Photo: Henry Westheim © 2001

Stuart David Phillips-Laurie

Matthew Leve

Paul Gee

The growing internationalization of Taichung in recent years has gone far beyond foreign operated and owned restaurants to pubs and cafes.Given the popularity and multitude of bars and coffee houses in the city, it is not surprising that a growing number of foreigners have decided to jump into the market and try their luck.

As is the case with restaurants, this on-going experiment has been a positive one for local patrons.  For example, some of the best outlets for dynamic live musical performances are currently managed by foreigners, who also have provided regular injections of creativity in the nightlife scene with regular parties, contests, social gatherings and other events. 

Be sure and check out the following introduction to the individuals behind these establishments.  This is a diverse bunch who hail from all over the world, from New Jersey to Capetown, and came to this city for all kinds of reasons but found themselves drawn into the pub and cafe businesses.