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COMPASS MAGAZINE, August 2003

Serious David Shen’s Steak House 277, Min Chuan Road

Great steaks are no laughing matter at Serious David Shen’s

By Douglas Habecker

In a place that sees so many easy-come-easy-go eateries, it is always refreshing to savor an establishment that spares no effort to provide the finest in dining quality, from the food down to the cutlery. As its name seems to imply, Serious David Shen’s Steak House stands among the finest restaurants in Taichung and Taiwan, run by connoisseurs for connoisseurs in the tradition of great steak houses around the world.

Owner David Shen started out in the restaurant business back in Ohio, where he ran a place called the Baking Garden. In 1996, his depth of experience went into creating a high-end steak house in Taiwan, which today has branches in Taichung and Kaohsiung. Serious David Shen’s is the classic steak house, from the wood-paneled floors and walls and leather-covered furniture to the selection of fine cigars, wines and liquors and tuxedoed waiters. Combined with amazing food, this has helped earn a string of top dining awards from the likes of American Express and Asia Weekly.

At the heart of the menu is the USDA Prime beef, which constitutes only 0.25% of all US beef. Red meal lovers will want to sink their teeth into a great selection that includes items like the 8-ounce US Prime Petite New York (NT$1,080), the 12-ounce US Prime Ribeye Steak (NT$1,480), the massive 30-ounce Porterhouse (NT$2,580 for 2); and US Short Ribs (NT$1,080), which are exclusive to this restaurant. These all come with bread, soup, mixed greens, dessert, and coffee/tea. For a really amazing experience, there are four full-course NT$2,580 “surf and turf” meals that mix steak or lamb chops with lobster.

Other equally-good choices include the Pig’s Knuckle, Barbecued Chicken Steak (NT$980) and an intriguing addition—the Steak De Vegetarian (NT$980), reportedly very good and meat-like. French Escargot Au Gratin (NT$280) and Smoked Salmon (NT$330) are among the favorite appetizers. For many diners, a wonderful steak dinner is completed with a fine Cuban cigar and a fine spirit of choice. This is a place to linger and most patrons seem to do just that, as if reluctant to re-enter the real world.

Serious David Shen’s regularly offers a variety of specials for individual diners and groups as a means of ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to discover what they’ve been missing. Whether you’re a serious connoisseur, or want to pretend you’re one for a meal, this is the place to be.