14 發光的城市 A R O U N D T O W N FRIDAY, JULY 23, 2010 • TIMES BY David compiled BY MUSIC stop Catherine Shu

lla Chen (陳嘉樺) of pop sag last year. The popular Wu Jazz encounters of the Jedi kind group S.H.E is licking her announced he was leaving two E wounds after her boyfriend months ago, partly in response to allegedly strayed. the viewership decline. According to Next Magazine, But Selina seemed confident. PERFORMANCE the singer and Tommy Chao (趙 “We can only go up,” she said. notes 士懿), grandson of Chao Hsiao- “There’s plenty of room to make (趙孝風), former president improvements.” feng What: Taipei International Jazz Festival of the Stock Exchange “Because we’ve gone as low as Corporation, were dating quietly we can,” Yu piped up, in reference When: Tonight and Tomorrow at 7pm. for a year. to the show’s ratings. Afternoon jazz parades featuring Taipei Unfortunately, Tommy Chao If everything else fails, the two International Jazz Academy students run was not so diligent about keeping can flame audience interest by today and tomorrow starting at 5:30pm his side projects under wraps. talking about Selina’s upcoming Where: 228 Peace Park (228和平公園), Main Chao supposedly indulged his bull wedding to fiance Richard Chang Stage, near NTU Hospital MRT market by escorting a “hot chick” (張承中). The lawyer famously Station (台大醫院捷運站), exit No. 1 (辣妹) in a Porsche to a fancy hotel. proposed to the singer during Admission: All events are free Ella took to her blog to a S.H.E concert in May as On the Net: respond to fans — though she thousands of screaming fans www.taipeijazz.com didn’t actually address the Next waved neon green glow sticks. Magazine article. “I’m doing really Selina admitted that she’s well. I’m living a dream. I have no argued with Chang over where regrets. I’m a lucky person,” Ella the two should spend their wrote in response to comments. honeymoon. Chang wants to Another one of Ella’s rumored take in the scenery of Jiuzhaigou French drummer Roger Biwandu, top left, Italian saxophonist ex-boyfriends, (吳尊), Valley in Sichuan, China, but Rosario Giuliani, above, and South African singer Tutu Puoane a member of boy band Fahrenheit Selina put her foot down. are part of an international cast of jazz musicians that performs (飛輪海), spoke up for his “I said ‘No!’ We can always tonight and tomorrow at the Taipei International Jazz Festival. former flame. go there later, but it’s not a Photos courtesy of the Taipei International Jazz Festival “She’s a morally upstanding honeymoon spot.” Selina prefers person, so if this news is true, it a romantic island getaway to the usic can bring strangers together, so from different parts of the world where they’re means this man is no good,” Wu Maldives or a jaunt in Europe. goes the cliche. But things can get more likely to have a different take on things gallantly told reporters. “She just Selina still has some time to interesting when the music is jazz that I’m accustomed to.” has to be a little more careful.” prepare herself for pregnancy and the people coming together are “That makes it exciting,” he said. S.H.E bandmate Selina Jen speculation, but Hong Kong Mmusicians trained to improvise, at least in the Indeed, the diversity of cultures and (任家萱) was asked how Ella is supermodel Gaile Lok (樂基兒), mind of violinist Hsieh Chi-pin (謝啟彬). backgrounds among this weekend’s holding up while hosting her first born Gia Lai (黎嘉儀), is finding This is the idea behind his concert program performers gives credence to the notion episode of variety show Guess out just how desperate the media at the Taipei International Jazz Festival, which that jazz is thriving as an international art Guess Guess (我猜我猜我猜猜猜). can be for a baby bump spotting. began earlier this month and ends this weekend form. “I didn’t get a chance to talk Lok, whose secret 2008 with free concerts tonight and tomorrow at the Biwandu (myspace.com/rogerbiwandu) to her until two or three days marriage to actor and singer Leon 228 Peace Park (228和平公園). is a French national whose family emigrated afterwards,” Selina said. “But when Lai (黎明) caused a tabloid frenzy, Hsieh, a jazz musician and educator who from Zaire. Hsieh says he brings the “energy” I saw her, I asked her how