A Wasted Journey???

The time now is 12 midnight(well almost) and having aborted my trip to Shilin Night Market, I find myself needing to tell you why!

Ever been waiting on the Train/Metro platform and when the train pulls up, realize that there's no way you can possibly board? Happened to me for the first time in my life!!! 

Exhilaration, when I managed to get my token, after watching numerous people hitting the buttons of the automated machines(coin amounts and symbols, being my only guide), soon turned to abject fear, when the train pulled up and all I could see was jam packed cars; and when I say jammed, I mean JAMMED!!!

It wasn't the people that bothered me, but rather the feeling of Holy C--p, if I need to, who could I ask for help in identifying my stop. So, with a 'chickened out' tail between my legs, I promptly walked back the way I'd just come.

Reaching street level and another sea of people, the realization of being an idiot, slammed home, so instead of skulking into bed next to Nancy, I decided to take my sorry(you know what) and explore and let me tell you, I had one of the best spicy chicken and rice dishes I've ever had the pleasure of eating!!!

Tucked away on a side street(no, don't ask me which one, but I can tell you it was near 'The Love Corner', which I had seen earlier in the day), was a little hole in the wall, with the most amazing smells seeping from its walls. I don't know whether I smelled , tasted or just plain saw the aromas, but I promptly sat myself down and ordered "General Tsao's Spicy Chicken".....Amazing! 

Bite size pieces of Soy Sauced-Chicken, Bok Choy, Green Onion, Cashews and a mountain of chopped, dried smokey Chilies. Next to this, sat a steaming pile of White Rice and to my surprise, a bowl of clear broth, Egg Drop Soup. With ears itching and nose running, it was a pleasure to sip the soothing broth, at the end of the meal. 

Add to this a litre of Taiwanese beer and my meal was done, all for around US$10, again.....Amazing!!!

So, here I sit, now well past 12 midnight, having to wonder, was it really a 'Wasted Journey'???

Later,

Ades

Oh, by the way, tomorrow, we visit Pin Lin, a town where we'll eat at a restaurant that serves tea, in every dish!!!

Who (K)nose?

.....and so, this is the beginning, or should I say the Nose!!!

Here they are, the lights of my life, about to embark on a journey like no other they or we have ever taken together, am I nuts or just a fruitcake?

Speaking of fruit; ever experienced the sheer delight of biting into a perfect strawberry? Well, look no further than China Airlines!!!

After mopping the juice from her chin, Nancy exclaimed with delight, that she was surely going to enjoy China as that was the best strawberry she'd had the pleasure of eating.....slight problem though, upon enquiring where this delicacy came from, was politely told by Cecilia, our Taiwanese Attendant, KULA!!!  Oh yes, this is going to be a fun trip!!!

Sitting in the dark, shuttered cabin(the only light being a beam, coming from above my head), my earphones, quietly playing Chinese love songs, (I can only guess as to what they're singing, but the emotion seems to be that of love),  I have the pleasure of being told about a variety of dishes, that I 'HAVE TO TRY'! 

One example would be a Dim Sum that is filled with soup, (cannot wait to try this). It is only made in one place, Cecilia tells me and yes, I will post the name and address of the restaurant on a later blog!

Did any of you know that there is one distinct difference to the cuisine of the North and South of Taiwan? Apparently, the North favours somewhat saltier dishes, whereas in the South all dishes are cooked with a slight amount of sugar.....hmmm, does this mean the people of the South are sweeter, guess we'll have to see!!! 

Here are a few phonetic Chinese words for you to mull over, whilst I continue finding out more about the fun eateries I can visit.

sheyshey.....thank-you

bulasheyshey.....no thank-you

and

Bucachee.....you're welcome

猪血糕 and 臭豆腐

   Hmmm, well I wish I could tell you what this page is titled, however, what I can tell you is that it is available at the Shillin Night Market in Taipei!

   What you see to your right however, is not available at the Shillin Night Market, but what I can tell you, is that it was available, right here at 1702 tonight!

   A simple dish, consisting of Ground Turkey, Onions, Garlic, Basil and Green Chili Peppers. Throw this on a bed of Spinach with Basmati Rice and thank-you, dinner is served.....hey we haven't left yet, what were you expecting, Chinese!!!

Until then, keep checking in,

Ades

Curry in a Hurry!!!

....or should I say NOT so much of a hurry!!!

Chicken Tika Masala, Vindaloo Potatoes, Madras Pork and Fruit, "Really" Spicy Dahl, Mushroom Saag, Cashews 'n' Cauliflower, Red Chili Green Beans and don't forget the Saffron Rice, along with the Breads and Chutneys, were the menu items at my Birthday bash the other night, however, the items on next weeks menu, promise to have a much more Oriental flare.....Chinese anyone. 

Should anyone have any requests as to what they'd like to see or have me cook/taste, please post or comment and I shall try to oblige, but remember, I DO have my limits and a healthy gag reflex!!!

Ades.

Crazy Days!

Ever wonder why we run around just days before going anywhere?

I've decided that we all need these 'Crazy Days' so we can appreciate the fact that we're actually going away!!!

As a few of you know, our Family is off to China in a while and one thing we hope to do is eat our way through this magnificent land.

Check back frequently to view our travels and enjoy the food, vicariously, if nothing else.

Ades