#clams with chilli jam and basil

[quieteating]

Speedboat Bar

It has a kind of weird name.  If I was trying to come up with a name for a restaurant, the first to come to mind would not be Speedboat.  Even if it was planning to be a sporting institution, names such as the Horse & Coaches, The Greyhound or other such names might be more suitable and acceptable in England. These are I assume photos of the Thai royals.  Something I have seen in other Thai…

[abiteofnat]

AN ANXIETY-APPROVED GUIDE TO SOCIALLY-DISTANT  DINING IN THE NORTH SHORE

A headline I truly thought I would never write, because I used to be the type of person to leave work, jam myself into an L train packed with people, scroll through my phone while breathing in someone’s backpack, and then get to a busy restaurant to meet friends and dive into food without washing my hands. My entire immune system was chock-full of city scum, and eating indoors with dozens of other people who likely got off an equally full train? Not even a question of a doubt in my mind. Things took a quick and dire turn in May when suddenly I became afraid of everything and grossed out by anything, and after moving home with family I was certain I would never leave the house again. I miss being the fearless gutter rat I used to be, but times are different, and staying safe is key. 

Alas, while my family has been taking quarantine very seriously, we reached a point in August where we all felt “ok” with sitting at a restaurant once or twice a week to feel like we were still part of society and because we all mutually hate cooking. After not being at a restaurant once since March, we nervously ventured out to a local Italian restaurant, sat outside very far from others, and ate pasta that was still piping hot from the kitchen and that didn’t taste mediocre after sitting in a takeout container for an hour. It was refreshing as FUCK. Rose? In a real wine glass? Served chilled? What am I, a QUEEN? 

Ever since we have been carefully dining, only ever sitting outdoors, and carrying packs upon packs of antibacterial wipes and hand sanitizer like actual loons. But safe loons! Being home and enjoying the local restaurants through new eyes and new level of appreciation has made me love them 10x more, even if we’ve eaten somewhere a hundred times before. I am so grateful to have the opportunity to dine with these spots, eat favorite dishes & try new ones, and be out of the house for 1-2 hours on a Friday during these wild times. So, why not share some of my favorite spots?? Maybe you’re also living back in the good ole North Shore, and looking for any excitement at all in the quiet of the suburbs. Here you go. 

1. Mino’s Italian - Winnetka

This restaurant is newer to Winnetka, however it became an instant local favorite and is always, always full. They have a huge patio area with lighting, cozy wooden benches, tons of tables, heaters, and a menu packed with classic Italian dishes done so right. Their Calamari is unreal due to the seasoning and the roasted garlic aioli it comes with for dipping. Their Cacio e Pepe is magically light but still full of cheese and fresh cracked peppercorns, and the seasonal Risotto consists of warm mushroom richness. Their pizza is great to-go as well, and tastes like an NYC slice if you order the largest size. 

2. Pescadero - Wilmette 

Ok to be fair, Pescadero is not somewhere we’ve actually dined AT during the pandemic. We do pick it up quite often though, and it is some of the best carryout in Wilmette. The Fish & Chips is mouth-watering, with fresh fish covered in a seasoned batter that alone is delectable. Their chips (really more french fries) are thin, crispy, and topped with a parmesan and herb dust. DO NOT MISS OUT ON THE FRIES. The Mahi Mahi tacos are excellent and a lighter, fresher dish with broccoli apple slaw and avocado crema, and for fuck’s sake order a side of the Mac & Cheese just to stick a fork in. Pro Tip: You want as much extra tartar sauce as they will give you!!!

* Edit - since I wrote this post a few days ago, we ate on the Pescadero patio and it was delightful. Even though it was 55 degrees, the hot Clam Chowder and Fish & Chips warmed me up real quick. Clam Chowder served in a hot mug = a new fall dinner staple. Will only accept soup in a mug from now on. And, they do have heaters!

