U.S. Prime Beef back on the table at Serious David Shen's 277, MinQuan (Minchuan) Rd. (04) 2322-6156 Hours:11:30 am-2 pm, 5:30-10 pm (last order 9:30) Credit cards accepted. Reservations recommended.

ADD YOUR RATING & REVIEW | VIEW VISITSR RATINGS & REVIEWS

By Douglas Habecker Translated by Crystal Kuo

Imagine for a moment you're sitting in an upscale restaurant, surrounded by wood-paneled walls and formally-attired waiters. You've just savored a soup and generous Caesar salad, perhaps an appetizer. All that, however, is just a prelude to what now sits on the plate before you: a slab of the finest corn-fed beef that America can offer. Browned to perfection on the outside with a hint of red within, this tender, juicy steak is uncontaminated by any sauces, as you slice through two and a half inches of filet for that first glorious bite.

Slowly, you savor each piece between sips of red wine until all 12 ounces are gone. Relaxing, you sit back in satisfaction for a moment, then conclude this epicurean experience with a tasty dessert and coffee, before perhaps retiring to a sitting room for a fine cigar and glass of port.

That description will bring a blissful smile to anyone who has experienced this decadent indulgence of the senses. More important is the fact that such an experience is now well within the grasp of Taichung diners, thanks to Serious David Shen's Steak & Seafood House. One of the city's finest steakhouses for seven years, Serious David Shen's has spearheaded the recent return of USDA Prime Beef to dining tables here, which allows diners the choice of top-grade American or Australian beef when ordering. In the spotlight are the U.S. Prime Petite Filet (NT$1,180 for 8 oz., NT$1,580 for 12 oz.) and U.S. Prime Petite Ribeye (NT$1,280/NT$1680) which--as all main courses do--come with bread, soup, salad, dessert, coffee/tea and, in a recent plus, all-you-can-drink house red wine (or juice) and Evian mineral water.

There are also plenty of other main courses to choose from, including U.S. Short Ribs (NT$1,180), Fresh Lobster, New Zealand AAA Lamb Chops, and House Special Pig's Knuckle (NT$1,080). Popular appetizers include the outstanding Fried Shrimp Rolls (NT$280). There is also a good wine list, beers and other drinks and, last but not least, excellent cigars.
The restaurant does not scrimp when it comes to providing the atmosphere and service to match its cuisine, either. From 7 to 9 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays, this is heightened by live violin and classical guitar performances. In addition, there are classy rooms for private gatherings.

Clearly, Serious David Shen's isn't kidding around when it comes to delivering some of the finest edible things in life.