妳是做甚麼的？

從小到大，詢問度最高的問題是：「妳是哪裡人？」

開始工作之後，第二最常被問的是：「妳是做甚麼的？」

一直以來，總覺得大家的好奇心作祟，對於這兩個問題特別感興趣。我喜歡交朋友，而且決不把這兩個問題列入考量。

因為寫部落格和出書的關係，必須自我介紹，但是我的人生有好多精彩的故事可以和大家分享，與其寫自傳，不如列出我曾經做過的工作。

十多歲獨自一人去美國唸高中開始，我就正式踏入社會了。大學畢業後，教過一年英文，進了ICRT，先後擔任晨間新聞的製作人、公關經理和節目主持人。SARS衝擊台灣的那一年，我巧妙的逃過一劫，開心的在舊金山兼差、吃喝、玩樂、當義工。接下來陰錯陽差，考進富邦MOMO台擔任第一代的購物專家，讓我學會如何輕鬆面對鏡頭！之後進入東森聯播網當廣播主持人，節目內容五花八門，接觸各行各業的精英。因緣際會，開始與電影圈掛勾，推銷台灣電影到國際；因為這特殊的經驗，引我進入三隻腳站立的電影台，掛名行銷公關主任，深刻體驗台灣企業真是不簡單的地方。以上做過的正職，都和我念的大學科系無關。

曾經兼差的工作非常琳瑯滿目，以中英文主持兼任翻譯的活動從歌手記者會、健身房開幕、洋酒上市、電影首映、跨年晚會、故宮戶外藝術節、金穗獎、動畫影展、藝術展覽、攝影展、精品發表、頂級廚具、時尚活動、花博、等等；主持過的婚禮特別熱鬧，AFTER PARTY更是精彩；「Survivor荒島求生記」第一集與美國同時播出，擔任即時翻譯配音；為雜誌寫中英文版的吃喝玩樂介紹；幫朋友撰寫參加設計大賽的英文論文，得到全國第一名；翻譯知名電影美術大師的現代詩集；翻譯編寫美國保養品牌的原文新聞稿和影片；聽譯影片內容、編寫電影EPK素材；上了幾次電視節目介紹電影，因此被稱為影評人。

在即將出版的品味誌的美食專欄，我是這樣介紹自己的：

人未到，聲先到，笑聲放肆狂野，渲染力強。人生無大志，開心快樂最重要。享受隨時隨地吃喝玩樂，最愛的莫過於廣結善緣。

出生在台北市，成長於舊金山，遊走於東西方文化圈，生活在中英雙語世界。

曾任ICRT節目主持人、購物專家，目前為自由媒體工作者，中英文活動主持、中英文寫作、文字影片翻譯、隨身翻譯、即時口譯。第一本中文著作【狩獵男人】於2011年2月中旬出版。

每次被問到職業，我都笑說自己是無業遊民。

這樣說並不為過，例如這個禮拜，我去錄了東風的美食新聞，因而認識姚舜大哥，他頂有意思的！我幫雜誌寫了一篇跨頁的墨西哥餐廳報導，以中文撰寫，有吃有喝真不賴。看了三部電影試片，每一部都很棒，「光榮時刻」講的是阿爾及利亞與法國之間的愛恨情仇，由三個坎城影帝主演，看他們飆戲很過癮！「雷神索爾」頗有史詩電影的氣勢，男主角雖然是新秀，但是他演得很到位。差一點為了和朋友吃午餐而錯過「玩命關頭五」，我愛死了這部充滿高度男性賀爾蒙的動作片！不斷有賽車追逐、爆破場面、諜對諜的鬥智情節，亦邪亦正的馮迪索（Vin Diesel）太有魅力了！「玩命關頭五」男人非看不可，女人一定要看！

嚴格說來，我不覺得自己有啥特殊專長，幾乎所有的工作都是經過口耳相傳才找到我。雖然有時候自動找上門的工作最後都不了了之，但是我一直很感謝身邊不斷出現的貴人。

而這個禮拜二在中天新聞出現、長達十分鐘的專訪，是由鄒倩琳主播一手促成。她比我還關心我的新書銷售，希望藉由這個訪問的曝光，讓更多人認識我。不過，我覺得這段專訪會讓很多朋友恍然大悟，終於搞清楚我的工作內容！

DIVA in China Times Weekly Magazine 時報周刊 2011/3/4~3/10

China Times Weekly March 4~10, 2011; Page 67
時報周刊 2011/3/4~3/10 第67頁



China Times Weekly Magazine March 4~10, 2011; Page 70
時報周刊 2011/3/4~3/10 第70頁

Sometimes it’s better late than never.