3. Depot Nuevo - Wilmette 

I have eaten here no fewer than 3,456 times in my life and every single time I feel like I’m on vacation because the vibes, the food, and the booze are immaculate. Located in an old train station turned restaurant, Depot Nuevo is warm and inviting no matter if you’re inside (pre pandemic) or on their gigantic patio that allows for spaced out and comfy seating. They’ve added heaters for the fall, so don’t worry about being chilly- and if you are, the Pomegranate Margarita will warm you right up. It’s strong, delicious, and comes in a very pleasing traditional margarita glass. I always order the Appetizer Trio as my entree, which has queso fundido (ordered without the chorizo!), guacamole, and ceviche composed of scallops, shrimp, and calamari with vegetables and lime. Usually this comes with tortilla chips as it’s meant to be shared, but I ask for corn tortillas instead and then pile a little of everything in there for the taco of my DREAMS. Do it. Order it. I dare you. 

The staff is exceptionally friendly and have taken COVID precautions seriously, so menus are disposable and everyone has gloves on. They will treat you like family, and they are family to us because we go there so often. See you on Friday, Depot! 

Other good things on the menu are the Fish Tacos, Shrimp Tacos, BBQ Salmon, Chipotle Mashed Potatoes, Cheese Quesadilla (smothered in their salsa verde of course). 

4. The Noodle - Wilmette

Can you tell downtown Wilmette is the place to be? It has truly popped off and the majority of restaurants aren’t serving up your typical “suburbs” food (you know- fried appetizers and burgers and weird salads and overpriced meat dishes) so I am always happy to be out in our little mini city. The Noodle is as classic Italian as you can get, with overflowing ceramic boats of buttery garlic bread, a salad OR soup included with your entree, and no bar- only wine (or beer) if you want a drinky drink. Incredible. I am partial to the house-made spinach linquine with Roasted Garlic and Sun-dried Tomatoes sauce, and the starter salad with house Creamy Garlic Parmesan dressing. Their Tomato Basil soup is also delicious, however I have some suspicion that that soup is the same as the Roasted Garlic and Sun-dried Tomatoes sauce... just served as soup... they refuse to confirm or deny whenever I ask. Either way, delicious. I tried a NEW DISH when we went last week to sit at one of the 6 large tables they have spaced out outside, and let me tell you that the bowtie pasta (not house-made) with Alfredo sauce is THE SHIT. It may be my new go-to when I just want to carbo-load the hecking out of my night. On your way out, get a Pot de Creme to go- it’s the richest, smoothest chocolate dessert on this side of town. 

5. Hometown Coffee & Juice - Glencoe 

Hometown deserves a round of applause for breathing life back into the stuffy grandmother of the North Shore - Glencoe. Between the gorgeous Writers Theatre and countless boutiques selling blouses and hand-blown glass jewelry, it used to only really serve a certain demographic, however Hometown said “let me give it a try” and changed weekends in Glencoe for good. This coffee shop, smoothie bar, bakery, & cafe hotspot is the perfect afternoon spot to grab a drink, enjoy avocado toast, and sit outside at one of the dozens of tables they’ve lined the corner and two streets with. They’ve moved their registers outside so you don’t even need to go inside to order, and the wait staff will bring you your order right to your table to make it as organized and safe as possible. The tables are spread out, the corner it’s located on is beautiful in the fall, and there are lots of good dogs out and about. 

I will say that while Hometown is doing a great job with COVID precautions, the people of Glencoe are a little high & mighty, and seem to think they’re exempt from wearing a mask to wait in line to get their smoothie. It’s irritating that they’re putting the staff at risk and just ignoring state mandates because they feel safe in their little North Shore bubble and because it’s entirely outside, but come on. Be respectful and understand the privilege of these places even being open to serve you, and just wear mask. I hate people. ANYWAY. Love you, Hometown. 

6. Coast Sushi - Evanston 

Ok, so this gem is not open for dining indoors OR outdoors, however they have their carryout system down and their sushi is so, SO fresh and good. I’ve picked up from here a few times and eat time I fall more in love with the flavors and how consistently tasty it is- and with sushi, it’s always a gamble if it’s going to be really good or kinda fishy and old. The Coast in South Loop was a favorite spot for a while, however it has shut down and I am so happy to be able to get my favorite rolls up in the burbs. My go-to order is a Spicy Tuna Maki, Spicy Scallop Maki, Spicy Miso Soup, a side of Spicy Mayo, and a side of Sushi Rice. This sounds odd, but hear me out- I like to mix the spicy mayo into the sushi rice and eat it just like that. It’s. So. Good. Am I gross? I might be gross. 

