01.2024
Another year introduced in the special alternate reality that is Taiwan. Where time passes slow, but the days pass fast.
The first few days of the year spent in temperate weather, even some beautifully sunny days that Taipei graced us with, before sending me back off to a snowy, rainy New York.
A week “quarantined” upstate further distanced me from the city. And when I did finally get back into the usual routine, it felt rushed, like a push toward February.
HOT POT & A HIKE
The best thing about visiting Taiwan in the winter is that it feels more appropriate for hot pot. God Guo is a Taiwanese style hot pot concept, with a fun selection of soup bases, and an AYCE vegetable bar that included (to my delight) various kinds of tofu skin.
After hot pot, it’s only fitting to try to walk it off. And on a lovely sunny day, walking it off ended up with a trip up to Yuanshan. It’s been years since I’ve been up to the grand hotel, and she’s looking quite refreshed. It was quite a warm day, though haze obscured the views of the city.
There’s a viewing point called “the old place” and there’s something so lovely about a place that feels like an old haunt shared by locals.
current obsessions
I honestly don’t spend enough time in parks while in Taiwan. Sure, often the weather gets to decide how my outside time is spent, but sunny days call for garden walks. This one adjacent to Lin An Tai Historical House.
culture fix
will always have a soft spot for british crime shows
it makes great cold winter day tv
truly, beautifully cinematic
GIFT SHOPPING
The final days in Taiwan mean collecting some gifts to bring back state side to share. I hit some of the usuals on Yong Kang Street, and scored some Taiwan Beer glasses at TK.
Also happened upon a new discovery and obsession: naturally flavored chewy fruit candies from __. The red guava flavor is to die for.
good bites
Sometimes the best bites are the unfussy ones.
Taiwanese bakeries will always bring me joy.
The pork pepper buns of my childhood have increased in price with inflation but still taste like home.
And then some newer discoveries:
5.Tung felt like a particularly special treat on a rainy day.
A Nice Holiday officially makes my favorite drink: citrusy with chewy, lightly sweetened tapioca kuih 粉糕.
Kicking off 2024 with sweet iced treats and savory (and spicy and sour?) fish stew. Very 爽 indeed.
Starbucks is always better abroad. Taiwan has nitro matcha lattes (though I wish it weren’t sweetened).
Back in New York, short, dark, winter days means we seek comfort through food. On wet grey days, carbs hit extra hard.
Golden Diner for dinner felt especially cozy after a grey day of shopping in the Lower East Side.
Nabila’s made for a warm brunch setting on a rainy Saturday.
And a special celebration at Odo, which never disappoints.
camera roll
until next time, 7-Eleven
premiere party
hole in wall roaster
after hours at moma
three flights “home”
after hours at the test kitchen