I almost forgot that I was featured in China Times Weekly a few weeks ago. Three female authors were interviewed, titled “Beautiful Authors Talk about Gourmet”, sharing their favorite type of cuisine, their ideas of gourmet dining and the influences and impacts that Food & Beverage has brought to them.

And I said, “Food is just like men. You gotta try it first regardless of what type of cuisine it is. You owe it to yourself.”

有時候，遲來的總比完全忘記好。

好幾個禮拜前，我曾經出現在時報周刊。三位女性作家接受訪問，專題是「美女作家美食談」，分享她們喜歡的美食類型、對於美食的標準以及美食帶給她們的影響和衝擊。

DIVA說：食物就像男人，管它屬於哪種料理，妳至少要先嘗試過，這是基本人權。

DIVA in Cosmopolitan Magazine (Taiwan / April Issue / Page 80-81)

There’s a featured interview about me in this month’s Cosmopolitan magazine
(Taiwan / April issue / Page 80-81).

The interview took place in late March, just before deadline. The journalist along with Cosmopolitan’s Editor-In-Chief and I spent a lovely afternoon. I shared my work experience, personal stories, my values and beliefs.

I’m quite pleased with the result – the article and the photo.

Job well done! Thank you, Cosmopolitan Taiwan!

在這個月的柯夢波丹雜誌裡，有一篇關於我的專訪（台灣區 / 四月份 / 第80~81頁）。

這篇專訪是三月底進行的，剛好趕上截稿。採訪編輯偕同雜誌總編輯，和我共度了一個愉快的下午。我與她們分享工作經驗、生活趣事、我的價值觀和個人信念。

對於最後的成果－文章內容和全頁攝影，我還頗為滿意。

做得真好！謝謝妳，台灣版的柯夢波丹！

Happy Hour / Tapa Special at GALERIE Bistro

Starting April 1st 2011 every Tuesday thru Friday GALERIE Bistro will feature a variety of tapas during 5-7 pm.

Happy Hour Special: Buy one get one free drink and the choices are Orion Beer / House Red/ House White/ Bubbly.

As the weather slowly heats up it’s lovely to sit in the garden enjoying your favorite choice of beverage with these enticing appetizers – the perfect light snack before dinner!


即日起，每週二至週五的晚間5到7點，GALERIE Bistro特別推出口味多元的美味開胃小點。

Happy Hour特別優惠：沖繩生啤酒、GALERIE Bistro單杯紅白酒或香檳，買一送一。

天氣逐漸暖和、放晴，坐在GALERIE Bistro優雅的花園裡，是多麼令人愉悅的事！一邊淺嘗你喜愛的飲品，一邊享受這些色彩誘人的開胃菜－晚餐前最清爽、健康的點心美食！

GALERIE Bistro
02-2558-0096
No.2, Lane 25, Nanking West Road, Taipei City / 台北市南京西路25巷2號
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday 11:45 am-9 pm last order
Friday & Saturday 11:45 am – 10 pm last order
Closed on Monday / 週一公休

Market Café 味集廚房

Asian Noodle Bar - Pick your own ingredients and your choice of noodle & broth, and the chef will turn it into your favorite bowl of noodle soup based on what you like!





Salad Bar - Pick your favorite vegetables (Don't miss out on some of the organic and rare vegetables that you don't see at supermarkets) and put everything in a bowl. Tell the chef your choice of dressing and he'll mix it up for you!

Market Café 味集廚房
Reservation / 訂位專線: 02-2831-2729
Address / 地址：B1, No. 88 Section 6, ZhongShan North Road, Taipei
台北市中山北路六段88號B1
Business Hours / 營業時間：
Monday-Sunday 週一至週日
Lunch / 午餐： 11:30 am-2:30 pm
Dinner / 晚餐： 5:30-9:30 pm
Afternoon Tea / 下午茶： 2:30-4:30 pm（週一至週四）

Weekend / 週末假日
Brunch 11am–2:30 pm
Afternoon Tea 3-5 pm

◎Weekday Lunch & Dinner / 平日午、晚餐：Charge by SECTIONS or All-Inclusive / 供應"分區計價"以及"全自助餐"多元消費選擇。
Salad Bar / 田園沙拉吧 NT$420+10%
BBQ / 風味烤肉吧 NT$580+10%
Asian Noodles Bar / 亞洲麵食吧 NT$480+10%
All-Inclusive Buffet / 全自助餐 NT$700+10%（Kids / 兒童NT$420+10%）　
Each will include FRUIT & DESSERT with coffee or tea / 以上皆含水果甜點餐檯及咖啡或茶的餐飲服務
Afternoon Tea Set / 下午茶套餐 NT$260+10%