she was was spotted by the Oriental co-founded the festival in 2004 with his wife, pianist of African percussion into his work in modern and she said she was okay.” Sunday in Hong Kong wearing Chang Kai-ya (張凱雅), has organized two shows jazz, fusion and pop. Questions about Ella’s an “uncharacteristically simple” that feature around a dozen accomplished jazz Puoane (myspace.com/tutupuoanemusic), a relationship woes ate up a chunk dress and flats. As she carefully artists from North America, Europe, Africa and 31-year-old vocalist, is considered a rising star of Selina’s Guess Guess Guess navigated a set of stairs, the Taiwan performing together on stage. both in her native South Africa and Belgium, her premiere. Selina and co-host wind blew her clothing against Many of the visiting musicians, who include current home. (庾澄慶) took over her body, exposing a small but veteran saxophonist John Ruocco, French Italian saxophonist Rosario Giuliani (myspace. helming the CTV show last week “definite bump” in her tummy. drummer Roger Biwandu and South African com/rosariogiuliani) has won a handful of awards after former host Jacky Wu (吳宗 Reports speculated that Lok vocalist Tutu Puoane, only met for the first time in Europe and, according to 憲) quit. secretly went off her contracep- at the beginning of this week. Hsieh, possesses an impressive be-bop Apple Daily noted that the tion to get pregnant. According And there hasn’t been much rehearsal vocabulary that he handles with equally two have taken on a heavy to the Oriental Sunday, Lok time as they’ve been busy teaching at the impressive speed. responsibility. Guess Guess Guess has longed to give her husband Taipei International Summer Jazz Smith (myspace.com/ has been on air since 1996, but a son, but Lai, whose parents Academy, the annual weeklong davesmithtrumpet), the trumpeter, says the show’s popularity started to divorced when he was young, was camp associated with the festival. one of his main influences comes from less enthusiastic about having But the challenge of playing his training as a classical musician. He is Bump watch is children. During a press confer- on stage with a bassist and drawn to “strong harmonies” that create on for Gaile Lok. ence earlier this year, Lai, who drummer you’ve just met is the “drama” and a “sense of motion.” Photo: Taipei Times was dubbed one of the “Four ultimate test of skill for a jazz Attendees of past festivals will Heavenly Kings” of Canto-pop musician and will make for a recognize some returning musicians: in the 1990s, laughed off baby “fresh encounter,” said Hsieh in John Ruocco (www.jazzmasters. rumors, telling reporters an interview earlier this week. nl/johnruocco), the veteran “don’t believe everything “That’s what jazz means,” American saxophonist based in you hear!” he said. “You just improvise, play Europe; German hard-bop guitarist When paparazzi spot- together and do your best, try Joachim Schoenecker (www. ted Lok last week, your best to create the joachimschoenecker.com); Italian she was braving best music.” drummer Mimi Verderame (myspace. a heat wave to go The format of tonight and com/mimiverderame); Belgian shopping with friends. tomorrow’s concerts is nothing bassist Bart de Nolf (myspace.com/ After catching sight new to the festival, now in its bartdenolf); and Dutch pianist Peter of the photographers seventh edition. But the difference van Marle, who specializes in Latin jazz trailing her, Lok held from year to year lies in the new and percussion. Hsieh and Chang will up her jacket to hide her faces that bring their unique also participate in the concert. belly before heading into talents and skills to the mix. Hsieh jokes that this musician’s an eveningwear boutique. David Smith, a Canadian- summit is like a meeting of “Jedi Newspapers claimed she born, New York-based trumpeter knights.” But he has taken the paid particular atten- teaching and performing in reference to Star Wars, one of his tion to styles with Taiwan for the first time, says he favorite movies, even further. The empire waists and appreciates the idea of being put theme of this year’s concert has been loose, flowing skirts. into a situation where “people are billed as “The Force of Jazz.”

