If you happen to find yourself in the vicinity of the Neihu Science Park and fancy eating something other than cheap earthy local fare then there are very few options open to you. One place that is worth checking out, however, is Club 1920 Restaurant, which is a place where quality food can be found in what is for all intents and purposes a gastronomic wasteland.
From the outside the joint resembles a club rather than a restaurant and would-be patrons could easily walk past without even noticing it. This would be a shame, however, as what lies within couldn't be further removed from its facade, the most prominent feature of which is a neon light in the shape of a saxophone.
Originally opened in June of 2004, the restaurant has recently changed hands and with new management at the helm have come new ideas. Once a place that served up a wide range of modern Western cuisine, Club 1920 has now become a place where both European and fine modern Chinese fare are the order of the day. It boasts a spacious interior and private rooms for functions and the seating in the main dining area gives patrons the choice to relax on sofas or be seated at more standardized dining tables.
PHOTO: GAVIN PHIPPS, TAIPEI TIMES
The menu is not overly large, but it is solid and contains many popular Chinese staples, some fancy Western dishes and a few house specials such as shrimp salad with mango sauce and duck breast with red wine and pears thrown in for good measure. The price of the dishes is pretty much on a par with any number of mid-priced Chinese/Western eateries in Taipei proper.
The dishes range from NT$180 to roughly NT$280, with a selection of more expensive options on offer for those who don't mind splashing out. Although it does serve set meals, Club 1920 is a place best enjoyed with friends as the more of you there are the more you get to try. And trying head chef Huo Chi-hsiung's (
Food aside, there is only one drawback when opting to dine out at Club 1920 and that is the lack of an English menu. This shouldn't put you off, however, as even if you can't read Chinese the waiting staff are on hand to point diners in an interesting and tasty dining direction. As well as being an enjoyable place to chow down on great food the joint is also a bar and as the name mildly suggests, a jazz club. From 10pm every night the house jazz band takes to the stage and patrons get to savor the sound of classic jazz.
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