A Queen and A Treat (03.21.16)

Still in Taiwan but now in Taipei, the hub of culture where the traditional meets the modern. Home of the Taipei 101 building and famed foods with flavors that can only be experienced here. Blessed to live close to the Botanical Gardens, my family welcomed me to their home, and here I lay to rest before venturing out for hours at a time, via a super efficient and convenient subway system. Have I complimented this city enough? Well, it's white a whopper of a place, let me tell you!

I saw a temple and then another. So many foreigners in Taipei, not many in PingTung, but I think that's about right, right? Anyways, there was lots of food and my Aunt chose a place off of the ZhongHe-XinLu Line (#4)! The place was called ShiBaFan and it was hidden in a nook. But I'm so thankful I had the chance to experience it!

One must remove their shoes and place it in the cubbies outside first, before entering! The hostess is older but very respectful and nice! The place setting is clean and there is the option of the chair or bench! After ordering, there is a side bar of vegetarian options, which makes it easier for those of a vegetarian diet! The sour radish is okay, the bitter melon was later replaced with broccoli, and the soup was WONDERFUL!! My TonKatsu came and it was like eating lightly battered and fried steak-like pork! It was so juicy and filling, I didn't finish all my rice! The sweetness of the oranges after was a great dessert and the tea really helped make the meal complete! Overall, I rate this a firm 4 of 5 Stars!!

Why "A Queen", you may ask? Well, I was treated to a flower candy that is made with part of actual flowers. It was, apparently, a favorite treat of Sissi, Empress Elisabeth of Austria. Before she was assassinated, she claimed her favorite candies were the sugared flowers. They're very sweet and tasted like flowers! I really liked it! Research her for more information about her tragic life!