◎Weekend & Holidays / 週末、假日：Offer All-Inclusive Buffet Service / 提供全自助餐服務。
Brunch & Dinner / 早午餐及晚餐：Adults / 大人NT$880+10%（Kids / 兒童 NT$450+10%）
Weekend Afternoon Tea Buffet / 週末下午茶自助餐 NT$450+10%

I’ll be the first one to admit that I’m not a fan of buffet. Quoted by an old boyfriend, “I don’t like to eat on a budget.” The truth is that buffet turns me off for the following reasons:

1. Freshness. I have no idea how long the food have been sitting there.
2. Sanitary. Patrons usually poke at the food on display and tend to talk while they’re doing so.
3. Taste. Somehow after I sample a few items on the buffet table everything sort of has the same bland taste. I either can’t tell the difference or everything just tastes the same.
4. Health. Most buffet offers food that are high in fat and low in nutrition. And because most people who love buffet want to make sure that their money is well spent they stuff themselves ‘til they go into a food coma.

Then I was introduced to MARKET CAFÉ and it clears all my concerns regarding buffet. MARKET CAFÉ is located in the basement of Landmark Club, owned and managed by the Ambassador Hotel Group.

Yes. It’s located in TienMou and it’s still within Taipei city. There’s an underground parking garage and it’s only 40NT per hour. When you dine within the Landmark Club they’ll validate your parking for 25% discount.

When I first walked into MARKET CAFÉ I noticed the writing on the wall. It said, “Food DNA – No MSG / No Colorings / No Preservatives / No Artificial Flavors / No Additives.”

That’s a bold statement but I believe that should be the most basic guideline for every restaurant, eatery and café in the 21st century.

Innovative Way to Enjoy Buffet “Charge by SECTIONS” / 全台首創「分區計價」新飲食方式

During the week you can simply go for the salad bar alone, or BBQ bar, or Asian Noodles Bar. Of course the All-Inclusive Buffet is always available. I love the fact that I do have a choice even when dining at a buffet restaurant. The fees will vary depending on what you choose. Let’s say I don’t feel like splurging today and all I want is lots and lots of vegetables. Then I’ll go for the salad bar and that will be NT420+10% / person. In addition fruit & dessert bar is included with coffee / tea. What a bargain and a great way to stay healthy! You won’t overeat because you already set your restriction when you come in.

Eco-Friendly. Healthy. All Natural. Fresh. Made-to-Order.
環保健康‧新鮮天然‧現點現做

The salad bar is awesome! Everything is fresh for you to choose from. You simply take a bowl and put in whatever you like into it. The blackboard will list today’s just-in rare vegetables. Then you hand the bowl to the staff behind the counter and tell him the dressing of your choice. He’ll mix it up just the way you like it!

The same concept of Live Station Cooking goes for the Asian Noodles Bar. You can choose the ingredients, fresh veggie, fish, meat and etc. Then you’ll decide on the type of noodles and broth. The chef will cook it right in front of you – a steaming hot bowl of noodle soup!

Sometimes you just have to let it all hang out. The All-Inclusive Buffet is really an eye-opening experience! Not only can you enjoy the salad bar, BBQ Bar, Asian Noodles Bar, Fruit & Dessert but also Indian Gourmet Dishes, Dim Sum and Italian Gelato Ice Cream! This is what I truly love – A FEAST!

Buffet is no longer boring because you’re the master to decide how you want it, how you eat it and how you enjoy it!

誰來埋單？台灣篇 / 新加坡篇 / 美國篇

誰來埋單 (台灣篇)

昨晚和從上海回來的男性朋友一起吃晚餐。

他說，之前有台灣的女性朋友去上海玩，她和一掛女生朋友找他一起出來吃飯喝酒，他非常大器地全程買單，心想來者是客，幾天下來，他花了近萬把塊的人民幣。

女性朋友一時興起，想買最高檔的仿名牌包，於是他便介紹一位有特殊門路的朋友引薦，任務達成之後，賓主盡歡。

回到台灣的女性朋友，沒多久之後又想再多買一個最高等級的仿名牌包，二度找上有特殊門路的朋友幫忙。不久，出貨人將商品交到身為中間人的朋友，因此他代為墊了新台幣八千元，回到台北之後，把這最高等級的仿名牌包送到女性朋友的手中。