Anything you get from here is going to rock your socks off, so for your next night in (aka every night lol) treat yourself to some sushi, babbyyy! 

I sincerely hope that we can keep dining outside for at least a few more weeks, and I am absolutely ok with wearing Uggs and a full-on coat to be able to. Just a reminder to keep your mask on when talking to wait staff, be polite, be patient, and don’t be an asshole. You don’t NEED to dine out- it’s a treat- and you should treat it as such. Don’t be a Karen, or don’t leave your house. Those are literally the only two options.

I hope you try somewhere new, whether it’s carryout or dining out, and tell me if you have any favorite North Shore spots I missed! 

Until next time, Happy Eating!

- Natalie

[venuefit]

Exclusive use Luxury Townhouse Package (£4850.00)

Townhouse No.5 can be exclusively yours for your special day. It includes opulent features, original fireplaces, rich wood paneling, dramatic stained glass windows and sweeping wooden staircases with 12 truly luxurious bedrooms and suites, as well as the ultimate honeymoon suite, 'Domaine Georges Vernay', complete with private patio area. Capacity Ideal for up to 80 guests in the day guests and 120 evening guests. The property's own 'secret' terraced garden is perfect for an intimate and sophisticated wedding ceremony and reception. The Macallan, Glenlivet, Ardbeg and Glengoyne private rooms will all be at your disposable.  ✔ Private function rooms ✔ Honeymoon suite on a basis for the wedding night ✔ 12x luxury bedrooms on a B&B (Bread and Breakfast ) basis for the wedding night ✔ Dedicated Wedding co-ordinator ✔ Flowers for table centerpieces ✔ Place cards ✔ Personalized menus ✔ Candles ✔ Cake knife ✔ Master of ceremonies    

