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COMPASS MAGAZINE October 2007

Jasons Market Place By Uvia Chang, translated by Ann Lee 161, SanMin Rd, Sec 3, B2 (Chung Yo Dept. Store 'A' Bldg.) (04) 2225-3456 (Chung Yo Dept. Store) Hours: 11 am-10 pm (opens 10:30 am Sat/Sun) Credit cards accepted. Parking available. Connoisseurs of fine, imported food products will be delighted with Jasons, which qualifies as Taichung's first international gourmet supermarket. With six branches around Taiwan (including Taipei 101), Jasons touts itself as a "whole new food shopping experience", with over 80% of its products imported from the U.S., Europe, Asia and elsewhere. Located in the basement of Chung Yo, the 300-ping Taichung branch boasts an upscale, attractive interior with different sections prominently labeled in Chinese and English. At the entrance is the Trattoria deli counter with dozens of Dutch, Italian, French, Swiss and other cheeses to choose from--like Minolette, Parmigiano Reggiaano, Brie, Gouda, Edam, Appenzeller, Provolone and Pecorino Romano--plus all kinds of sausages and meats, from bockwurst to knockwurst, all available for take-out. The shelves and counters inside are bulging with a cornucopia of imported products, including plenty of organic foods; a huge meat section with Australian organic and US Prime beef and other cuts; plenty of seafood; chilled and frozen goods (like bagels and English muffins); lots of chocolates; and a huge selection of imported bottled and mineral water. There is also one of the city's top alcohol selections, including hundreds of wines and an outstanding selection of beers and ales from the U.K., Australia, Belgium, etc. not found elsewhere. --By Douglas Habecker, translated by Ann Lee