看似皆大歡喜，事實卻不然。訂貨的有拿到商品，出貨的也收到費用，但是中間人到現在都還沒見到那新台幣八千元的影子，連個鬼影都沒有。

朋友說，每次在MSN敲台灣的女性朋友，她總是說自己在忙，改天再聊。搞得他沒有機會，也不好意思提起那筆代為墊款的費用，也只好作罷。

我說，做個大器的男人是一回事，但這很明顯是被占便宜嘛，我不喜歡！

我心想，她又不是我，你沒事對人家這麼好做啥？我吃醋了！

可見她也不是甚麼很要好的朋友，因為拿了貨品卻不付款的傢伙，既不上道也沒啥羞恥心。

新台幣八千元，說多不多，可也足夠一個人在台北吃一頓米其林三星的餐廳。

把女人的電話給我，我來跟她討債，在路邊攤買仿名牌包都要付錢，更何況是坐飛機來、專人送貨到府的最高等級的仿名牌包？

誰來埋單(新加坡篇)

上週與一位在出版界的長輩共進午餐。

他說，之前和一位男性好友相約到新加坡玩，因為人生地不熟，第一晚由好友的當地友人帶路，三人開心地享受一頓美好的新加坡美食饗宴。

用餐過後，服務生把帳單遞給新加坡籍友人，他打開看了一下，便順手將它轉給台灣好友，然後接過帳單的台灣友人就自動起身去櫃檯付錢。之後，三人就走出餐廳之後，便自動解散，新加坡籍友人趕著去搭捷運回家，長輩和好友便坐計程車回到飯店。

長輩說，自此之後，對新加坡人印象不佳，因為新加坡人小氣又沒禮貌。他們受西方教育的，果然不如咱們台灣人熱情好客大方。

這話怎麼說？

長輩說，我們特地來觀光的，他沒有請我們吃飯就算了，居然把帳單遞給我的好友！

可是，這位新加坡籍友人和台灣好友是很要好的朋友嗎？兩人感情好到對方非得請遠自台灣來的朋友吃飯？ 或許兩人僅有一面之緣，連朋友都談不上，只是約出來打個照面而已。

難不成，我們要請每個從外地來觀光的朋友吃飯？我幾乎每個禮拜都有從國外到台灣出差或度假的朋友耶，這樣很傷荷包。

我說，這件事有兩種可能的處理方式。

1. 為了以示公平，台灣友人埋單之後，可以將帳單除以三，再一一收費，誰也不欠誰。

2. 為了感謝新加坡籍友人熱情自願當導遊，這頓晚餐就由台灣來的兩位共同埋單。要是沒有當地人主動引薦美味的當地餐廳，外地人也許沒有機會品嘗到如此美味的在地美食。

不過，話說回來，我可以理解新加坡友人不想當冤大頭，但是我不懂為什麼他沒有主動詢問一個人必須擔付多少錢。連問都沒問，擺明是白吃白喝。

在我看來，雙方都缺乏國際禮儀的教育。

誰來埋單(美國篇)

去年與兩位從舊金山來台灣度假的男性朋友去安和路的酒吧喝兩杯。

兩人相識至少四、五年，共同出遊的經驗僅止於結伴去賭城拉斯維加斯參加單身派對，但那可不一樣。這趟旅程可是兩人第一次相約到海外旅行，不僅是到遙遠的亞洲，而且還是到英文並不普遍的台北小城。