Menu Options

CANAPÉS (£3 PER CANAPÉ) Oyster in shell with caviar Mini roast beef and Yorkshire pudding and horseradish cream Seared, hand dived Scottish scallop with chorizo Dunkeld smoked salmon with a herb bannock and crème fraîché Tartlet of spiced Mediterranean vegetables with aged Parmesan Deep fried calamari with sweet chilli jam and mango Bon bon of Dingwall black pudding and pear chutney Pea and Parmesan crostini Sun blushed tomato and mozzarella Free range chicken satay and salsa   RUINART MENU ( £44.50 PER PERSON ) Dunkeld smoked salmon, classic garnish Roast plum vine tomato soup with basil oil Tian of Stornoway black pudding confit potato, poached free range egg and Dijon mustard Green apple sorbet Cullen skink soup, lemon oil Strawberry jelly, Champagne foam Pan fried sea bream with herb pommes purée and sauce vierge Butter roasted corn fed chicken suprême with pommes fondant, truffled haricots vert and a Madeira cream Loch Duart salmon fillet with a warm salad of ratte potato and spring onion, caviar and cucumber, beurre blanc Risotto of fresh herbs and Roquefort blue cheese with herb oil Devonshire sticky toffee pudding with clotted cream Peanut parfait, cherry sorbet and chocolate sauce Fresh fruit pavlova with crème Chantilly Tea or coffee with petit fours Supplement of £9 per person:  Selection of British and continental cheeses POL ROGER MENU (£49.50 PER PERSON) Risotto of saffron and fresh pea, aged Parmesan Terrine of smoked ham hock and puy lentils, toasted farmhouse bread, pickles Cullen skink, lemon oil Crab bisque Lychee and chilli sorbet Carrot and cardamom soup. Traditional roasted sirloin of Scottish beef, Yorkshire pudding,truffled French beans, château potatoes, red wine and rosemary sauce, béarnaise Pan fried sea bass, basil crushed potatoes, anchovy beignet, sauce vierge Roasted rump of Perthshire lamb with baby carrot puree, pomme fondant, savoy cabbage and thyme jus Butternut squash and ricotta gnocchi, micro herb salad. Dark chocolate and pistachio tart, pistachio ice cream, cocoa nib croquant White chocolate panna cotta, passion fruit syrup, langue de chat biscuits Poached William pear, crème frâiche mousse, Valhrona chocolate sauce Tea or coffee with petit fours Selection of British and continental cheeses Supplement of £9 per person VEUVE CLICQUOT MENU (£55.00 PER PERSON) Chicken liver parfait, baby figs, toasted brioche Tian of west coast crab, avocado, cucumber and dill dressing Velouté of wild mushroom and hazelnut oil Lemon sorbet Lobster consommé Champagne granita, strawberry mousse Highland roasted venison loin, dauphinoise potatoes, cinnamon braised red cabbage, celeriac purée, port wine jus Beef Wellington, wilted baby spinach, mange-tout, sauce à la périgourdine Fillet of line caught halibut, chowder of mussels, surf clams, razor clams, tomatoes, wilted greens, basil oil Italian white truffle tagliatelle, Parmesan cream Valrhona chocolate crème brûlée, shortbread fingers Baked New York cheesecake, apricot coulis Chocolate and golden raisin brownie, rum and raisin ice cream, white chocolate espuma Tea or coffee with petit fours Selection of British and continental cheeses Supplement of £9 per person BARBEQUE MENU (£29.50 PER PERSON) Pork and apple sausages Mini Cairn Hill burgers, sesame buns Marinated St Bride chicken legs Halloumi vegetable kebabs SALADS&VEGETABLES Pasta salad Tomato, cucumber and coriander salad Seasonal rice Potato salad coleslaw Grilled sweet corn INDIVIDUAL DESSERTS White chocolate panna cotta Fruit salad Tarte au citron, raspberry sorbet Strawberries and clotted cream DRINK PACKAGES (FROM £25.00 PER PERSON) PLANETA (£25.00 PER PERSON) A glass of sparkling wine Half a bottle of house wine Glass of sparkling wine for the toast GEOFF MERRILL (£29.50 PER PERSON) A glass of Champagne Half a bottle of house wine Glass of Champagne for the toast Half a bottle of mineral water WILLI OPITZ (£34.50 PER PERSON) A glass of Champagne Half a bottle of wine to complement your menu (please speak to your Wedding Co-ordinator) Glass of Champagne for the toast Half a bottle of mineral water FAQ What's the capacity of the function rooms? Our venue offered the exclusive use of a Townhouse with a number of private rooms in it. The smallest is our Glengoyne room seating up to 10 / The Ardbeg seating up to 16 / The Glenlivet seating up to 50 or if combining the Glenlivet & Ardbeg it can seat up to 80. What are the check-in and check-out times? Check-in – 3pm / Check out – 11am What else comes with the function room (projector, stage, table setup: boardroom table, etc.)? All tables, white table linen, white linen napkins, crockery, cutlery, glassware, wooden dancefloor hire, and own events staff. What is the cancellation policy? There is a non-refundable deposit of  £ 1000 to reserve the day and make preparations for your event. Cancellations will : 7-12 months prior event date, we charge 10% 4-6 months prior, we charge  25% 3 months or less prior, we charge 100%) Is a special food arrangement possible for food not listed on your menu? We can tailor catering to suit each party Read the full article

[lilmissjlxy]

Recipe: Spicy Clams with Thai Basil (Hoy Lai Pad Nam Prik Pao)

One of the ways that you can use Nam Prik Pao is in a yummy dish like this Spicy Clams with Thai Basil. Just the thought of it has me salivating! Don't forget to like and share our post if you enjoyed it! #MummysKitchen #BeyondNormEats

My family loves seafood and of course clams!!  I used to cook clams with ginger and spring onions or with sambal chilli. So when I discovered Nam Prik Pao (Thai Chilli Jam), I was more than delighted to cook the clams in this style. The chilli jam a very palatable and the Thai basil adds colour and compliments the clams so well. It is a very simple dish to cook if you have the chilli jam on hand…

[businessliveme]

Where Top Chefs Eat in Mumbai

(Bloomberg) – Mumbai is a wonderful city for eating out. There’s history. There’s tradition. There’s luxury hotels with cool international cuisine and icy air-conditioning. And there’s also street food, though some foreign visitors are wary.

