Meteor Garden offers a beautiful retreat from it all 8,Ping Ding Lane, ShueiYuan Rd., FengYuan City, Taichung County (04)2515-1456, 2525-6262 Hours: 11 am-10 am Credit cards accepted

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Meteor Garden offers a beautiful retreat from it all

By Tammy Huang
Translated Sheng Chen

      Though the idea of naming a restaurant after the popular TV series "Meteor Garden" seems uncreative, there is no better name to describe this place. Located in Taichung county's Fengyuan, in a valley and surrounded by forests, this natural garden provides a view of the seasonal wildflowers. With little air pollution, the stars are always in display above this white, teakwood-constructed, European-style establishment.

      The owner, Mr. Lu, has a keen eye for art and has filled the place with artist Guo Chi Kang's sculptures and paintings, on the subjects of humanity and Taiwan, to create an artistic environment.

      Chinese and Western meals range from NT$150 to NT$550. The Golden Orange Fried Rice (NT$150 for the combo meal) is seasonal, made from local oranges and yams. Stir-fried to a golden color, this dish contains ample vitamin C, helping to fortify the bodies of those not-so-often fruit eaters. German Potatoes (NT$490/combo), in which the potatoes are stewed, baked, then deep-fried, are also quite popular. In addition, this place offers unique teas (NT$299/bottle) and hot pots (around NT$200) to match the 12 signs of the zodiac.

      Overnight accommodations are also available here for between NT$3,000 to NT$4,200, depending on the room decor, view, number of people staying and the facilities (such as spa). Breakfast is included and there is a 20-percent discount during weekdays. Many newly-weds come here for their honeymoon.

      After lunch, go fruit picking in the groves or busy yourselves with traditional cake-making (reservations required). The food and setting, together with activities like drinking coffee at sunset, watching the stars and releasing sky lanterns ("tian deng") at night, makes this is a place worthy of spending an entire day at.