14 發光的城市 A R O U N D T O W N FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2010 • TAIPEI TIMES BALLET BY DIANE BAKER MUSIC BY BRADLEY WINTERTON aohsiung City Ballet’s (KCB, 高雄城市芭蕾舞團) seventh annual PERFORMANCE notes: choreographic showcase, Dance Shoe 2010 (2010點子鞋), stop launches its three-city tour this weekend with two shows Kat the Experimental Theater in Taipei. Unfortunately for ballet Move over WHAT: Kaohsiung City Ballet’s Dance Shoe 2010 WHEN: Tomorrow at 7:30pm and Sunday at lovers in the capital, if you don’t have your tickets already you 2:30pm in Taipei, March 6 at 7:30pm and March will have to travel south next month to see the show. KCB founder and artistic director Chang Hsiu-ru (張秀如) began Mozart 7 at 2:30pm in Kaohsiung, March 13 at 3pm and the series to give young choreographers a platform for their work compiled BY Ho Yi 7:30pm in Tainan ny city laying claim to be a center and a chance to develop their own dance vocabulary. If the almost 國家戲劇院實驗劇 for classical music must stage its WHERE: Experimental Theater ( single-minded focus on modern dance in Taiwan has left ballet A NT$600 million in debt. 場 台北市中山 share of world premieres. Taipei can ), 21-1 Zhongshan S Rd, Taipei City ( dancers at a disadvantage in terms of study and performance Another man who’s feeling 南路 號 usually boast quite a number, and 21-1 ); Chihshan Hall, Kaohsiung Cultural opportunities, then choreographers who want to create ballets confident these days is tomorrow evening sees the unveiling Jay Chou Center (高雄市文化中心至善廳), 67 Wufu 1st have it even worse. Chang’s annual showcase has been a godsend (周杰倫). The versatile pop star of Ted Runcie’s String Quartet No. 1 Rd (高雄市五福一路67號); Yuansheng Theater, for them. turned to stuffed animals for at the Taipei Philharmonic Recital Hall. Tainan Municipal Cultural Center (台南市文化 The five choreographers on this year’s program are a mix of old inspiration while directing Panda Runcie, currently vice-principal 中心原生劇場), 332, Jhonghua East Rd Sec 3, and new faces, which is great because the Dance Shoe series offers Men (熊貓人), a television drama of Annie’s English School in Taipei Tainan City (台南市中華東路三段332號) audiences a chance to see how the different choreographers are co-staring his buddy County, has had an active and varied Devon Song ADMISSION: NT$400 for the Taipei shows developing as well as giving them a first look at some fresh talent. (彈頭) and J-girl (J女郎) Chiang musical career in Canada, the US (both are sold out); NT$300 for Kaohsiung The “old” faces in the lineup are Wang Kuo-chuen (王國權), (江語晨). (The term J-girl and Taiwan. He studied composition Yu-chen whose pieces were in 2007’s and last year’s Dance Shoe, Tsai Po- refers to female stars who have and Tainan. Tickets are available at McGill University in the 1990s, cheng (蔡博丞), whose works have been included for the past been romantically linked to Chou.) through NTCH ticketing or online at but soon found himself at odds with five editions and Yeh Ming-hwa 葉名樺( ), a former KCB dancer Despite a production budget www.artsticket.com.tw the school’s focus on contemporary who choreographed for the show for the first time last year. reportedly exceeding NT$100 experimentation and electronic music. Hsu Cheng-wei (許程崴) will be a familiar face to million, the story about two panda Instead, he was drawn to the more KCB fans because she worked with the company in suit-wearing super heroes has colorful and passionate music of the Chang’s production of The Peony suffered from low ratings and Brazilian composer Heitor Villa-Lobos Jacky Wu is bringing his questionable Pavilion (牡丹亭). negative reviews in China. (1887-1959). “In his music I discovered business acumen to the world of ani- Twenty-four-year-old Huang The Chairman has embraced that ‘art’ music could also reflect a mated cinema. Photo: Taipei Times Huai-te (黃懷德) is the new kid the criticism by calling his work mid-American or South American on the block as far as Dance “retarded in an entertaining, funny experience,” says Runcie. Shoe shows go, but dance ow much are you willing to way,” “very cool” and “a classic.” Runcie decided that a similar fans may remember him from pay for a CD? Hong Kong Local audiences can judge for approach could also see Caribbean Horse Dance Company’s (驫舞劇場) singer-actor Jacky Cheung themselves when the show traditions incorporated into a classical H(張學友) believes his crooning production Growing Up (正在長高), staged premieres in Taiwan today on format. This doesn’t mean that in December. Judging from that show, he’s a terrific is worth far more than NT$300. CTS (華視). tomorrow’s premiere will necessarily dancer and he sounded interested in testing his After a five-year hiatus, Cheung Finally, China’s answer to prove easy-listening — neither this choreographic wings as well when I interviewed has returned to the music scene the Golden Raspberry Awards, quartet nor the second