Final six days of this trip in Taipei, rooming in the Da’an district. Stopped at a rest area midpoint between Kaohsiung and Taipei. MO’s Burger, fresh made Dumplings, Bakery Goods and more available.
We hit the 7/11. My Egg Salad Sando was ok, not unreasonable enough to expect Japanese konbini quality. Oden, same low bar. Sufficient to sustain us for the rest of the ride. (enuff said)
Checked into our favorite Taipei hotel, freshened up, then down to Social Hour.
The host was pouring a nice Chilean wine, Tocornal Merlot. Some beautiful Canapé made the rounds. The Tomato Ricotta Crostini especially tasty and lovely.
Original plan was for a glass of wine and a couple (only a couple) of tiny bites, then to my favorite 100$NT (usd$3.10/dish) stir fry restaurant for dinner. Not to be.
Change in plans. Da’an has morphed over the years, from an upscale residential area into a vibrant restaurant and shopping scene. We decided to just forage and grab whatever goodies looked good and leisurely munch back in our room.
Even the been there FOREVER hole-in-wall dumpling stand now sports cute modern signage. Not really quite convinced this is a good thing.
I’ve been craving Fried Chicken and passed this shop. Turns out that FAT DADDY is a popular Taiwan Chain, and has stores worldwide including the States. I just wanted a couple pieces of dark meat and fries. Wife had to have Gee Pi, the face-sized Taiwan Chicken Cutlet. My pieces were great, flavorful, crisp and juicy. Gee Pi was also good, just not as good.
I’ve been forced to suffer the tremendous queue at Ay-Chung Flour-Rice Noodle at their OG location in the Wanhua District a few times over the years. Fortunately for me, they had opened a satellite store right by our hotel, tiny lines!!
Ay-Chung sells rice noodles, only rice noodles. Thin Rice Noodles with salty Pork Intestines in a gloopy thick vinegary broth. Took me some time (10+ years) to get it, now I sorta understand the appeal.
Called an early night. Breakfast at the Tavernist, the hotel restaurant, should be good.