Happy New Year! Hope everyone is having a great start to 2011 so far. Do you have any food-related resolutions? I don’t usually believe in making resolutions, but if I had to state a couple I’ve been working on since the end of 2010, they are:
- Eat more fruits and vegetables.
- Become a part-time vegetarian. This is related to #1 for health reasons, and also for environmental reasons.
- Learn to cook something new at least once a month.
So far, so good. I’ve been making some simple, yet delicious veggie dishes and sides. When I come across a winner, I’ll post the recipe here.
Back to the blog! I’m going to overindulge you with photos, just as I overindulged in Taipei. It was a real shame that I wasn’t more hungry when I visited the following buffets. I felt truly hungry maybe two times in the two weeks I was there, and a tinge of hunger less than 5 times. For reals. I still tried to adhere to my buffet rules, though I’m fairly certain I didn’t get my money’s worth. Sad face.
First up: a Japanese buffet. It doesn’t really matter about the name because it wasn’t that good. It gets good marks for pretty presentation, but the food was just so-so and the desserts were very disappointing. I had a nice time with my family though!
The sushi station (with guy giving me a funny look, to the left). Also, check out the ginormous carrots!
The dessert table looked appetizing but ended up being disappointing.
Again, a beautiful presentation of mussels that didn't deliver in taste.
"Look, Ma, no hands!"
They had made-to-order hand rolls. Not bad.
This poor shrimp was no match for my appetite.
Since the desserts sucked, I had star fruit and passion fruit instead.
Next: my family and I took a mini-vacation to Yilan, a city 1.5 hours southeast of Taipei by train. We stayed at the lovely Silks Place hotel, where we were given complimentary vouchers to the breakfast buffet. This breakfast smorgasboard was amazing, featuring a wide selection of Chinese, Japanese, and Western-style morning treats. My sisters and I especially loved the porridge bar, where every conceivable topping was available (it doesn’t take much to make us happy).
Freshly steamed buns (man tou)
My first round, clockwise from top left: fried egg with hot sauce, porridge with goodies, plate of bacon, croissant, and Japanese rice, and a cafe latte.
Fun with fruit!
Everyone was very happy with their food.
Finally, we went to the Japanese buffet at Wasabi, in the Taipei 101 mall. My mom had discount vouchers, reducing the price of lunch from $25 to a more affordable $17. I enjoyed my food; it was all very fresh and high quality, but we were annoyed that they charged my 4 year old nephew (who only ate rice and a few pieces of veggie tempura) $12. Lamesauce.
The view of Wasabi from the mall.
My first round at Wasabi: lots and lots of fish and other sea creatures.
My sister and dad, with a plate of fried food. Someone decided not to follow my buffet rules!
My mom and I ready to chow down!
A very minimalist dessert. I was stuffed! Upper left: fruit; lower right: various mochis.
The mochi was really good. Two thumbs up!
poor scientist. will blog 4 food. 