one, also him last November with the rest of the Horse with jazz album Private Corner. the Golden Broom Awards completed, will be easygoing for the members, so it will be interesting to see his solo The limited-edition glass CD (金掃帚獎), were held in Beijing on audience or the performers, Runcie this weekend, which he created for Yeh. of his record will set you back Saturday to recognize the worst warns. Even so, a work born of love Pulling double duty as a choreographer NT$60,000. in Chinese-language cinema over and performed by professional soloists Pointing out and performer — in separate pieces — is For those who are not familiar the past year. is always likely to have its rewards. always rough and Yeh said in an e-mail that with the relatively new audio Taiwan’s (林志玲) The quartet’s first movement Lin Chi-ling working on her new 20-minute ballet format, the transparent glass beat out compatriot (大S), contains folk-like melodies and Big S Ponytail and the solo “almost killed” her. CD is a Japanese invention that otherwise known as Barbie Hsu percussive moments packed into guarantees near-perfect sound (徐熙媛), to take home top honors the new year a clear sonata form. The second quality and is not affected by in the most disappointing actress PhotO Courtesy of KCB movement is in a habanera rhythm, humidity or heat. category for her performance in while the last could be equated to a Cheung is the world’s first the nonsensical adventure flick traditional rondo, while tipping its hat singer to use the glass CD for a The Treasure Hunter (刺陵). BY Alita Rickards to Latin American music at the end. major-label release, and there The gong for most disap- MUSIC This world premiere will be are only 6,000 copies available pointing director award went to given by a lineup of musicians from for purchase. China’s Zhang Yimou (張藝謀), Germany, Belarus and Taiwan. Meanwhile, Taiwan’s Super whose A Simple Noodle Story (三 Free love — for now The program also contains shorter Band (縱貫線) returned home with 槍拍案驚奇) also shared the award pieces by Runcie, to be performed two farewell concerts at Taipei for most disappointing film with before the quartet itself. One of these, Arena (台北巨蛋) last weekend. The Treasure Hunter and City of hen the birthday of the world’s The band will do cover versions buying drinks.” Two Maroon Folksongs, will be given Comprised of venerable rockers Life and Death (南京！南京！). most widely known reggae star of some of Marley’s best known hits, Indeed, it is common to see customers its Asian premiere. At its premiere in Lo Ta-yu (羅大佑), Emil Chou (周 The Golden Broom Awards rolls around, it’s no surprise that with Foster as DJ Moses and drummer and musicians standing outside of the club Montreal in 1996 the audience reaction 華健), Jonathan Lee (李宗盛) were founded and are supported Wreggae band High Tide, winner of ICRT’s Gregory Russell as DJ Ting also spinning drinking beer from nearby convenience was so enthusiastic that the piece had and Chang Cheng-yue (張震嶽), by cinema periodical Youth Film Battle of the Bands in 2008, would want favorites like I Shot the Sheriff, No stores. Tsou expressed concerns about to be played again from start to finish, the group’s recent tour was a Handbook (青年電影手冊) and to celebrate the life of the man who Woman, No Cry, Could You Be Loved the viability of paying bands to play when Runcie recalls. smash hit with 58 shows in Hong independent film critics in China. introduced the genre to so many people. and Redemption Song. the fans aren’t ordering drinks. Runcie has also written a Kong, Taiwan, China, Singapore, “Bob Marley was not a musician Tonight’s show is a chance to see the “We want to support the bands,” she symphony, completed in Malaysia, Canada and the US as much as a messenger,” said Moshe band free of charge at Roxy Roots before said. “Especially to be able to pay extra 2006. Can he persuade in the past year. An estimated Foster, lead vocalist and guitar player the venue’s new cover charge policy for out-of-town bands to help cover their one of Taipei’s 1.7 million people attended the for High Tide, who credits Marley with begins next month, said Root’s new PR transportation costs or be able to pay for orchestras — possibly concerts, with Super Band pulling “voicing the emotions and struggles of manager, Patricia Tsou (鄒佩菁). bigger name acts.” Starting next month, Evergreen’s youthful in NT$43 billion in revenue. millions of people throughout the world.” “We’re not making any profit,” said the cover charge will be NT$300, of which enthusiasts — to give it In film-related news, TV To celebrate the life of this influential Tsou. “Last weekend we had a full patrons can use NT$200 to purchase food its world premiere? If entertainer Jacky Wu (吳宗憲) and performer, who was born on Feb. 26, 1945, house, it was packed but more than half or drink, and the remaining NT$100 goes so, tomorrow’s concert friends