Elegantly landscaped koi ponds and stone-paved paths through a little bamboo grove really set the tone for a fine dining experience that is mostly seafood focused, but also had enticing red meat and poultry options on the creative menu. My mother and I chose from...a set menu that included a hotpot with featuring an amazing broth that tasted rich without being too greasy or heavy. The salad courses were delightfully dressed and artfully arranged. Appetizers showed off excellent craft work from the kitchen, with a lightly braised chicken wing that was stuffed with roe; I also really enjoyed the fried yam cake (think of the texture of a turnip cake from yumcha/dimsum: light and fluffy, with a crispy coating). The sashimi plate was small, but had generous cuts, and the wasabi was definitely ground from root, and not colored horseradish as can be common outside of Taipei proper. Apple vinegar was tasty and bottomless. We ordered quite a few rounds as it was a really effective palate cleanser in between all the rounds, and was also a great appetizer in itself (there was a lot of food!) We chose some very fresh fish of the day, lightly fried and presented with a soy based dipping sauce. All of this was presented against the backdrop of the koi pond, landscaping and fountain. The atmosphere felt really nice and well appointed. We were invited to take our deserts in a little cafe area towards the back that was furnished with a lot of eclectic character and charm. I later heard that the proprietor supposedly had staff sourced from a Michelin star restaurant. I believe it. I understood why my mom wanted to take me there, and I had a really lovely time. Completely unexpected from the drive past rice paddies to get there. I felt like I was somewhere else entirely.More
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