14 發光的城市 A R O U N D T O W N FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2009 • TAIPEI TIMES BY ho yi POETRY stop Poetry fest celebrates 10th anniversary

Left: Taiwanese poet Wu Sheng. compiled BY Catherine Shu Right: Japanese poet Ryoko Sekiguchi. The patient, Hong Mei-nai (洪美奈), Below: Chinese poet Yan Li. claimed at several dramatic press Photos courtesy of Taipei Poetry Festival conferences that Li never acted with the breast of intentions. She said the silicone implants were inserted without her consent and that Li also neglected to provide follow-up care when one of the Above: Taiwanese poet Chen Yu-hong. jelly rolls allegedly leaked after Photo courtesy of Taipei Poetry Festival the operation. A few days after the Above: Taiwanese poet Chen punishment was levied against Yi-zhi. Li, Hong, who claimed the fine Left: Taiwanese poet and film- was too light, “staggered” to maker Hung Hung. Festival the entrance of the district notes: Photos courtesy of Taipei Poetry Festival prosecutor’s office with her lawyer and banged on the door in front What: 2009 Taipei Poetry Festival of a clutch of reporters. Our sister ig-name authors, aspiring young Apart from the main poetry gathering, conventions. French poet Stephane (第十屆台北詩歌節) paper the Liberty Times reported bards and members of the general celebrated poetesses will have a lady’s Bouquet is also an accomplished When: Today to Nov. 29 that Hong wants to charge Li public will all feel at home at this night out on Monday at the Eslite Xinyi screenwriter, and Ryoko Sekiguchi takes Where: Main venues include with professional negligence Byear’s Taipei Poetry Festival (臺北詩歌節), Store (誠品信義店) to talk about their inspiration from different cultures and Zhongshan Hall (台北市中山堂), Eslite which is celebrating its 10th birthday distinct styles and sensibilities. Aboriginal writes both in Japanese and French. Li Jin-liang, right, has been hawking and slander for claiming that Xinyi Store (誠品信義店) and Taipei she allegedly tried to extort the with a series of activities, readings, poets such as Adaw Palaf and Moyan from The opening night gala performance banned boobies. Photo: Taipei Times Artist Village (台北國際藝術村) clinic for money after the ill-fated seminars, performances and concerts the Ami tribe and Mo Naneg of the Paiwan to be held at Zhongshan Hall (台北市中 On the Net: poetry. egular readers of Pop Stop operation. She also complained that honor past achievements and tribe will take to the stage on Wednesday. 山堂) tomorrow evening will see artists will know that popular that Li had yet to reach out to explore new possibilities. As one of this year’s themes is cross- from various fields paying tribute to culture.gov.tw television host Hu Gua’s (胡 her for a settlement or even to The highlight of the event is next cultural and hybrid forms, poets from poets by incorporating poems into R瓜) son-in-law, Li Jin-liang (李進 apologize. Li’s lawyer responded Saturday’s Poets’ Night, where local China, France, Japan and the US will their art. Participating artists include 良), has been more than a handful that he and his client were still poets of different generations will hold hold readings on Sunday and attend nanguan (南管) player Wang Xinxin submissions will receive awards and even before his June nuptials to in the process of preparing a readings with renowned theater director panel discussions at various colleges (王心心) and writer Wang Wen-hua (王文華) writers will be given the opportunity to Hu’s daughter. Before getting response to Hong’s accusations. Li Huan-hsiung (黎煥雄) serving as stage and universities in Taipei to share their as well as musicians Summer Lei (雷光夏) read their works during the festival. hitched to Hu Ying-chen (胡盈 Hong has been a constant director. The names of the participants experiences working in different cultures and Lin Sheng-xiang (林生祥). Entry to most activities is free, but 禎), Li allegedly carried on an presence in the media since read like a who’s who of Taiwan’s literary and with different media. Members of the general public can registration is required in advance for the affair with starlet Mao Mao (毛毛). news of the scandal broke about establishment, including Cheng Chou-yu Laura Mullen from the US, for example, take an active part in the festival by opening gala performance and some of His past misadventures include two weeks ago. At a previous (鄭愁予), Yang Mu (楊牧), Shang Qin (商 is a literature and cinema professor writing a poem and putting it in one of the readings. For more information, call charges of sexual harassment by gathering, she sobbed while 禽), Yang Ze (楊澤), Jiao Tong (焦桐), Hung known for her experimental writing the “poetry donation” boxes at Eslite’s (02) 2351-0116 or visit the event’s bilingual a Japanese porn star and an all- jabbing her left armpit with a Hung (鴻鴻) and Xu Huei-zhi (許悔之). that challenges literary and gender Dunnan and Xinyi branches. The best site at poetry.culture.gov.tw. night party with two friends and pair of scissors, explaining she three hostesses at a Taipei hotel. couldn’t feel a thing. “After the But Li may have turned out surgery, I was like a handicapped BY David Chen to be an even bigger boob than person,” she said. “I couldn’t get