But where do Indian chefs like to eat? We asked some of the biggest names in Indian gastronomy for their favorite places and dishes, from cheap snacks to fine gastronomy.

Here are their picks.

Americano

This is the new restaurant of chef Alex Sanchez, who previously won countless fans and a large following at the Table in Mumbai. Here, in a cool bar with a high ceiling, he serves an eclectic menu of things he likes to cook. Those things include great pizzas and a quirky dish of corn “ribs,” dusted with spices and served with green garlic aioli. “I went there twice in the opening week and the simplicity blew me away,” says Hussain Shahzad of O Pedro restaurant in Mumbai. “The corn ribs are an amazing bar snack.” 123 Nagindas Master Road, Kala Ghoda, Fort; +91 22226 47700; www.americanobombay.com

Bademiya

This street-food stall behind the Taj Mahal Palace hotel traces its history to 1946. It’s a destination and late at night Tulloch Road is jammed with people lining up for the seekh kebabs, many with the food laid out on their car bonnets. Popular dishes include mutton seekh kabab. “It’s very good: It’s an institution,” says Vivek Singh, of London’s Cinnamon Club. “The kebabs are awesome,” says Surender Mohan, of London’s Jamavar. A third London-based chef, Sriram Aylur of Quilon, visits whenever he is in Mumbai. Tulloch Road, Behind Hotel Taj Mahal, Apollo Bandar, Colaba, 400039; +91 99671 14179

Bombay Canteen

This fashionable restaurant and bar is a favorite of many chefs, who enjoy the modern cooking of traditional regional dishes as well as the buzz. (The culinary director and co-founder is Floyd Cardoz, who worked for Danny Meyer in New York, and learned much about hospitality along the way.) “I like the rustic way they serve the food: It’s a modern take and it’s a cool place,” says Rohit Ghai of Kutir, in London. “I love it: They are so innovative,” says Ravinder Bhogal of Jikoni, whose favorite dish is Beetroot & Topli Paneer. Quilon’s Aylur says, “They take a simple dish and give it a twist. I find it very exciting.” Kamala Mills, SB Road, Lower Parel, 400013; +91 22 4966 6666; thebombaycanteen.com

Britannia & Co

This grand old Parsi cafe was an inspiration for Dishoom restaurant in London. “It was built in the early twenties by George Wittet, the architect who also built the Gateway of India,” according to Dishoom. Jamavar’s Mohan, whose other London restaurant is Bombay Bustle, recommends the berry pulao (spiced rice with currant-like dried berries) and “a fine rendition of Bombay duck.” Harneet Baweja, of Gunpowder, London, is another fan: “It’s a place you go to every day.” 16 Wakefield House, Sprott Road, Ballard Estate, Fort, 400038; +91 22 2261 5264

Looking for Indian food in Oman – Visit Barbecue Nation

Jai Hind Lunch Home

This inexpensive seafood restaurant is a favorite of chef Cyrus Todiwala of Cafe Spice Namaste in London, who particularly enjoys the Clam Sukka with coconut; and the Bombay Duck at the Bandra West outlet. “I love the way they do their seafood,” he says. “It’s very fresh and light, with the right amount of pungency, and amazing flavors. It’s super casual and very busy. You might have to queue.” Gunpowder’s Baweja is another fan of the Clam Sukka, enjoying the dry masala style. (He favors the Lower Parel location.) 7/8 B, Madhav Bhavan, Opposite Kamala Mills, Lower Parel, 400013; +91 22 2493 0010; jaihindlunchhome.com

Mahesh Lunch Home

This seafood restaurant, founded in 1977, serves the Mangalorean cuisine of South India, known for its fish curries and the use of coconut and curry leaves. (There are now four outlets in Mumbai alone.) “It’s a seafood place for locals, an institution,” says Cinnamon Club’s Singh. “It’s informal and not too expensive, and the food is very acceptable.” Jikoni’s Bhogal says: “It’s really good coastal food.” Chef Karam Sethi of Gymkhana and other JKS Restaurants in London, is a fan of the “classic” cooking. 8-B, Cawasji Patel Street, Fort, 400001; +91 22 2287 0938; www.maheshlunchhome.com