have forked out NT$120 two parties will be held this weekend the people were not straight to the band. could prove a million to set up an animation with live sets by High Tide followed by High Tide celebrates Bob Marley’s mere foretaste company. The celebrity investor recordings of Marley’s music. birthday tonight from 10pm at of greater said he hopes to produce films Though Foster used to rock Roxy Roots, located at 90 Songren pleasures to similar to Avatar. with his prior band Public Radio, Rd, Taipei City (台北市松仁路90號). come. The studio’s first 3D feature- the message of Marley’s reggae has Admission is free. length animation is called I Am influenced his current direction in The party continues tomorrow PhotO Bloomberg a Little Bird (我是一隻小小鳥). music, and is the reason he feels it in Taichung from 10pm at The Light Wu plans to dub and edit the is so relevant in Taiwan: “His music Lounge, 85 Huamei W St Sec 1, work himself. was filled with love and optimism,” Taichung City (台中市華美西街一段 Last June, Wu took up the post said Foster, “empowering listeners to 85號). Admission is NT$300, which of chairman at H&T Electronics set aside their differences and see the includes one drink. (翔昇電子), only to step down Lin Chi-ling was named most disappoint- similarities and unifying qualities of from the position 168 days later ing actress by China’s answer to the their fellow human beings and raise High Tide regales fans with reggae. after learning the company was Golden Raspberry Awards. Photo: Taipei Times their own voices to be heard.” Photo courtesy of High Tide

BY Noah Buchan BY Ian Bartholomew RESTAURANTS TIDBITS Mr Onion using Township, located in wrong with this hodgepodge Even the grilled mountain BY Ho Yi the hills bordering Taipei of concepts other than the set trout (NT$460, 大蒜鹽烤活鱒魚) Address: 117, Zhongshan N Rd Sec 2, Taipei City (台北市中山北路二段117號) County and Taoyuan County, menus failing to come together as failed to escape the suspicion of Fis famous for its scenic beauty. a meal. They had the impression being tarted up fast food. Various ith Valentine’s Day just around the Telephone: (02) 2522-1812 Open: 11:30am to 11pm Average meal: NT$600 Details: Credit cards accepted; English and Chinese menu; 10 percent service charge The Swiss Village Garden of being seemingly put together surf and turf dishes, such as the corner, Shangri-La’s Far Eastern On the Net: www.cafeonion.com.tw restaurant, located just off the with whatever was on hand. salmon, sirloin and shrimp combo Plaza Hotel is serving up a dose Northern Cross-Island Highway I selected the plebeian Thai- (NT$550), provided bulk and Wof French sweetness with a selection of (北部橫貫公路), does its best to style spicy chicken (NT$390, 椒麻 hinted at gastronomic luxury, chocolate desserts crafted by the French capitalize on this fact. Perhaps it’s 雞). Neither grilled nor pan-fried, while two children’s menus patissier Stephane Leroux. Currently ’ve wandered past Mr Onion’s America rather central Taipei. the cool mountain air and wide this spicy chicken had been deep- — deep-fried chicken and cheese the chief trainer at the headquarters of Zhongshan (中山) location I ordered the grilled New York vistas that suggest a Swiss alpine fried in batter and resembled a and a fried fish cutlet (NT$290) Belgian chocolatier Belcolade, Leroux has several times and have always steak (NT$600), which came with environment, but this tenuous link NT$45 chicken cutlet found at — catered to an important been honored at the prestigious pastry Iwondered about the groups two slices of abalone, a salad, is about as close to Switzerland as most night markets. segment of the weekend crowd. competition Meilleurs Ouvriers de France and of people mingling out front. appetizer (from a list of six), this restaurant gets. The hot pot of mixed Perhaps Swiss Village the World Pastry Championship in Las Vegas. The family restaurant must be soup (from a list of five), dessert Mr Onion’s mediocre fare doesn’t justify The food is best described as vegetables provided a splash of Garden’s most alluring facet is its The Cake Shop on the ground floor is doing something right, I thought. (from a list of nine) and drink. scenic restaurant international, color, but the contents seemed delightful garden. Despite the fine its prices. Photo: Noah Buchan, Taipei Times offering two of the chef’s chocolate cakes Intrigued, I decided to give it a The garden salad of iceberg with “international” connoting the to have been selected at random. winter weather when I visited, for about NT$900. The blushing raspberry try. Curiosity, however, soon lettuce, cherry tomatoes and negative quality of being nowhere An intriguing addition was the the staff tried their utmost to cake delights with a harmony of flavors turned into perplexity. yellow pepper was fresh but the of receiving a steak of even in particular. A main course, rice cake, which added a