The Garlic

Text & photos by David Chou Translated by Ann Lee

108, MinSiang St, SinSing District
(07) 216-4786
Hour: 11:30 am-2:30 pm, 5:30-10 pm
Credit cards accepted. 10% service charge.
English/Chinese menu.

If you'd like the feeling of stepping out of Taiwan's busy streets into a small cafe in the French countryside, then give Garlic a try. Inside, the restaurant has an astral feel--suns, stars and moons show up all over the decor and romantic French tunes play over the speakers. Chen, Garlic's executive chef, has over 20 years of professional cooking experience and is also the owner. He hopes to provide an affordable, quality dining option for his guests.

The meals here are all European-style and full of garlic--go figure. What's more, all the dishes are made without sugar and other additives. Instead, Chen uses only garlic, and red and white wines. The all-day set menu (NT$3,200) comes with French soup, salad, dessert, and a drink after the meal. For a main course, choose either the Pork Fillet with Mustard Basil Sauce or Roast Chicken with Herb Flavoring. A special recommended dish is the Roasted Rack of Lamb with Herb Crust (NT$420); it's cooked to perfection with garlic, herbs, rosemary and honey. For an additional NT$160, you also get a salad and a dessert with the meal.

The chef's exclusive dish, French Spring Roll (NT$80), is made with lavender, apples and chocolate, which is a nice combination of East and West. For after-dinner drinks, Garlic also serves rum or tequila cocktails.

FYI South Magazine is required by government regulations to remind you not to drink and drive.