FESTIVAL either of the Hus imagined. The out of bed. All I could do was lie plastic surgeon was recently fined there and wet myself.” In addition NT$150,000 and ordered to stop to the numbness and physical working for three months by weakness, she says she now Back to basics the Taipei Department of Health suffers from anemia, an irregular he outdoor festival season isn’t over Taiwan. The music runs tomorrow from after illegally inserting silicone heartbeat and mental exhaustion. yet. Tomorrow and Sunday, a group 2pm to 2am and 1pm to 7pm on Sunday. breast implants into a patient. And, Hong tearfully added, she of Taichung expatriates is holding The festival campsite is fully equipped The enhancers are only allowed was forced to postpone her TBasic Aid ’09 Music and Arts Festival, a with toilets and showers, and food for breast reconstruction surgery upcoming wedding in the US. charity event at a mountain campground vendors will be selling everything from — the merely vain must content Li could take a page from the in central Taiwan featuring live music, burgers and dishes to beer and themselves with saline-filled life of Eason Chan (陳奕迅) on DJs and paragliding. . Plenty of vegetarian options will breast implants. how to be family man. Oriental Basic Aid was started three years also be available, organizers say. Li admitted to wrongful use Sunday reports that the Hong ago as a “picnic-in-the-park” fund-raiser During the day, revelers can also of the artificial lady lumps, but Kong pop singer and actor has for Jess Morwood and Dan Ship, two partake in a tandem paragliding flight defended himself by insisting yet to kick his longtime nicotine former Taichung residents who moved with Yuri Bradley Human, a South African many of his colleagues do the habit, but sneaks outdoors and to Varanasi, India, to start Basic Human expat who lives in the area and runs Step same thing. A United Daily smokes in parking lots so his wife, Needs, an NGO that provides food, Out in Taiwan Adventures, a company News report showed that Li’s Hilary Tsui (徐濠縈), and school- shelter and medical care to poor people. that takes tourists on extreme sports trips. Web site plugged silicone breast age daughter won’t have to inhale The proceeds from the event go once Other activities include a video film implants for NT$200,000 but did secondhand smoke. The couple again to Basic Human Needs, as well as competition, a “best dressed hippie” Canadian singer Faye Blais, right, performs at a past edition of Basic Aid. Photo courtesy of Paul Davis not mention they were limited to was rumored to have weathered a yet-to-be-chosen Aboriginal community contest and a volleyball tournament. reconstruction surgery only. The marital troubles last summer, but and a fund for victims of natural disasters There will also be a fund-raising raffle article helpfully explained that the storm seems to have passed. in Taiwan. with prizes including a free tandem Festival notes: women with “airport physiques” Oriental Sunday says that Chan is The festival has a simple purpose — to paragliding flight and T-shirts. What: Basic Aid ’09 Music and Arts and Basic Aid” on Google Maps. (飛機場體質) prefer silicone so busy with his upcoming record have fun for a good cause, says organizer Davis and his cohorts are looking to Festival Festivalgoers can also take taxis from because saline implants look less that he counts on Tsui to look Paul Davis, aka Boston Paul. “Taiwan gives expand Basic Aid’s scope beyond this When: Tomorrow morning through Puli bus station to Hutou Mountain or natural on skinny bodies. In the after their child’s education. The us the opportunity to do things [as English annual event. After Typhoon Morakot, Sunday evening. Campsite opens tonight “The Stele of Taiwan’s Geographical interest of fairness, the United doting mum carries her daughter’s teachers] ... why not give a little back?” they started an emergency fund for natural Where: Hutou Mountain (虎頭山), Puli Center” (地理中心碑); the fare should cost Daily News also added that many heavy book bag all the way to the More than 15 bands, including Davis’ disaster victims in Taiwan. Township between NT$250 to NT$300 other plastic surgery clinic Web school door and picks her up after reggae/hip-hop outfit Militant Hippi, punk Davis hopes a charitable spirit sites tout silicone breast implants classes to send her to an English- group Dive Bomb and country-western will carry through at the festival this Getting There: For driving directions, Admission: NT$500 or NT$300 for without explaining the legal language buxiban. Tsui was band WaySoon, are scheduled to play weekend. “I want people to go away go to the festival’s Facebook page (Basic students, includes camping fee limitations on their use. overheard reminding her daughter throughout the weekend at a scenic feeling that they were part of something Aid 2009 Music/Art Fest) or On the Net: But Li’s troubles did not stop to study hard “so daddy doesn’t spot on Hutou Mountain (虎頭山) in Puli bigger than themselves, that they were search “Step Out In Taiwan Adventures www.basichumanneeds.net with the Department of Health. worry about you.” Township, near the geographic center of part of a community,” he said.