gooey, dissuade me from making use composed of pistachio-flavored dacquoise The eatery follows the lemony dressing came with too mediocre quality had largely mostly Western in inspiration, cohesive quality to the veg and a of the spacious outdoor dinning and joconde, raspberry puree, almond- popular Taipei tradition of set much Parmesan cheese. Much vanished. But I was surprised. is coupled with a salad with certain thickness to the soup. area, extolling the virtues of the flavored cream and a glazed chocolate meals. Patrons choose an entree less could have been used — the The 7oz slab was grilled to my a Japanese style dressing and better facilities available in the layer. The orange jasmine cake is made of chicken, beef, pasta or fish at surplus would have come in specifications — medium rare served with a Chinese hot pot of air-conditioned interior. Once with chocolate mouse and almonds as well the front of the menu and then handy to enliven the escargot — and free of gristle. But avoid mixed cooked vegetables, which established outside, staff brought as orange and jasmine puree. flip towards the back where that came next. Served with the pepper sauce. It tasted like also provides the base for a soup. the food out with good grace; but Slices of the French confections as they choose a salad, appetizer, a slice of bread dripping with the packaged variety that you There is an undercurrent of service, like the food, went little well as Leroux’s handmade chocolates are soup, dessert and drink. There is garlic butter, the rubbery snails can buy at any supermarket. health-conscious cuisine running further than simply busing the also available on the chocolate-themed nothing wrong with this kind of were buried under a dollop of Fortunately, I only added through the menu, highlighted by dishes to the table and leaving afternoon tea menu at the hotel’s lounges, operation, if it is done right. The blackened coagulated butter a little sauce on the side so it organic coffee, purple rice and customers to their own devices. including Li Bai Lounge (6F) and Marco Palace, for example, does a more and garlic. I left half of them on didn’t interfere too much herb-infused dishes inspired by A shop out front sells home- Polo Lounge (38F). than adequate job of serving the plate. with the robust flavor of the the restaurant’s own garden. made cakes, fruit vinegars and Afternoon tea is NT$880 for two homemade fare that is fresh and While I was wondering if I juicy meat. There was nothing intrinsically boutique hygiene products, under- plus a 10 percent service charge. The good value. was going to leave the restaurant The chocolate brownie, lining the back-to-nature theme chocolate promotion lasts until Feb. 28. Mr Onion’s interior is perhaps hungry, the seafood soup arrived. like the escargot, was at Swiss Village Garden. The Tel: (02) 2378-8888. Come for the location, stay for the one reason for its popularity. One of the meal’s two highlights, basically an afterthought that I extensive drinks menu also offers Across town, Toscana, the Sherwood location. Photo: Ian Bartholomew, Taipei Times The stained glass and candelabra it came loaded with clams, crab, barely touched. a wide range of high-end herbal Taipei’s Italian restaurant, is making fresh chandeliers hanging from the prawn and cuttlefish, and the At NT$600, Mr Onion teas (starting at NT$180). strawberries from Dahu (大湖) in Miaoli ceiling cast an ambient glow over light tomato broth allowed the certainly wasn’t worth what I As with many such County into a assortment of afternoon heavy wooden tables covered individual flavors of the seafood paid — especially considering establishments, the location tea pastries (starting at NT$450). Choices with floral-patterned tablecloths to shine through. As with the that Palace offers considerably Swiss Village Garden 瑞士鄉村農莊 accounts for 80 percent of the include strawberry dill cheesecake, in earthy tones. Wainscoting escargot, however, the rubbery better fare at two-thirds the price. restaurant’s appeal. To sit in the sponge cakes with strawberry mousse, on the wheat-colored walls and texture of the seafood suggested Mr Onion has four other Address: 13-1, Ward 1, Sanmin Village, Fusing Township, Taoyuan County garden for an hour or two, read, strawberry cupcakes, strawberry scones wooden laminate flooring round it came from a packet. locations throughout Taipei, (桃園縣復興鄉三民村1鄰13-1號) Telephone: (03) 382-2380 chat or gaze into the middle and strawberries with tiramisu. The out the feeling that one is dining After going through the which can be found at Open: 9am to 5pm weekdays, 9am to 7pm weekends Average meal: NT$500 distance, makes a visit to Swiss promotion runs until March 15. Tel: (02) somewhere in 19th-century rural appetizers, my expectation www.cafeonion.com.tw. Details: Chinese menu; credit cards not accepted Village Garden worthwhile. 2718-1188 X3001.