International dining culture in Taichung

Winter sun, delicious food and the fragrance of coffee

Words provided by iSeeTaiwan Foundation
Translated by Angel Pu

In December, the International Spotlight Central Region program, jointly sponsored by the Tourism Bureau and iSee Taiwan Foundation, has invited three travel gurus to take you on an exotic and culinary tour of Taichung.

Wang Jia-ping, the chef of a famous Italian restaurant, will teach you how to make authentic-tasting pizzas for yourself. Moreover, you can learn the techniques for making drip coffee, and taste various types of coffee in a romantic afternoon.

Xiaocha, a blogger who has attracted over a million visitors to his website, has planned a feast that combines beautiful designs with delicious cuisine, as visitors will dine in an exotic, Mediterranean-style setting, appreciate an art collection while enjoying coffee aroma and, best of all, receive a gift at the end of the tour. Wu Zheng-he, the teacher in Providence University's Department of Tourism, will lead you to Taichung's "emerald necklace"--the Calligraphy Greenway. This tour will also include learning how to make Chun Shui Tang's famed bubble tea in the beautiful Park Lane (CMP Block).

In addition, there are two other activities introducing culture, delicacies and art in December, showcasing central Taiwan's hospitality to visitors.

Tour schedule
Both foreigners and Taiwanese are welcome to participate, but foreigners will have priority. Each activity is open to at least eight people, and no more than 15 people. Minors under 15 must be accompanied by an adult. Visit http://www.lohaspot.com.tw. for more information. The organizer reserves the right to modify and clarify event contents.

Xiaocha--When design meets delicious food
Meeting time: 10:45 am, Sunday, Dec. 11
Meeting place: No. 127, Xiangshang N., Rd., West District
Fee: NT$550
Blue Cave Restaurant (tasting Italian cuisine) -- INO Cafe (appreciating art collection) -- Moon Lover (sampling desserts)

Wu Zheng-he--Wandering Around Calligraphy Greenway
Meeting time: 9:30 am, Wednesday, Dec. 14
Meeting place: No. 575, Meicun Rd., Sec. 1, West District
Fee: NT$500 (doesn't include optional NT$380 Bubble Tea experience)
The Naked Coffee -- a guided tour of Calligraphy Greenway and Park Lane by CMP Block -- lunch at Chung Shui Tang and Bubble Tea making experience (optional)

Wang Jia-ping--Fashionable, delicious handmade cuisine
Meeting time: 1:30 pm, Wednesday, Dec. 14
Meeting place: No. 213, Wenxin Rd., Sec. 2, 2F, Xitun District
Fee: NT$550
K2 Pasta (D.I.Y authentic Italian pizza) -- Mojo Cafe (sampling Italian coffee, leaning to make drip coffee, and getting a drip coffee bag as a present)

Winter feasts and fun and more: Exhibition and performance schedule

Subject: Central District 'Three Bests' – best teas, best coffees and best desserts
Time: 12/10~11 (5-9 pm)
Content:
Performances: Saxophone, violin and Taiwanese tea-farm folk songs
Exhibition: tea, coffee, desserts and eco-friendly handicrafts

Subject: Let's Party
Time: 12/24~25 (3-7 pm)
Content:
Performances: music, dance and singing performance
Exhibition: exotic cultural handicrafts and eco-friendly handicrafts

Location: LOHAS Square (Wuquan 5th to Wuquan 7th streets)