BY Ho Yi BY David Chen RESTAURANTS TIDBITS Tsubaki 椿 you’re looking for a cool white ocean fish that Waterfront My dining companion liked the BY Catherine Shu summer breeze in the Taipei serves breaded and pan-fried. The “Italian-style tomato and cheese Address: 46-1 Yongkang St, Taipei City (台北市永康街46-1號) area, it’s tough to beat Bitan fish fillet was tender and flaky pizza” (NT$300), which I found If(碧潭), located close to Xindian and tasted fresh, but the kebab too salty. The thin crust was ummer is the time for Telephone: (02) 2358-7377 Open: Mondays to Saturdays from 6pm to midnight Average meal: NT$600 MRT Station (新店捷運站). A major vegetables on the side were hit also too oily, but the dish won barbecues, but if you Details: Chinese menu, credit cards not accepted renovation project completed at and miss. The zucchini was tasty, points for fresh toppings, which don’t have a grill or can’t the end of 2008 breathed new life but the potato was ruined by a included buffalo mozzarella. Sstand the heat, consider all- into this riverside park area, which sickly-sweet glaze. However, pizza aficionados will you-can-eat churrasco. Ziga magine you and some friends feminine touch. has a wood deck arcade lined with Other main courses include likely be disappointed, and the Zaga in the Grand Hyatt will are invited over to a friend’s This homey atmosphere is outdoor cafes and restaurants. short-rib beefsteak (NT$760) portions — it’s an 8-inch pie serve the Brazilian specialty home for dinner. Your host made all the more comfy by the The dozen or so and several seafood pastas — are small for what you pay. until Sept. 14 along with Iis the laid-back type and not open-plan kitchen that allows establishments here serve for NT$540. All main course The dessert selection consists classic Brazilian cocktails. very talkative. You all sit around the restaurant’s two young everything from cold tea drinks meals come with soup (creamy of Thai-style ice cream (a scoop Meats are roasted over an the kitchen, enjoying a quiet chefs to converse freely with and kebab sandwiches to Korean pumpkin with bacon bits on this of vanilla served with tapioca open flame and slid from evening with a few drinks while patrons sat at the L-shaped bar. barbecue and Japanese ramen visit), a bread roll (which was a and sweet beans), Black Forest skewers onto each diner’s he prepares simple dishes, But the piece de resistance is noodles, and offer covered little stale), a drink (coffee, tea, banana cake and apple pie. At plate. Cuts include US beef occasionally interjecting with a undoubtedly the small sand pit at Tsubaki offers a small menu of simple seating areas with nice views of soda or juice; the mango-pomelo NT$160 for a single order, neither rump cap, or picanha; prime word or two of his own. Tsubaki’s center, where the chefs Japanese fare and a homey, slow-paced the glistening green waters from juice with vinegar is good on a the ice cream nor the apple pie rib steaks on the bone, or That is what dining at grill fish over a charcoal fire. which Bitan derives its name. hot day) and dessert. are worth trying, unless you get costela premium; and lamb dining environment. Photo: Ho Yi, Taipei Times Tsubaki, a snug establishment The restaurant’s menu Waterfront (水灣) presents For something lighter, there’s them with a main course meal. shoulder on the bone (paleta offering a small selection of is scrawled on a couple of fill up on appetizers can choose itself as one of the more upscale a selection of salads and pizzas, But there’s no need to splurge de cordeiro) and pork ribs simple Japanese food on the less blackboards and includes grilled salmon ochatsuke (rice with dining choices, with wait staff but the pictures in the menu to enjoy the scenery and the (costela de porco). Ziga Zaga bustling strip of Yongkang Street meats and seafood, stews, salads, tea) (鮭魚茶泡飯, NT$150) or a big dressed in matching tropical- don’t hold out much promise. The comfy seating at Waterfront. The follows the traditional