O Pedro

This Goan bar and restaurant in northern Mumbai is fashionable and buzzy, with creative cocktails and cooking. Bar snacks such as burrata salad with slow-roasted winter carrots, pumpkin-seed granola & toasted chilli oil set the standard. O Pedro is the pick of the restaurateur and writer Camellia Panjabi, who says, “It’s a playful restaurant from the founders of Bombay Canteen.” She enjoys the modern Goan cooking and the cocktails. Panjabi’s restaurants include Chutney Mary and Masala Zone in London. Unit No. 2, Plot No. C-68 Jet Airways – Godrej BKC, Bandra Kurla Complex, Bandra (E), 400051; +91 22 2653 4700; opedromumbai.com

Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2019

Sea Lounge at the Taj Mahal

The Taj Mahal Palace opened in 1903 and is a beautiful landmark in Mumbai. The afternoon tea at the Sea Lounge is not to be missed, according to Quilon’s Sriram, who particularly recommends the Bhel Puri (puffed rice, crispies, potatoes, onion and chillies) and the Pani Puri. “It is a whole great experience,” he says, recommending the breakfast, too. Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, Apollo Bunder, 400001; +91 22 6665 3285; bit.ly/2X1tP5c

Shree Thaker Bhojanalay

This marvelous and inexpensive vegetarian restaurant is difficult to find. My driver had no clue (But it might become considerably easier soon as chef David Chang and actor Aziz Ansari filmed there recently.) You are served a tray of small Gujarati dishes and freshly made breads. The food is delicious and there are endless refills for about $7. Chef Mohan is a fan: He describes it as Mumbai’s “most decadent thali,” and particularly enjoys the bread and the “ghee-laden, vegetarian cooking.” 31 Dadiseth Agiyari Lane, Kalbadevi, 400002; +91 22 2208 8035

Swati Snacks

Some visitors worry about the hygiene of street food in India. Swati takes that food and serves it on bright yellow plates in the cleanest of rooms. You enjoy a number of plates, such as the pani puri, crispy pastry balls that you fill with lentils and tangy sauces. Asma Khan, recently featured on Netflix’s Chef’s Table, is a particular fan of the Bhel Puri (chaat Indian snack.) “It is just incredible,” she says. “I am very fussy. There is a classic amount of chutney-to-crunch ratio and they get it exactly right. But those yellow plates are terrible. The owner must have lost a bet.” (Khan’s London restaurant is Darjeeling Express.) Chef Atul Kochhar of Kanishka restaurant in London is another fan. Chefs Ghai, Mohan and Sethi all name Swati among their favorite restaurants. (There are two outlets, each, in Mumbai and Ahmedabad.) Dalamal Tower, Free Press Journal Marg, Nariman Point, 400021; +91 22 6666-6880; www.swatisnacks.com

The Table

This eclectic restaurant has many fans for its modern global cuisine. “They set a trend to do really, really good continental food,” says Ravinder Bhogal, who recommends zucchini spaghetti with almonds and Parmesan; and boneless chicken wings fashioned into cubes with with a ginger glaze. “I love the atmosphere, too,” she says. (I went recently, after the departure of chef Alex Sanchez to Americano, and enjoyed an heirloom-tomato and grilled-strawberry salad with Belper Knolle cheese, basil and sunflower seeds.) Awards include a Best Restaurant in India accolade from Time Out. Kalapesi Trust Building, Below Hotel Suba Palace, Apollo Bunder Marg, Colaba, 400039; +91 22 2282 5000; thetable.in

Eating more rice can fight obesity… read here

Trishna

This small restaurant in the Fort area of south Mumbai is arguably the most famous in the city, particularly for its garlic butter crab. “When you mention Bombay to anyone, the restaurant they will talk about is Trishna,” says Karam Sethi, who likes it so much he went into partnership to open a Trishna in London. “It’s the freshest seafood from the Arabian sea cooked simply but full of flavor and punch,” he says. Other chefs agree: “It’s not chi-chi but everyone goes there and you’ll always see someone there you know,” says Ravinder Bhogal, who is a particular fan of the neer dosa. Surender Mohan says: “If you’re a seafood lover, eating out in south Mumbai would be incomplete without visiting Trishna.” Near Rhythm House, Kala Ghoda, 400053; +91 22 2270 3214; bit.ly/2G1xxVq

Richard Vines is the chief food critic at Bloomberg. Follow him on Twitter @richardvines and Instagram @richard.vines.

