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FYI SOUTH Magazine, May 2005.

Restaurant Ark 8, Lane 357, JianKang Rd., Sec. 1, Tainan City (06) 264-2345 Hours¡G11 am-12 midnight Credit cards accepted

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Written and translated by Kimmy Su

Slightly hidden off JianKang Road, Restaurant Ark is a tropical oasis waiting to be discovered. Beautifully designed inside and out by owner Sue Hsueh, diners are surrounded by lush greenery, palm trees and tiki lamps for a pleasant dining experience. The restaurant itself is located in a former record warehouse, and Ms. Hsueh has taken great efforts to preserve the unique original architecture, including the exposed iron ceiling beams. Ark is actually the reincarnation of former Japanese restaurant Ito, which opened its doors back in 1988.

The head chef of Ito, back from Tokyo, has created a renovated menu composed of past favorites, as well as several new dishes. The menu is diverse, ranging from Japanese-style salads, appetizers, soups, shabu-shabu, and sushi, to various set lunch and dinner combinations. Asked about their specialty dishes, Ms. Hsueh points out the Abalone Steamed Egg With Chef's Special Sauce (NT$200), Light Fried Bean Curd (NT$80), Crisp Pork (NT$320), Baked Kuruma Prawn (price seasonal), Stewed Ayu Fish (NT$260), and their Salted Salmon With Steamed Rice (NT$120). Ark also offers drinks and desserts; a VIP room is available free of charge by reservation.