Brazilian (永康街), feels like. cold appetizers and sashimi. bowl of oden (Japanese hot pot) themed uniforms and a menu Caesar salad (NT$250) looked minimum charge per person is churrascaria custom: Each “Relaxed” is an apt description Cooking over charcoal takes tidbits (關東煮, NT$240). comprised of a mish-mash thoroughly unappetizing, with a NT$150 (plus 10 percent service diner has a card, red on one of the service environment, but time, and the grilled sweetfish The drinks menu includes selection of Western-style dishes. photograph showing a clump of charge), and the restaurant offers side and green on the other. that is by no means to imply (鹽烤香魚, NT$150), seasoned several varieties of sake (NT$200 The food is decent and nicely lettuce overflowing with a creamy a large variety of beverages to fuel Green is flipped up for a fresh it is inept or sluggish. The simply with salt, arrived on a per glass) and plum wine (NT$180 presented, but some items are dressing and whole strips of an extended chat with friends. serving from the barbecue; restaurant is all about setting wooden plate roughly half an per glass), and there is a range overpriced and cater more to bacon covered in cheese. Espresso drinks, tea, juices and red means the diner is taking the right mood, not maximizing hour after the order was placed. of 300ml bottles of sake priced the Taiwanese imagination than smoothies run from NT$160 a break (or working through a its efficiency. The young female But there is something strangely between NT$600 to NT$900. Western palates. to NT$180; Heineken on tap is meat coma). staffer may enjoy the occasional gratifying about seeing your The restaurant doesn’t boast The crispy pork knuckle available at NT$250 for 500ml and Everything is washed glass of whiskey, casually chatting food cooked over a fire right in a big menu, and the food isn’t (NT$700, NT$720 for beer- NT$1,100 for 2,500ml and bottled down with drinks based on with patrons as they imbibe front of you, and I didn’t find particularly impressive, but flavored) is listed as a house beers from the microbrewery Brazil’s national cocktail, the sake. The quieter male chef, on myself complaining. Tsubaki’s intimate environment recommendation, as is the grilled North Taiwan Brewing Company caipirinha, a combination of the other hand, seems to take The assorted stew (筑煎煮, and leisurely ambiance go duck breast (NT$680), which are NT$180 each. cachaca (liquor made from great pleasure in selecting the NT$220), a nourishing combo some to making up for its was sold out on my visit. I settled When the weather is nice on fermented sugarcane juice), restaurant’s music whenever he is of pork, bamboo shoot, carrot, shortcomings. for the John Dory (NT$540), a weekends, expect large crowds lime and sugar. Ziga Zaga’s afforded a break from the kitchen. daikon and burdock root, came and a long wait. The restaurant churrasco is NT$700 for Bjork is among his favorites. recommended, but was too salty recommends making a reservation lunch and NT$880 for dinner, The interior is designed for my taste. The steamed clams Waterfront 水灣 a week in advance for a table with plus a 10 percent service to set patrons at ease, with bowl (酒蒸蛤蠣, NT$220), however, Pizza by the riverside. a view. And don’t let the sunshine charge. For reservations, wooden dining tables and tiled won approval with its fresh- Address: 10 Shangdian St, Sindian City, Bitan Scenic Area (新店市碧潭風景區東岸商店街10號) Photo: David Chen, Taipei Times or a light rain scare you away call (02) 2720-1200 X3198 cupboards. Potted plants and tasting broth and ample serving of Telephone: (02) 2912-5568 Open: 11am to 11pm Average meal: NT$500 to NT$600 — the entire arcade is covered or X3199 or visit www. ornaments enliven the space, juicy clams. Details: No credit cards, 10 percent service charge, reservations recommended on weekends by a large awning that provides grandhyatttaipei.com.tw. adding color and lending it a Hungry visitors looking to On the Net: www.waterfront.com.tw ample protection.