Good Day serves up fast food in a casual atmosphere. Nestled amongst the hair salons and clothing stores in the alleys behind California Fitness on Zhongxiao East Road (忠孝東路), the restaurant’s interior benefits from two large picture windows in front which let in natural light and offer diners a glimpse of the young hipsters passing by.
Despite the crowds out on the street, there wasn’t a single customer sitting on the comfortable gray felt chairs or lime-colored couches when we arrived at noon. Although this was worrying, we went ahead and perused the menu of dishes from “New York and Mexico,” located above the ordering counter at the back of the restaurant.
Good Day’s menu is extensive. Offerings range from pizzas (NT$225 to NT$375) and burgers (NT$155 to NT$255) to “Cuban” and “Uruguayan” sandwiches (NT$190 to NT$360).
We decided to go “Mexican” and ordered the single beef burrito (NT$130 for single/NT$230 for combo) and the combo chicken enchiladas (NT$170 for single/NT$270 for combo). Like all combo platters in the Mexican food section, the enchiladas were served with tortilla chips and salsa (for burgers and sandwiches, substitute fries) and a bottomless drink.
At first, we thought the burrito was somewhat pricy. But then it arrived. “This burrito has weight!” my dining companion exclaimed as she balanced it in her hands.
A generous layer each of rice, ground beef, onions, jalapenos, fresh cut salsa and melted cheddar cheese came wrapped in a warm flour tortilla. Though somewhat put off by the cheese (it was neon orange) and the ground beef (decidedly gristly), the generous portions of salsa, jalapenos and onions gave this burrito a satisfying kick.
But where was the enchilada? A five-minute wait soon turned into 10, and I was beginning to think that they had forgotten the order. Nope. Good Day just doesn’t seem to care if customers eat alone.
Two enchiladas did eventually arrive in a dish covered with a slightly spicy tomato sauce and topped with melted mozzarella. Strips of spice and lime-infused chicken shared space inside the soft tortillas with chopped jalapenos and onions. The salsa, though fresh and homemade, tasted more like ketchup than the spicy variety found in the burrito. Still, it went well with the steaming hot enchiladas and tangy and aromatic chicken inside.
Less impressive were the tortilla chips. Served warm on a plate, they looked more like something that should be offered for free.
If you go to Good Day expecting authentic Mexican fare, you will be disappointed. But if you’re looking for a decent and substantial meal, the restaurant certainly fits the bill. Good Day also features a daily lunchtime special for NT$100, which includes one side but no drink.
Good Day also has a branch at Shin Kong Mitsukoshi, A8 (新光三越A8館), B2, 12, Songgao Rd, Taipei City (台北市松高路12號B2). Tel: (02) 2723-5520.
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