Saveurs

Authentic family-style cuisine from southwestern France

Written and translated by Diva Yang
Photos by Andy Lin

(02) 2751-0185
14, Lane 219, FuXing S Rd, Sec 1
Hours: lunch 11 am-2:30 pm(last order 1:45 pm); dinner 6-10:30 pm(last order 9 pm); closed Sundays & first Monday every month
Credit cards accepted. 10% service charge.
Chinese/English menu.

Patrick Cabirol, a charismatic chef from Bodeaux, France, has spent over a decade living in Taiwan, creating a home and business for himself here. His daily routine includes an early-morning trip to the traditional market and he usually starts working in the kitchen as early as 9 a.m. Although his passion for his job usually keeps him working until 9 p.m., he also knows how to balance his personal and professional lives. While most restaurateurs see weekends as their busiest times, Patrick insists spending this time with his family because, no matter how talented he may be, he still needs a break.

Over the lunch hour, Saveurs is usually packed with customers so, if you're keen on stopping by for a meal, be sure to call for a reservation first! Located on a hidden alley, this restaurant offers business set lunches from Monday to Saturday, for an amazingly affordable price of NT$400 per person (plus 10% service charge). This gets you a soup, appetizer (or salad), main course (with three options), a dessert and coffee (or black tea)--quite sumptuous for a midday meal. Patrick's cooking regularly elicits compliments from guests, who later return to Saveurs with friends.

Patrick puts together a variety of menu combinations to please his customers, with dishes typically varying according to the mood he's in or changes in the weather. With summer approaching, his newest creations include the Pan-fried Scallops with Tomato & Herb Ratatouille (NT$280) and Chicken Liver & Mushroom Salad (NT$250), both great options that are very appetizing.

All dishes are served a la carte but, if you are looking to enjoy even better value, try the set meals that have been created by the chef and make Saveurs one of Taipei's most economical French dining establishments. For dinner, there are three prices for customers to choose from--NT$550, NT$880 and NT$1,100 (plus 10% service charge)--depending on how hungry they are. Since opening, three of the most popular main dishes have been Confit of Duck Leg, Roasted Lamb Rack with Thyme, and Filet Mignon with Ceps Sauce. If you have a sweet tooth, a great recommendation is the Chocolate Moelleux, NT$180 a la carte or NT$220 with coffee/tea. What at first seems like a simple treat will get you addicted from the very first bite.

Saveurs' warm and cozy setting accommodates up to 28 guests. Two outside patio tables seat a total of six and offer a great daytime place for some sun bathing, or a romantic evening-date setting. If you want some wine with your food, Saveurs also offers a good selection of quality French wines for affordable prices. However, the restaurant won't quibble over corkage fees if you decide to bring your own alcohol instead.