RESTAURANTS BY ho yi BY David Chen TIDBITS Micasa Dolci t’s hard to believe that Qiaowei standard fare of a cha chaan teng: recommendation. What sets this 巧味冰室 Bingshi ( ) only opened rice plate lunches, noodle soups, dish apart from the commonly Sweetie Pie Bakery Address: 462, Renai Rd Sec 4, Taipei City (台北市仁愛路四段462號) in 2005. This -style Western items adjusted available versions in Taipei are and Cafe, which sits Icafeteria looks like it dates back for palates and milk . the chewy rice noodles. Telephone: (02) 2345-7669 Open: Tuesday to Sunday from 11:30am to 8:30pm right across from its Average meal: NT$400, plus 10 percent service charge to the 1970s, with its peeling The says many of its Don’t be overwhelmed by the Mysister restaurant and Shida Road Details: Chinese, Japanese and English menu; credit cards accepted wallpaper and the well-worn ingredients are imported, and even extensive menu. Go for any of institution Grandma Nitti’s, is out patina of its dark brown plywood the cook hails from Hong Kong. the starred items, which include to help you with that extra winter dining booths. The simple but tasty pork the curried chicken wings and layer with a new assortment 咖哩雞翅麵 ’m sending my chauffeur cream (NT$350), which with its But this is exactly the chop steak with onions and rice noodle soup ( , NT$130) of desserts, which include key 洋蔥豬扒飯 to pick up the pants,” an white sesame-flavored gelato and atmosphere that Qiaowei’s ( , NT$130) could be and the rice with beef tenderloin lime pie (NT$760), key lime 原汁牛腩飯 impeccably manicured red bean topping gives the Italian proprietor has set out to create at considered the former colony’s ( , NT$130). For a taste cheesecake (NT$960) and “Iwoman, bathed in the glow of dessert a distinctly Japanese tang. this eatery located behind Sogo answer to the American of the West as interpreted by chocolate cheesecake (NT$960). a chandelier, says on the phone To appreciate the medleys of Department Store on Zhongxiao staple of steak and eggs. Hong Kong cooks, try the buttery Owner Rainbow Lin (林 while sipping tea from a white flavors and textures, the smiling East Road (忠孝東路) — a greasy The grilled pork steak is French toast (法蘭西多士, NT$70) 虹惠) kindly sent the Taipei porcelain cup. wait staff encourages patrons spoon that stirs nostalgia for tender in the middle, crispy or the fried egg (炒蛋三 Serendipity on Renai Road. Times a delectable pumpkin If the conversation overheard to enjoy each confection’s Hong Kong’s ubiquitous cha brown around the edges and is 文治, NT$70). Photo: Ho Yi, Taipei Times cheesecake (NT$880) to sample. 茶餐廳 during a recent visit to Micasa components together in one bite. chaan teng ( ), or literally, topped with sauteed with onions. The uninitiated shouldn’t visit The 8-inch cake comes with Dolci is any indication, the No picking. is ice cream, which can be tea . It comes with a side of boiled without having a “silk stocking” a playful sprinkling of multi- 絲襪奶茶 patisserie on Renai Road The molten chocolate purchased at NT$100 per small These establishments are the greens and a serving of rice with ( ), a rich colored sugary hearts, stars and 仁愛路 ( ) across from Sun Yat- cake with ice cream container. The frozen delight is equivalent of a 1950s/1960s-style an egg on top, which can be concoction of mixed snowflakes on top — as if the 國父紀念館 全熟 sen Memorial Hall ( ) (NT$400) is a balance between more suitable for adult palates American diner, serving coffee, ordered fried ( , quan shou or with evaporated milk. After having sinfully thick layer of cream 半熟 has since it opened in August the chocolate’s sweetness, the than children’s as signature tea and quick meals on the cheap. sunny side up ( , ban shou). one of Qiaowei’s refreshing lemon cheese icing wasn’t enough. 