TAPA TAPA SPANISH RESTAURANT   (04) 2323-6254, 2327-0225 12, DaLong Road Hours:11 am-10 pm

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--By Douglas Habecker, translated by Uvia Chang

Over the past three decades, Jane Liu has become one of Taichung's most enduring restaurateurs. Starting in 1973, she became famous with locals and foreigners by opening a string of establishments that were among the first to offer hamburgers, pizza and Mexican food. The latest new direction for her Aloha restaurant group is Spanish cuisine, offered at the recently-renamed Tapa Tapa Spanish Restaurant. Jane and her manager, Cathy Chiu, fell in love with Spain a few years ago and now visit every year for inspiration. Their 120-seat restaurant exudes Spanish flavor, from Latin-style music to the bullfighting murals and other decor in the large basement dining area. Late every month, this area is also the site of a Flamenco dance performance by a well-known Taipei group (NT$250/person with Spanish drinks). Popular dishes on the extensive Spanish menu include two Paella selections--Barcelona Paella De Mariscos and Arroz Valenciano (NT$198 including soup), plus the Arroz Negro Con Sepia (Rice in Black Sauce and Cuttlefish, NT$218), Spanish-Style Fillet and Stomach of Beef with Red Pepper Sauce, and the Cordero Al Chilindrom Spanish-Style Lamb. There are also a number of Tapas appetizers (cheaper on weekdays), salads, soups, desserts, and drinks (including Sangria), plus some of Aloha's trademark Mexican and pizza selections.