我們走進第一家酒吧，這是我熟悉的店家，時間還早，客人不多。我們三人往吧台上一坐，我們各自點一杯調酒，我開始和調酒師聊天敘舊。

這時，老外一號對老外二號說，我有預感，我們今晚會去不少地方喝酒，我建議咱們輪流埋單。

兩人達成協議之後，老外一號便主動拿出信用卡，遞給調酒師，吩咐他，我們三人的消費都算在他的帳上。

聊天會口渴，一杯接著一杯，喝到第三輪的時候，我便急著喊停，提醒他們這條路上還有數十家酒吧等著我們去光顧。老外一號二話不說，馬上埋單，臨走前還特地請調酒師喝一杯。

就這樣，我們一路喝，每家店不待超過一小時，喝個兩三輪就閃人，喝酒有效率，埋單也有制度！

午夜時分，我們來到知名的老外把台妹（還是台妹把老外？）夜店，兩人如同上了天堂般的開心，老外一號一時興起，當場宣布，他要請現場所有的女人喝酒！

哇，頓時所有的女人都自動靠過來，老外一號春風滿面，這應該是他這輩子以來最風光的一刻，他與台灣美眉左擁右抱的照片在第一時間便上傳臉書，公告到全世界！

當帳單送上來時，老外一號把帳單拿給老外二號，還加一句：兄弟，這一回輪到你了！

老外二號臉色非常難看，他示意老外一號到外面，有話要說。

於是，我也跟著走到夜店外，想要知道這兩位西方世界男士要如何解決這場紛爭。

老外二號面色凝重地說，你要對現場所有女人獻殷勤，我沒必要幫你埋單。

老外一號一臉笑嘻嘻地說，明明就是輪到你埋單，不要賴皮。

老外二號不屑地說，你要把妹，我沒必要幫你埋單。

老外一號滿臉笑容地說，美女這麼多，大家各取所需，我們講好要輪流埋單啊。

老外二號火大地說，你要裝闊當大爺、打腫臉充胖子，殘局不應該是我來收拾，我沒必要幫你埋單。

老外一號被激怒了，兩個人差點沒打起來，幸好夜店門口的老外門房出手制止。

我忘記當晚的帳單最後是如何處理，但我記得兩人自那時候起，就再也沒有向對方說過話。

回到美國之後，兩人也沒有再繼續往來，一段哥倆好的友誼就這樣憑空消失。但是每當有人提起台灣之行，兩人對於當晚最後發生的事，印象有出入，因此不同版本的故事情節開始在共同的社交圈流傳。

身為唯一的目擊者，我也不好說甚麼，因為兩位都是我的好朋友，究竟是為了面子？金錢？美眉？兩人最後翻臉，連朋友都做不成。

最不傷和氣的說法，就是台灣美眉太具有魅力，讓這些第一次到台北的外籍朋友，太投入當下，而忘懷的做出平常在家絕不會幹的事！

套一句最常在賭城流行的話，在台北發生的事就讓它留在哪兒吧！（What happens in Taipei stays in Taipei!）

這其中的是非對錯很難釐清，留給各位看官自我解答。

Christchurch Earthquake Fundrasing Ball @W Taipei

Table for J Top (Karen Walker)


Backstage with Models before the Fashion Show & Live Auction


Flower Bouquet given to me by the organizer for my contribution

我的家 炭烤 / 陶鍋。My Home BBQ / Hot Pot

不需自己動手的炭烤餐廳

我必須承認，我很不喜歡DIY的餐廳。我就是不下廚，所以我才要外食。就已經在外面吃飯，還要自己動手是什麼意思？當然，我必須承認，我也沒有下廚的能力。有人是不擅廚藝，我是沒有廚藝。從小我就清楚知道，花點小錢可以搞定的事，例如吃飯，都是小事。

喜歡我的家，因為完全不需自己動手，所有的食材都在廚房裡的炭火爐上烤好之後，才會上桌。而且更不用擔心用餐過後，一身都是烤肉味。

第一次嘗到我的家的高麗菜，都會以為是以大火炒過的，但是這樣簡單的食材要烤的好吃，也需要相當的功力。

四季都有的山苦瓜，大多數人應該沒看過也沒聽過，烤過之後再配上自家調配的醬料，吃到山苦瓜的清脆，那一點點的苦真的不算什麼！

我個人每次必吃的是切成長條的U.S. Prime牛排配剝皮辣椒，這真的是絕配，加上我愛吃辣，這道菜非常對胃。

在我的家吃飯，是很隨性的，當羊肋排一送上桌，大家立即伸手去拿，吃肉啃骨頭，發現烤得焦焦的真好吃。三兩好友聚餐，你可以自己帶酒來配菜，這裡不收開瓶費的。沒喝完的酒，只要寫上名字，還可以寄放在這裡，下次再來繼續喝。搬到復興北路現址之後，桌椅改為低矮的桌子和小板凳，剛開始還真是有點不習慣。後來每次要去之前，都要提醒自己換長褲，不然會坐得很不自在。

