(II) WALK THE HISTORY: Taipei North Gate & Zhongshan Hall

Continued....

'Fortress Cafe  堡壘咖啡' (sit on the terrace on a nice day!) - Recommend!

There are several reasons I recommend this Cafe - for its historical significance, its classic deco, and for in my opinion, a delightful experience all around. On a good day and at night - meals on the terrace can be romantic and even exciting. Needless to say, it's at heart of Ximending, no shortage of food, drinks, choices and company. But I personally like it. And it's free to walk around the building exploring its old-time glory and modern Taiwan history.

Remember - you are eating at a historic listed building. There are limits, but there are also characters. Fire (Flame) cooking is banned. Only electric cooking is allowed in the kitchen.

The terrace through the door is where Chiang KS delivered his speech.

Quite a good range of choice for a menu at a historic listed building.

Madame Chiang's (Soong Mei-ling) Room

The left room is known 'Madame Chiang's Room' - where Chiang and/or Madame rested and waited  between public appearances on the terrace. In the last pic: the window seats overlooking terrace. This room is for function & event booking only. 

Signature is Beef Noodle Soup. It's good beef and tender, also light.  

Somehow the way served appears 'western' - and certainly carbohydrates the noodle is taking a minor role than most other I have eaten.

Good dish too. I recall being told once the recipes and cooking were passed on 

from established chefs. 

Worth mention and try is their house coffee - which recently won a Taipei coffee award under 'Italian style'. I am not a coffee connoisseur. But it's good coffee. Made from 5 types of beans sourced including Ethiopia, Costa Rica and Brazil. Coffee master is 周新翔 , who is a cocktail master at night. 

Others interesting:

The first projector in Taiwan.

Ornate Grand Pianos on the fourth floor. (a couple of on this day. But I have seen several 
on my visit few months ago)

citizenM Taipei North Gate is good 'chic' fun - friendly and young staff welcome public to look around the fairly new hotel and appreciate what they do. We ordered some drinks and snacks on the second floor lounge. Good view of North Gate too. 

TAKAO1972 Midtown Richardson Restaurant

A surprise find! VERY good value set meal here! Spacious, power sockets available all around. At the 'back', not the 'hotpot' area. Like - 4 star hotel facility and 2 star meal price. And good enjoyable food. 

85-year-old Taiwan Jazz Legend

I also like to use this space to introduce and share about 85-years-old Joe Chuang 趙可莊 - Taiwan's 'Jazz Godfather'. He irregularly and at little or no notice, appears here playing on the Grand Piano. No commit to a fixed time or duration - just play to his heart's content. As much and as long as he wants. Usually on a Wednesday afternoon I was told. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fhM2xgDqNVc

A few days after the Walk, friend booked a table for Joe's special concert on a Saturday afternoon. Everyone in the room was high and so joyful. You feel it. 

She is the Cafe manager. Who is also a singer and flutist.