千 檸檬茶 become a hangout for ladies of raspberry sauce’s sourness and flavors include olive, pistachio Cha chaan teng are so revered The fried beef rice noodles ( ( ), which come with All prices listed above are for 炒牛河 leisure to while away afternoons the tea’s strong grassy notes. and sesame. in Hong Kong that one legislator , NT$130), which is stir-fried several fresh lemon slices and just 8-inch cakes; 6-inch cakes are fueled by elaborate confections. The popular cocoa crepe There is room for debate on even proposed that they be sub- with thin slices of leek and tender a tad of sugar, you’ll think twice also available. Orders are best Micasa Dolci originates with mascarpone and nut filling, the small establishment’s vibrant mitted to UNESCO’s “intangible cuts of meat and topped with a before returning to the cheap iced placed two days in advance. My from Umai Micasa, a premium garnished with framboise sauce decor, which is embellished cultural heritage of humanity” list. sprinkling of sesame seeds, are tea stand. Sweetie Pie Bakery and Cafe is Japanese restaurant in Taipei’s (NT$400), though silky and with Murakami Takashi-esque Qiaowei’s menu offers the another plain but satisfying house Other novel drinks include the located at 3, Ln 93, Shida Rd, Xinyi District (信義區) that is crunchy, becomes quite cloying patterns of cute flowers and cha chaan teng standard “yuan- Taipei City (台北市師大路93巷3號). 鴛鴦奶茶 reportedly backed by wives of IT after a few spoonfuls. leaves. The mirror-bedecked yang” milk tea ( ), which is Tel: (02) 3365-3448. industry movers and shakers. My favorite is the Cointreau white sidewall is livened up with milk tea mixed with coffee. All of Pearl Liang Seafood The restaurant’s desserts semifreddo topped with orange splashes of baby blue, rosy red, these beverages come in stainless Restaurant has launched a set of became so popular that the zest (NT$350). The semi-frozen light yellow and green. Cheap- steel canteen mugs and are NT$75 traditional Cantonese clay pot female entrepreneurs decided to dessert has a wonderfully light, looking plastic tablemats and hot, NT$80 iced. dishes. Options include oyster, let pastry chef Katena Keichi take refreshing flavor and is simple menus drag the overall look To make sure customers know frogs’ leg, garlic and XO chili charge of a separate patisserie. yet elegant. down several notches. they’re not eating at just any cheap sauce (NT$880), pork knuckle, Having trained in France and Equally delicious is the Micasa Dolci has a daily cafeteria, the restaurant adds a onion and honey and black Italy, Keichi bolstered his resume caramel ice cream with banana, offering of freshly made pastries small touristy touch. Each dining pepper sauce (NT$680). with stints at Tokyo’s Canoviano garnished with savory sabayon for takeout. booth bears signs with the name Pearl Liang is located at and Nobu restaurants. sauce (NT$350). The custard of famous Hong Kong locales, Grand Hyatt Taipei, 2 Songshou The Japanese chef’s sauce smoothes the slight including Repulse Bay, Hollywood Qiaowei Bingshi’s fried beef Rd, Taipei City (台北市松壽路2號) experience is self-evident in a bitterness of the caramel gelato, Road and Temple Street. and is open from 11:30am to menu that mixes European-style and the two make a heavenly Qiaowei Bingshi 巧味冰室 rice noodles hit the spot, es- When Qiaowei’s dingy charm pecially if you’re missing the 2:30pm and 6pm to 9:30pm. desserts with Asian elements. match with the banana slices. starts to wear off, indulge in a For more information, call Address: 45, Ln 107, Fuxing S Rd Sec 1, Taipei City (台北市復興南路一段107巷45號) Hong Kong version of this 菠蘿包 One example of Keichi’s Known for making most of buluo bao ( ) (NT$30), a fluffy (02) 2720-1200 X3198 or X3199. creativity is the tiramisu with Micasa Dolci’s ingredients by Telephone: (02) 2775-5461 Average meal: NT$200 Details: Credit cards not accepted dish. Photo: David Chen, Taipei Times pastry with a sugar-coated top and espresso jelly and sesame ice hand, one of Keichi’s specialties Open: 11am to 10pm Mondays to Thursdays, closes at 11pm on weekends and evenings before holidays palm-sized slice of butter inside.