有次朋友送了幾隻螃蟹，我心血來潮，興奮的拿去給曹老闆，要他幫我烤，他一臉無奈的看著我說：「妳知道如何宰殺螃蟹嗎？」

「我要是會，我還會來找你嗎？」

「我們這裡不殺生啊！」

是的，沒錯！我的家雖然有賣各式各樣的肉品，但是曹老闆從一開始就秉持三淨肉原則，因此店內是完全不殺生的。

這裡有道招牌烤蕃茄，是來自曹老闆童年的記憶。

「小時候窮嘛，把蕃茄加糖，放進冰箱，讓它生水之後再吃。甜甜的，很香，很好吃。」

開餐廳之後，曹老闆把童年的零嘴改成熟食版。蕃茄剝皮後，切塊，加糖，放在錫箔紙上，淋入醬油、醬油膏和配上少許木瓜，包起來，放到炭火上烤。味道和曹老闆童年的回憶是一樣的。

每張桌上中間都有個木板，掀開來之後，服務生會先置入一盆木炭，再將陶鍋放在火上。大多數的人覺得只有冬天才適合吃熱鍋，但是澎湖絲瓜湯是一年四季都可以享用的，以芹菜熬煮的湯底，美味甘醇。我的家有兩種獨家的沾醬，自製的胡蔴醬和特調醬油，我喜歡各弄一碗，分別加入香菜和生辣椒，光是想到那個香氣，我巴不得現在立即去我的家！

我的家的食物都是以原汁原味的方式呈現，調味料絕不與食材衝突，搭配的恰恰好。這種和諧的氣氛，也是所有常客對於我的家一致認同的感受。白天在工作領域上的你爭我鬥，到了晚餐時間，走進我的家，原本還在廝殺的心情立即被一份祥和取代。

我的家 炭烤 / 陶鍋。My Home BBQ / Hot Pot
松山區復興北路477號（近五常街 / 捷運中山國中站)
No. 477, FuXing Nouth Road ﹙close to WuChang Street；MRT ZhongShan Junior High School Station﹚, SongShan District
02-2545-2332
營業時間 / Hours: Everyday 每天 6 pm-2 am
無刷卡，不收服務費
Credit Cards Not Accepted. No Service Charge
中文菜單 / Chinese menu

Daddy’s Girl for Life

I don’t ever deny the fact that I’m such a daddy’s girl. And I’ve always been a daddy’s girl for as long as I can remember.

My dad often does the sweetest thing without saying a word. When my book was published in mid-February he went to the bookstore and bought 10 copies. Then he asked me to sign those books before giving them away to friends and families. There I was, wondering what my relatives and my dad’s friends would think of my dating exploits as they began to flip through the pages. Then within a week my dad returned to the bookstore and purchased another 10 copies. Just thinking about it my eyes get all teary.

Over the 4 day weekend I was sick with food poisoning since the second night. So I was in bed sleeping all day and night.

Daddy walked into my bedroom to check on me, “Are you staying in?”

I know. It’s a miracle that I’m home! LOL.

“Yeah. I’m staying in.”

This food poisoning got me really sick. I was up in the middle of the night throwing up and it also upset my stomach for two days. Even now I still don’t have much appetite for anything. That’s unusual for me cuz I’m always thinking about what to eat, where to go and what to eat next.

“How’s the book sale so far?” Dad asked.

I don’t feel like explaining the whole ordeal with the publisher to him. The whole thing is unfortunate and it’s a mess to say the least.

“I have no idea.” And that’s the truth. I don’t know the sales number but we all know that it’s not on the best-selling chart either.

“Do you have enough money?” Dad had his hands in his shirt pockets as if he’s got a stack of money ready to be handed over.

I bet my dad thinks that most authors don’t earn enough to make the ends meet. That’s probably true since only a dozen or so authors make a killing from book sales and I’m not one of them. But the truth is that my livelihood doesn’t depend on my book sales. Thank god!

“I’m good. I have money.” My body was weak, my head was spinning but my voice was firm.

“Are you sure you have enough to spend?” Dad asked again and this time with a grin on his face as if he’s glad to hand me the money he’s already prepared.

“Yes I’m sure. I have plenty to spend & splurge.” I reassured him.

“Okay. Just so you know…you can always come to me if you need money. You know where to find me. Having some extra in your pocket can never hurt right?”

Even though Daddy smiled as he walked out of my room but I was all choked up underneath my comforter.

Daddy once joked that the reason I have never been married is due to the fact that he’s given me all the best in this world within his ability since the day I was born. Somehow that intimidates some of the potential suitors, leaving me unmarried at the age of 37.

I say that’s non-sense. I don’t see how a father’s deepest love for his daughter has anything to do with her future marriage. If anything it only makes her feel loved and she’s a better person because of it.

