fathomTAIWAN

Tomato ketchup on the table, USA style

Two Bolero restaurants owned by brothers and almost next door to each other.  We sampled the cuisine at the longer established restaurant – closer to the river.  Both restaurants date back to the 1940′s era.

Known as a place to take your blind date for dinner, they were ‘match-maker’ upmarket locations.

During the 1960′s a dinner here was super expensive for ordinary locals.  You could easily spend your monthly salary on a dinner for two.

Curry had been suggested by a friend so I ordered chicken curry.  (NT$260) It virtually melted in my mouth.

A mild Chinese curry – nothing like the mild, medium or hot curries available in Indian eating houses.  Ladies would not be offended by this curry.

I could imagine  American servicemen patronizing this place in the Vietnam war era.

Knives and forks, tomato ketchup, salt and pepper shakers, toothpicks on the table – just like USA.

Background music playing during my patronage was “Soldier Boy” (The Shirelles – 1960′s),  “Walkin’ in the Rain” (Johnny Ray- 1954).

Fantastic nostalgia.

A head waiter dressed in a spotless white suit was not an expected decoration.

Professionally printed menu in color – easy to follow English descriptions.  Reasonable prices.

My  criticism - the creamy vegetable soup and the main course arrived virtually at the same time.

A spacing  of five minutes would have allowed some appreciation of the soup (NT160).

Which to eat first before both cooled down?   I quit the soup half-way and got into the curry.

The rice was separate in a dish with coconut and something unknown.    The side dish of tiny vegetable and creamy things to “cool the mouth” (from hot curry taste)  was not necessary.  The curry was mild but tasty.  Chinese style.

Creme caramel dessert and coffee that rounded off the lunch was of an acceptable standard.

In summary, an historic restaurant of Taipei with pleasant interior and friendly service.  A good experience in the old part of town – which is my favorite area.