The joys of lingering at Su Bau by the Temple 9, Lane 83, Meicun (Meitsun) Rd., sec. 1 (04) 2319-0641 Hours: 10 am-11 pm

ADD YOUR RATING & REVIEW | VIEW VISITOR RATINGS & REVIEWS

The joys of lingering at Su Bau by the Temple

By Lea Zeltserman

      Su Bau by the Temple looks a little small and plain from the outside. But step inside and you'll be greeted with a small waterfall, colorful masks, bright lanterns, high ceilings and properly dimmed lights. Despite the size of this place, I was very conscious of a sense of space, probably because the tables were strategically placed around the perimeter. And, if it's the outdoors you're wanting, then head for the courtyard, which has managed to carefully conceal the outside parking lot with some well-placed greenery. In all, it's a quiet place where people go to eat and visit with their friends-no seeing or being seen.

      The food is thoroughly enjoyable. Don't go here if you're in a rush; come to linger over your meal and friends. The menu features the usual assortment of Taiwanese Western-style cuisine, salads and soups, sandwiches and calzones, pastas, rice dishes and main courses. In each category, you can choose from chicken, beef and salmon, with a variety of sauces including tomato, curry or mustard cream, barbecue, and Thai. We ordered a steak (NT$350) in mustard cream sauce and the Spinach Cheese Ravioli (NT$230). The steak was a sizeable portion, buried under sauce. The plate of ravioli managed just the right amount of starch for any meal and left me pleasantly satisfied. Possibly most impressive of all was the appearance of romaine lettuce in the salad that came with the with the steak--a rare sight in Taichung's restaurants.

      The only downside of the visit was the drinks--we both ordered wine (NT$100), which came with less than half a glass full. The restaurant serves the usual assortment of drinks, including milk shakes, juice, yogurt, some "cocktails"(highballs, actually), beer (including Tiger and San Miguel for NT$130) and, of course, tea and coffee.

      Su Bao by the Temple is a cozy little secret just off the main drag. To get there, head about a block down Meitsun Road from Sogo Department Store. Opposite the first 7-11 is the entrance to the temple and Lane 83. Grab some good friends and a Saturday afternoon and head down there.