White bread sandwiches with the crusts cut off and filled with something barely edible are relatively commonplace around the island, but deli-style sandwiches made with homemade bread, imported cheeses and meats are a rarity. Every so often, however, you stumble upon a place that is said to make "the best sandwiches in the city," as one regular patron of G & G Continental Delicatessen described her roasted beef on toasted rye.
Nearly 25 years ago, a German and two Swiss men opened a small delicatessen in Tienmu (天母), a northern suburb of Taipei, to cater to the European community. Originally G & G did not serve food; it sold imported deli meats, cheese and non-perishable goods. After assisting the owners for more than a year, Willie Chao (趙瑞徠) eventually took over the small business, expanding it to include a restaurant, and he has been overseeing its operation ever since.
"Originally our clientele was 75 percent European and 25 [percent] Japanese and Chinese. Now it is the opposite," said Chao, adding that he is taking advantage of the demand for European commodities among the Taiwanese by offering cooking classes at the deli. "The Chinese have been eating Western food for over 40 years in Taiwan, but they never knew how to cook it. My way is to sow the seeds and they will introduce their way of cooking to their friends -- and so it multiplies and the market for Western food grows."
PHOTO: DIANA FREUNDL, TAIPEI TIMES
Chao is not a chef, but he ensures that each member of staff is trained in the art of sandwich making. If the deli selections -- which include roasted turkey, pastrami and lox -- don't impress, then customers can opt for German sausage served with sauerkraut, or a large plate of spaghetti.
The menu is kept simple in terms of variety of meals, but there is no shortage of choice for sandwich toppings or side dishes. Potato, salmon, tuna and garden salads in addition to homemade soups are prepared daily. The most popular dessert and take-home purchase is the unsweetened yogurt. There is a selection of imported fruit juices and soft drinks. Alternatively, diners can choose to have a Belgian beer or glass of wine with their meal. Prices are reasonable with sandwiches priced from NT$135 to NT $155. A sandwich can be made into a set meal with soup, salad, beverage and ice cream for an additional NT$100.
Surrounded by imported food and wines, the dining area is quite small with a seating capacity of 25. With jazz music playing in the background, the cozy atmosphere makes for a great place to enjoy dinner with a good book or friend.
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