For those men who are intimidated by me obviously you’re simply not man enough. Don’t’ blame your self-esteem issue on me.

Single or married I’ll always be a daddy’s girl. NO DOUBT.

Last but not least I dedicate this article to all the fathers in the world who love their daughters wholeheartedly and all the daddy’s girls cuz you know what I’m talking about!

Authentic French Cuisine in Taipei 歐洲風味餐坊。Saveurs

熱融巧克力鬆塔﹙單點180元/搭配咖啡或茶220元﹚


蘑菇雞肝沙拉﹙250元﹚


露天陽台只能放兩桌，白天在這裡用餐可以享受日光浴，晚間情侶在此約會更是浪漫

歐洲風味餐坊。Saveurs
復興南路一段219巷14號；﹙02﹚2751-0185
14, Lane 219, FuXing S. Rd Sec.1
營業時間/Hours：午餐/Lunch 11:30 am–2:30 pm﹙最晚點餐至/last order by 1:45 pm﹚；晚餐/Dinner 6-10:30 pm﹙最晚點餐至/last order by 9 pm﹚；每週日以及每月第一個週一公休/Closed every Sunday & every first Monday of each month
可刷卡，收一成服務費
Credit Cards Accepted. 10% service charge.
中/英文菜單 / Chinese/English menu

歐洲風味餐坊：來自法國西南方的道地家常菜
Saveurs：Authentic Family Style Cuisine from Southwest of France

遠從法國波爾多區來到台灣的Patrick Cabirol是個樂觀風趣的廚師，不僅在台灣超過十年的時間，也在此成家立業。Patrick每天一大早到傳統市場採買，早上九點就已經開始在廚房準備，樂在工作的他必須忙到晚上九點之後才能喘口氣，但是他非常懂得如何在生活和工作之間找到平衡，明明知道大多數客人習慣在週末外出用餐，他還是堅持每週日固定公休，因為再能幹的廚師也需要休息！

每逢午餐時間，歐洲風味餐坊人滿為患，沒有事先訂位的下次請記得電話預約！雖然位在巷子裡，但是只有在週一至週六中午時段提供的商業午餐讓大家趨之若鶩，一人只需450元﹙外加一成服務費﹚就可以吃到熱湯、前菜﹙或是沙拉﹚、主菜﹙三種選擇﹚、甜點和咖啡﹙或是紅茶﹚，非常豐盛！很多客人吃過一次之後，讚不絕口，下次便呼朋引伴再來光顧。

Patrick的菜單是不定期調整，通常是隨心情和天氣而變化。夏季即將到來，他的最新創作生煎干貝佐蕃茄香草﹙280元﹚和蘑菇雞肝沙拉﹙250元﹚不但爽口也非常開胃。所有菜色都提供單點，但是套餐是最為經濟實惠，放眼全台北的法國餐廳，歐洲風味餐坊的價位是最為平易近人的。晚間套餐有三種價位，550元、880元和1,100元﹙外加一成服務費﹚，可依食量決定。而從開幕以來最受歡迎的三道主菜：法式鴨腿、百里香烤羊脊肉和菲力牛排佐牛肝菌醬汁是饕客不變的選擇。

值得推薦的熱融巧克力鬆塔﹙單點180元/搭配咖啡或茶220元﹚是一道看似簡單卻讓人一口接一口，恨不得連餐盤一併吃下去的美味甜食，吃完有一種幸福的感覺，讓人笑逐顏開。

歐洲風味餐坊屬於可愛溫馨的小飯館，室內空間只能容納28人，露天陽台只能放兩桌﹙一共六人﹚，白天在這裡用餐可以享受日光浴，晚間情侶在此約會更是浪漫。希望一邊用餐一邊品酒的老饕，Patrick特別精選法國美酒，以非常優惠的價格提供給顧客；但是也歡迎大家自行帶酒，而且不收開瓶費。

Mayan Grill – Authentic Mexican Restaurant in Taipei, Taiwan 正統道地的墨西哥餐廳在台北

Mayan Grill 餐廳外觀


Crispy Tacos


Traditional Mexican Desserts Flan 傳統墨西哥甜點香草焦糖布丁


Sangria 雞尾酒





According to a featured article on Yahoo! Travel Taipei is one of the world’s most underrated cities. I’ll second that in a heartbeat! Taipei is truly a hidden gem in Asia. Yes, I’ll admit that Taipei is not as international as Hong Kong or Singapore and it will never be for some odd reasons. But the people are the friendliest folks you’ll meet among the Mandarin-speaking countries!