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[theexploringegg]

Day 4 in Taipei: Spirited Away

Hopping out of bed early, we arranged to meet our Japanese friend Soyo, a student we met in Belfast who now works and lives in Taipei. Strolling along our crowded morning market lane, the smell of sweet doriyaki filled the air and our nostrils enticed us to shift a sly hand into our pockets and hand over $10 (25p) for the red bean filled cakes. A wave and a smile to the cute auntie and we were off to catch our bus.

Longshan temple area was also thriving when we arrived, and again, we were tempted by a busy food stall selling fresh soya milk and a scallion pancake. Reaching the temple, we greeted Soyo (after many years!), took a few selfies and headed inside. 
The colourful, elaborately decorated is one of the top attractions in Taipei, and was brimmed with people buying incense and leaving food offerings for the gods. I stood back and watched as they prayed, held up the food and bowed, before thrusting it back in their bags and heading home. The array of these gifts kept me amused: everything from fruits to cookies, healthy hazelnut granola (probably more meant for the young female worshipper) to candies. We then strolled down a morning food market street, bought a bitter Chinese herbal drink (so pungent it was undrinkable- any wonder the vendor looked amused when we asked to buy one) and found Bopiliao Historical street. This one was interesting: with history from 1979, Its now been revamped and houses an education centre and one can imagine walking the streets of the Qing dynasty. For some strange reason, they had an art exposition featuring bathtubs. Think bathtub see seasaws, bathtub cars, bathtub climbing frames. I understand this is difficult to fathom…

Next we hopped on bus to the famous Din Tai Fung restaurant (one of several branches… we choose the shorter queue thanks to a handy app!) and picked up an iced coffee at Louisa (not me unfortunately). This restaurant is a must eat, and now has branches worldwide- the Hong Kong one being awarded a Michelin star. The xiaolongbao didn’t not disappoint either- we savoured a basket of the original, a fish and pork variation, some pickled cucumber, a hot and sour soup and some prawn dumplings in chilli oil. The staff were so attentive and a credit to the business.

After a break chilling at our second home, the Bouti Capsule Inn, a sneaky chocolate bubble tea and a red rice & peanut mochi, we got a private taxi to the famous Jiufen. The hour journey cost about 8 quid each and was a stress-free way to reach the beautiful lantern-lit streets filled with little shops, lots of street food and colourful buildings. The whole scene felt magical as the sun set and the whole place glowed with life. It really did feel like stepping into an anime movie, like Spirited Away from which the setting was based.

After some haggling we jumped on a taxi home and watched the sky flash and roar as we got pummelled by floods of rain. It didn’t deter our plans to visit the biggest night market in Taipei though: Shilin. This was one place we wanted to visit, however the market did feel more commercial compared to the local ones we had been used to. Meandering the streets and clinging to one-another under our dripping umbrellas, we tried a chicken yakitori stick (Japanese influence), some kind of potato dumpling with an awful artificial yellow/orange cheese sauce and pig intestine noodles. I loved the noodles, and asked for a top up of the aniseed-rich Taiwan basil leaves. That cheese thing I didn’t touch though. To tick another few eats off our list, we had a deep-fried oyster/cabbage patty (like okonomiyaki), the famed oyster omelette with chilli sauce, minced pork with rice (lu rou fan) and some refreshing clam soup. The tastes were good, but everything was quite greasy for my liking. We ended our evening chilling in a coffee/tea house with two new local friends, David and Wesley and enjoyed ice-teas until midnight. I wish places like this opened late in the UK!

The MRT was our way home, and the familiar walk along our night-market street to our apartment. Anthony couldn’t resist an egg tart, and we found ourselves in a convenience store gazing at the array or milk drinks in the fridge.

I had to remind myself that it would be rather glutinous in looking for dessert at 12.45am, so shared a chocolate milk and did face masks (best travel buddy!) to wind down at the end of another jammed day.