VVG Play Play

101, HuiLai Rd, Sec 2, Xitun Dist
(National Taichung Theater); (04) 2258-7682
Hours: Food Play 11:30 am-2:30 pm, 6-9 pm;
Beer Play 12-10:30 pm (to 11 pm holidays);
VVG Labo 11:30 am-10:30 pm (to 11 pm holidays)
English menu.

National Taichung Theater's stunning, curving interior is home to more than performance halls, thanks to multiple beautifully-designed food, beverage and shopping outlets operated by VVG. Jointly labeled as VVG Play Play (expressing a combination of leisure and drama), these include the big, glamorous-looking, 300-seat Food Play western buffet restaurant on the fifth floor, where diners relax in luxury with beautiful views while savoring an exquisite, high-end selection of appetizers, salads, main courses and desserts, from Jamon Iberico Spanish ham, imported cheeses and steak to colorful macarons. Lunch (NT$1280) and dinner (NT$1680) include a mixed seafood platter for each table. Next door is Books Play, an artsy bookstore, and a curving staircase leads to the sixth floor, where the cozy Beer Play has even better views to go with 16 excellent beers on tap (NT$280, 330ml), wines, champagne, cocktails and food. On the first floor is VVG School gift shop, spacious VVG Labo cafe and adjoining VVG To Go take-out counter, built around a vintage Citroen H Van. --By Douglas Habecker, translated by Julie Chen