On a warm Sunday afternoon, I decided to try out a place named Kiwi. My friends had been telling me all about it for quite some time, so I had to see what all their fuss was about. Even though Kiwi is somewhat hidden in between all the shops, you'll find that it has more to offer than just great cuisine. As I made my way toward the entrance, I was greeted by a handsome golden retriever; he was enjoying the sunshine on this relaxing afternoon, just like me. Inside, the restaurant had simple white decor, with votive candles decorating the tables, and soft jazz tunes in the background; all of this certainly created an unspoken feeling serenity and bliss.
This cozy eatery accommodates up to eight tables at once and the menu offerings are both diverse and original. Flipping through the pages, you'll see everything from salads and rice/noodle dishes, to au gratin bakes and snacks, as well as teas and sorbets. The unique mix of flavors that the chef uses gives customers a chance to be adventurous with their taste buds. Chef Hong recommends their Spicy Shrimp Pasta in Tomato Sauce (NT$280), which is made with numerous Italian spices and other seafood ingredients; the Clam Pasta in White Wine Sauce (NT$200) is another constant favorite among the guests. I ordered a plate of Spicy Garlic Pasta (NT$170), which is served in a simple, squarish bowl. Chef Hong noted that all of his pasta dishes are made with pure olive oil, so the flavors are even more authentic. Salad choices are also impeccable--the Chicken Salad with Au Gratin Potatoes and the Italian-style Smoked Salmon (NT$290) are the most popular.
If you are a fan of cheese, try their au gratin selections like Pumpkin Chicken (NT$260), or Chicken with Mustard and Cream Sauce (NT$260). You can have it with either rice or pasta. Pay an extra NT$130 to upgrade yourself to a set meal with salad, soup, bread and a beverage. Just recently, the restaurant introduced a couple of new dishes to welcome spring; these include the Spicy Scallop Pasta in Shrimp Sauce (NT$280), Stir-Fried Pasta with Scallops and Asparagus, and a chef's specialty, the Italian Seafood Pasta Roll (4 rolls/serving). Before summer, you can even taste their new dessert items like Tiramisu and caramel pudding.
Address:199-5, ZhongHua Rd, Sec 2
Tel:(04) 2208-5222