A taste of Southern France at Mistral 1049, JianXing (Jian Shing) Rd., 12F (The Splendor Hotel) (04) 2328-8000 Hours： daily：6-11 pm; (last order 10:30 pm); Sat/Sun：open 11:30 am-2 pm Credit cards accepted; parking available

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      By Douglas Habecker Translated

The word "mistral" refers to a very strong, cold wind that blows through the Mediterranean provinces of France. However, for diners in Taichung, the same word is starting to symbolize something quite different: delicious southern French cuisine, served in a soothing, romantic oasis of tranquility.

Mistral is located on the 12th floor of The Splendor Taichung Hotel and boasts marvelous birds-eye views of TaichungGang Road, stretching far below and westwards towards the city's western fringe. As can be expected from a fine dining establishment in an upscale hotel, nothing has been spared when it comes to beautiful decor, classy table settings or personalized service, provided for up to about 50 diners.

According to Executive Chef Renato Lasan, Mistral's extensive menu of a la carte and set-menu selections represents modern French cuisine, with the emphasis on food from southern France and northern Italy. This means that dishes include a lot of herbs, olive oil, wine and seafood, as well as homemade pastas, like ravioli and tortellini, says Lasan, who hails from the northern Italian city of Trieste and has previously worked at high-end restaurants and hotels in Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.

The chef says that popular individual items include the Goose Foie Gras; Mediterranean Bouillabaise Fish Soup with Rouille (NT$420); Crab Raviolis with Bisque and Herbs (NT$320); Lamb Rack in Sauce with Cous Cous and Raisins cooked slowly "en Cocotte" (NT$720); the Angus Beef Ribeye; Atlantique Lobster cooked "a la minute", vegetable stew with coriander, served with a chive-scented salted butter (NT$1,700); and the Crepes Suzette (NT$380), prepared at your tableside.

Most of these dishes, with their mouth-watering descriptions, may also be enjoyed as part of one of three set-menu meals (NT$1,100-1,800). Diners may also look forward to fresh selections and new menus every four months. Naturally, there is also a wide range of French, Italian, Australian and Californian wines to enjoy meals with.
Whether it's a business-related gathering or a romantic rendezvous, Mistral's approach to food, ambiance and service promises an unforgettable fine dining experience.