You'ree not far off the mark if, when walking into Cafe (畫布), you feel
like you just walked into someone's living room, because not only is
that the intended effect, but the boss, Zhuang Feng-mian(莊鳳棉), lives
part of the time at the cafe. If you come to the cafe late enough, you
may even see her husband and son going over homework in a corner.
Cafe is in one of the few remaining Japanese colonial-era homes in the
Shihta neighborhood and is certainly one of the best maintained. Every
aspect of the building has been preserved down to the last detail,
including the original wooden window frames and gate and the manicured
mini-garden at the back.
Zhuang has redesigned the interior to create a small, intimate seating
area. A spotless hardwood floor, dark wood counters and wooden wall
braces add a cozy ambiance, made all the more comfortable by the soft
glow of lamps at the 10 or so antique tables. The living room effect is
topped off by the open kitchen filled with old jars full of tea and
coffee. In the corners and on display mantles are various flea
market-bought decorations like old vases, what appears to be the head of
Michaelangelo's David and oil paintings of Venice and Paris by Zhuang's
artist husband Huang Kai(黃凱).
Cafe is a great setting to while away a lazy afternoon sipping on Zhuang's delicious herbal teas, milk teas or coffees (all NT$150) and reading
a book or magazine. Those so inspired can even sketch or write comments
in notepads that Zhuang leaves on the counter for that purpose. There is
no food on the menu, but customers are welcome to bring their own.
In a secluded alley and slightly removed from the main drag of Shihta
drinking holes, the cafe is a spot for a simple, healthy, quiet time.
Driving this point home is the prohibition on smoking (smokers can
indulge in the garden) and the absence of alcoholic drinks from the
menu.
Cafe is located at 2, Ln. 6, Alley 38, Taihsun St. (泰順街38巷6弄2號)
and is open every day from 10am to 11pm (or until the Zhuang household
wants to close up shop).
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