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[RESTAURANT REVIEW] Outback Steakhouse (Xinyi Branch)

Outback's tenderloin makes no bones about being a carnivore's delight.

Outback Steakhouse, which established its first Taipei outlet in the basement of the Asiaworld Department Store (大亞百貨) in 2005, has opened a new branch that makes the most of the big spaces available in the rapidly developing Xinyi Business District. The comfortable family restaurant does its best to provide something for everyone, ranging from prime rib dinner sets, quick business lunch sets, a diverse kid's menu, burgers, pasta and a reasonably well-stocked cocktail bar.

The Australian theme of this restaurant is just that - a theme. You don't have to be a native from Down Under to know that the most Australian aspects of Outback Steakhouse are the boomerangs and didgeridoos hung on the walls. This is a US take on Oz, and while Australians may balk at the fact that the Aussie cheese fries (NT$280) are topped with Monterrey Jack and the barbecue ribs (NT$480/NT$780 for half /full rack) are as American as apple pie, Outback does what such US chains do best: big portions of good food at reasonable prices, friendly service and a staggering range of choices.

Outback Steakhouse (Xinyi Branch) Address: 97 Songren Rd, Taipei City (台北市松仁路97號) Telephone: (02) 2345-8818 Open: 11am to midnight Average meal: NT$500; 10 percent service charge Details: Menu in Chinese and English; credit cards accepted On the Net: www.outback.com.tw

With over 1,000 outlets worldwide, Sophia Pi (畢惠音), operations supervisor for the restaurant, said that the chain is able to keep prices reasonable while providing excellent quality. The 12oz rib eye steak (NT$880) on the a la carte menu is excellent value, but a 10oz version with soup, bread, dessert and a drink (NT$780) on the business lunch menu is even better. Other good lunch deals are burger sets starting from NT$260 and steak sets from NT$390 (for a 7oz pepper steak).

On the other end of the spectrum, slow roasted prime rib (available for dinner only) costs from NT$720 for an 8oz cut to NT$990 for a 14oz cut. For the really hearty diner, there is a 20oz T-bone for NT$1,380. Surf and turf combos are also available, and in keeping with the chain's inclusive philosophy, a number of vegetarian options appear on the menu.

For those who want to kick back before or after eating, the bar provides a comfortable location for a drink. Huge windows are the main feature of the restaurant's decor, providing a splendid view of the relatively uncluttered surrounding area.

The sense of space, combined with the privacy provided by the booths that constitute most of the seating, make this venue excellent for business discussions or family get-togethers. A short wine list, with prices starting at NT$850 for a Sonoma Shiraz, focus on Californian and Australian wines. 
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