Jimmy Chang (張振民), Taipei's well-known French chef, opened the fourth Chez Jimmy earlier this year in the middle of Taipei's commercial district. It is slightly different from his Tienmu branches, with a more spacious interior. It is as suitable for formal business dinners as for a luxurious romantic splurge.
The restaurant is no stranger to the movers and shakers, and when Taipei Times visited, the business tycoons and political heavyweights of the Economic Development Advisory Conference were there making headlines for the next day.
PHOTO: COURTESY OF CHEZ JIMMY
The tables and chairs are designed to Western specifications, (slightly larger than most restaurants in Taipei), providing greater comfort. Through the French windows, you look out onto streets lit by European-style street lamps -- you might be in somewhere in New York or Paris.
Chang is one of Taiwan's celebrity chefs, a man welcomed by the First Family and former president Lee Teng-hui (李登輝). There is really no doubt about the quality, and presentation is always authentically French, never mix and match. Chang favors the use of set menus, as a way of educating his Taiwan customers about appreciating a full French meal.
First-time visitors should try the roast spring chicken set menu, which opens with juicy escagort and a creamy pumpkin soup. Chang is known for his refined tastes, so don't expect anything too exotic or spicy.
Although he favors classic French cuisine, Chang is also an innovator, and his menu features a number of his own specialities such as strip loin New York steak with anchovy butter.
A number of Chang's creations have won him international recognition. One is the steamed egg with seafood topped with hollandaise and Iranian caviar, which netted a gold medal in international competition. Chang is not averse to making use of local delicacies such as black tuna, which he has incorporated into a tartar of tuna in wasabi served with caviar and avocado. For dessert, the souffle with hot chocolate or blueberry sauce is a must.
For Chinese Valentine's Day, Chez Jimmy will offer a special set menu dinner next week. It won't be cheap, but then, true romance was never expected to be.
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