I’m always fascinated by foreigners who wanted to set up their businesses in Taiwan. And I happen to know a few who started their restaurants in Taipei. The most recent story has to be Mayan Grill by Erik Siddons.

Upon first encounter I can’t help but wonder if this guy is serious about running a restaurant in Taipei, let alone a Mexican joint! I kid you not. He looks like he’s one of the lawyers on Boston Legal – tall, charming, handsome with a killer smile.

Growing up in Southern California Erik was introduced to Mexican cuisine at an early age. As a child he showed great interest and enthusiasm in cooking. So he started making fish tacos & margaritas for friends and families before he reached the legal age for drinking alcohol. In other words, Erik has perfected fish tacos and margaritas with 20 years+ experiences! These two items are highly recommended on Mayan Grill’s menu.

It’s fair to say that cooking is Erik’s lifetime passion because he gave up 10 years+ law practice to start a Mexican restaurant in Taipei. When asked about the career change, “My income now is 1/10 of what I used to make,” Erik says with a broad grin on his face.

For first time visitors to Mayan Grill some might find the place too upscale because it’s a contemporary Mexican restaurant, not a hole-in-the-wall taqueria. That quality also reflects on the food served here. It’s healthy and not greasy! Everything on the menu is made from scratch in the kitchen. And the menu consists of traditional dishes as well as Erik’s modern original creations. If you enjoy spicy food, be sure to sample Erik’s homemade Diablo hot sauces – Devil’s Water is the entry level and Devil’s Tear will bring joy to those diehard hot sauce lovers.

As for desserts chocolate brownie and vanilla flan are heavenly. Imported Mexican beers are perfect to go with any dish you might choose from the menu. Let’s not forget about tequilas and I really love the rum from Guatemala!

Fluent in Mandarin Erik can easily communicate with his staff and customers, explaining the concepts of Mayan Grill. He believes that Taipei is ready for an authentic Mexican restaurant like Mayan Grill and so do I. Taipei might not be international like Hong Kong and Singapore but we sure love good food! On top of that who doesn’t love made-from-scratch healthy cuisine that only uses the freshest ingredients?

Mayan Grill
02-2511-6292
No.6, Lane 65, Section 2, ZhongShan North Road, Taipei City（MRT Shuang Lian Station Exit #1/Behind Ambassador Hotel）
台北市中山北路二段65巷6號（捷運雙連站一號出口/國賓飯店正後方）
11am~10 pm (til 11pm Friday & Saturday)
www.mayangrill.com

W TAIPEI WOOBAR - Hot Spot of The Week in Taipei

Smokey Roast Beef Served with Mustard and Horseradish from the Kitchen Table@ W Taipei


Special Fine De Claire Oyster & Cosmopolitan @W Taipei Woobar

W TAIPEI WOOBAR
02-7703-8888
10F, No.10, Section 5, ZhongXiao East Road, Taipei City / 台北市忠孝東路五段10號10樓
10am-1am

Spring Feast 春季菜色 at GALERIE Bistro, Taipei

MAINE LOBSTER WITH ANGEL HAIR PASTA


SEABASS SOUP

The weather changed for the better today. It was hot like summertime without the humidity. I had dinner at GALERIE Bistro, which is one of my favorite restaurants in Taipei. On a lovely day like this sitting in the garden of GALERIE Bistro is truly a treat! You don’t have to be rich and famous to lead a high life such as this!

My dinner consisted of SEABASS SOUP and MAINE LOBSTER & ANGEL HAIR PASTA – perfect dishes for the spring!

SEABASS SOUP is a clear broth with onion, tomato, cilantro and lots of seabass. It’s refreshing and will perk up your appetite.

MAINE LOBSTER & ANGEL HAIR PASTA is a very light dish. Lobster is buttery, tender and juicy. Some say that the best lobster in the world comes from Maine and that’s what I had tonight. I chose to have angel hair pasta cuz it can soak up the lobster juice easily. It’s a personal preference and customers can choose any other pasta as they wish.

To top it off I ordered a glass of Chardonnay to go with MAINE LOBSTER & ANGEL HAIR PASTA. It’s simply MARVELOUS!

LIFE IS GOOD!

GALERIE Bistro
02-2558-0096
No.2, Lane 25, Nanking West Road, Taipei City / 台北市南京西路25巷2號
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday 11:45 am-9 pm last order
Friday & Saturday 11:45 am – 10 pm last order
Closed on Monday
www.galeriebistro.com