Cafe Chantilly

--- By Peiling Wu and Mike Brown Translated by Annie Liu

38, Lane 207, YangMing Road, SanMin District, Kaohsiung; (07) 395-8779
Hours:11:30 am-2 pm;
5:30 pm-9 pm
(Closed Mondays.)
www.chantilly.de

For most restaurants, the old maxim "location, location, location" is the key to survival. Even a mediocre place might do well if it has a great location. But, for those off the beaten path, outstanding service, quality food and other intangibles are a must to attract customers. Cafe Chantilly, a one-year-old German food establishment, is just such a place. Though nestled in a small neighborhood off YangMing Road and a little hard to find, it offers plenty to reward your effort in getting there.

German owner Wilfried Burg and his Taiwanese wife Jennifer (both eager to speak English) are some of the friendliest restaurateurs in town. They recommend the NT$420 Lamb Chops with Herbs and French Fries, and the Shredded Beef with Mushroom Cream Sauce is a savory favorite-in-waiting (NT$350). And a perfect compliment for hearty German food is the Kostritzer, a deeply flavorful black beer that will please any connoisseur (NT$120). Bitburger Pils is also available for NT$100 per bottle. All main courses are part of a set meal and range from NT$200 to NT$490, but, according to the owners, one can order a main dish by itself for NT$100 less.

Cafe Chantilly's main meals come readily recommended; moreover, a few of their desserts surpass expectations. Prepared daily from the best quality ingredients, as Mr. Burg explains, the otherworldly Tiramisu (NT$80) and Cheesecake (NT$60) are both superb. The former has mascarpone cream and Lady Fingers biscuits soaked in Kirschwasser and, to be honest, is a must-try and far better than any local bakery's tiramisu imitations. Another made-fresh-on-the-premises treat is the Walnut Sour Dough Bread, which is sold by the loaf for NT$200.

Though it may take some fine map reading skills to finally get to their restaurant, the owners and staff of Cafe Chantilly will go out of their way to make you feel welcome. And with such aforementioned culinary delights and service, they may be welcoming you time and time again.