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TAIPEI DINING FEATURE
TAIWAN FUN MAGAZINE, September 2002
People
191, Section 2, AnHo Road, B1
(02) 2735-2288
Hours: 11:45 am - 2 am

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Food for Thought at People Restaurant

By Ken Lin / Translated by Jacques van Wersch

       The Zen-like entrance to People Restaurant is inviting. A forest of bamboo flanks the stairwell and massive wooden doors at the foyer open effortlessly by electric sensor. A solitary stone fountain rests inside - the only sound is water splashing into a pebble-strewn pool. The whole effect was so soothing; I nearly forgot why I came.

       Interiors mimic installations by Philippe Starck, contemporary avant-garde French designer. In fact, I was reminded of New York's Royalton Hotel designed by Starck in 1988. The place was crowded with young, hip couples, who fit right in to the chic environment and seemed genuinely relaxed.

       The restaurant is ingeniously divided into separate spaces for dining or quiet contemplation, and the lighting is designed to softly frame tables and seating in an intimate way. The wait staff, dressed in black, is nearly invisible which adds to the feeling of privacy. Our waiter was friendly and informative while taking orders and unobtrusive in serving. The menu features "nouvelle cuisine", so the preservation of individual flavors and textures is paramount. Stunning presentation makes each dish a work of art.

       I tried the Vegetable Salad with Fried Pork Rolls (NT$260), recommended as the most popular appetizer. It didn't resemble a salad at all - individual stalks of fresh celery and carrots and crispy pork flavored breadsticks were served in an upright ceramic canister with sauces for dipping. The Orange Prawns (NT$320) proved to be a tender and refreshing entree and included asparagus, apples and pineapples rolled in a yam crust. The flavors blended admirably, spiked by a sweet-sour fruity taste. The Tiramisu was exquisitely creamy (NT$150).

       Careful design and marvelous food make for an extraordinary experience at People Restaurant. It's a dream in dining come true, right here in Taipei.