Wine Tasting Dinner

It was really windy and pouring rain because of the number two typhoon this year, plus nobody had time to accompany me. But curiosity overcame everything, I just called a cab and went alone.

I am pretty familiar with the French wines they offered tonight, including Burgundy, Champagne and Bordeaux. Therefore, I was more curious about the place than the wines.

The restaurant is located in the Dwen Hua (敦化) SOGO, B1

The Entrance

Displaying various truffle products.

In the main salon, they put a "tree" in the middle,

tables and chairs scattered around, represented truffles which grow under the tree.

Haleakala

They have a very nice balcony, but it was a bit stuffy today, and my sister never wants to sit outside anyway. Too bad for me.

This is a great place to come when the weather cooperates: breezy and partially sunny. Light menu with a glass of wine or beer, you could spend a whole afternoon with friends or just bring a book and read alone.

Menu

NT$480

Includes assorted appetizers, a soup, one main course and coffee or tea.

Personally, I prefer their old menu which included also a glass of Champagne, wine or beer.

The knife is quite interesting, you have to balance it just like the way it shows in the picture. 

The indoor part was actually pretty nice, too. 

"Kanpai" series

Although it's been very popular recently, Japanese style grill's never been my favorite until I found " Kanpai Classic" in the A9 (One of the department store buildings in Xing-I area, Taipei). Most of these types of restaurants are usually dark inside, sometimes even smoky and greasy. This one is completely different, it's bright and joyful, the staff are well trained,  friendly and willing to chat with you. (Most of the same type of places do have this kind of atmosphere, though.)

There are tables, private rooms as well, but the most comfortable and interesting area is the bar. They prepare everything for you and the air circulates better there. (In the table or private room area you still have to grill your food yourselves when they are too busy. Unless you are one of the clients who prefer to do it yourself.)

The beef quality is pretty good here, I recommend the thin sliced type, it's better and cheaper than the steak. (Although they pull a cart and have a Japanese chef slice it beside your table, it's more a show than the real quality.)

To pair with your meal, they have really good draft beer, both dark and light, Sake's not bad either but more pricey. Serve wines as well.