SzChuan (SzuChuan) Rd.
Tel: (04) 2317-6317
Hours: 10 am-11 pm
Monza
The owner, an avid race car enthusiast, and a professional race car team opened Monza (named after the famous Italian racing track). Black-and-white checkered tiles and bright red walls and make up the decor. In addition, the entryway features a dazzling display of car plates, car parts and trophies, as well as TV broadcasts of car races. Monza’s specialty set meal is named “Victorious Porsche” (NT$488) and includes chicken stewed in herbs, roast mutton, chicken seafood soup, chestnut rice cake, mushrooms in oyster sauce, crispy fried durian rolls, fruit and a beverage. It also comes with vegetables, white rice and soup. Other set meals range in price from NT$100 to NT$500 or more. This restaurant also has a variety of black and green teas, inluding a special birthday tea (NT$100 to NT$180). A must for any race-car fanatic, Monza holds races every weekend using a small-scale race car track and remote-controlled cars. Registration is NT$100,and the winner takes the total of the registration fees.
37, WuChiuan (WuChuan) West 3rd St.
Tel: (04) 2375-5559
Hours: 11 am-12 midnight
Jing Hua Yen Yun
Jing Hua Yen Yun is definitely unique. With its antique furniture, lanterns painted by ink-and-water master Ke Shuan-tung, and old photographs, it is like stepping into a shop in old Beijing. The specialty at Jing Hua Yen Yun is delicate pastries, including the highly recommended crispy walnut duck flavor (NT$280). The mashed peas pastry, or Wan Do Huang Er (NT$100), was an imperial favorite, particularly with the Empress Dowager Tzu Xi (if legend is true). The lotus porridge pastry (NT$120) is a favorite among women. The combination of lotus seed and lotus rhizome is said to bring a glow to a woman’s face. Set meals (approximately NT$300) include appetizer, main dish, side dishes, dessert and tea. There are also afternoon tea set meals (NT$220) which include a choice of pastry and a pot of tea. All this makes it a good alternative to a Western-style afternoon tea.
57, WuChiuan (WuChuan) 7th St.
Tel: (04) 2372-5066
Hours: 10 am-10 pm (Kitchen open 11:45 am-2 pm; 5:45-9 pm)
1924 SHANGHAI RESTAURANT
This restaurant is decorated to look and feel like it is right out of old Shanghai. There are old photographs lining the walls and an antique clock with a distinctive “tick-tock” sound that must be wound by hand every day. Of course, Shanghai cuisine is served. The chef of this restaurant has researched this cuisine for a number of years and his specialty is tung-po pork (NT$280). The meat is first grilled, then fried and finally stewed. A special sauce, exclusive to this restaurant, is added. A good appetizer choice is the “drunken chicken” wraps (NT$280). These are made with boneless chicken that is simmered in Shaohsing rice wine for 24 hours. A unique beverage is the Shanghai “Eight Treasures” tea (NT$160), made with eight Chinese herbs. This tea is supposed to be good for the throat and the lungs. The menu features a large selection of dishes. If you are not sure what to order, the staff has been trained to provide suggestions. From Monday to Friday, one-person set meals (NT$280) are available.
98, WuQuan West 3rd St.
moved to: 123, WuQuan West 3rd St.
Tel: (04) 2378-3181
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