陶板屋 台南忠義店
Taking advantage of the birthday discount voucher, I decided to dine at the Tao Ban House, part of the Wangpin Group. They seem to feature a Japanese-European cuisine style, and the overall atmosphere was quite nice. There were plenty of diners during meal times, so it's best to make a reservation in advance. I’ll record a few dishes that left a deeper impression on me.
Garlic Chip Steak 🥩
This dish is likely one of the signatures, and I have to say it was just average. The flavor was decent, but the quality of the meat, its doneness, and the aroma were all rather conservative. We had just returned from Japan and had eaten some truly exceptional beef recently, so the difference was quite apparent. It wasn't bad, but there weren't many memorable points.
Duck Breast 🦆
The duck breast from the Wangpin series has always been stable, and the one at Tao Ban House is no exception. The skin was crispy, the meat tender and juicy, and there was no unpleasant duck smell. The thickness was just right, giving it a nice presence. This dish was actually my favorite of the entire meal.
Seafood Chawanmushi 🍵
The flavor of the chawanmushi was generally acceptable, but there was a shrimp at the bottom of the bowl that tasted a bit off and not very fresh, which was a downside.
Fried Rice Ball 🍙
The outer layer was quite crispy and crunchy, while the inside was simply the aroma of rice. Paired with the sauce that was served alongside (whether it was thousand island or some kind of Japanese salad dressing), the flavors were fairly harmonious, making it a nice appetizer.
Shizuoka Roasted Tea Pudding 🍮
I really liked the dessert; the tea flavor was clear and not overly sweet, giving it a nice finish after the meal. The pudding itself was smooth and not cloyingly sweet, which was nice.
Overall, considering the current price range, Tao Ban House is a reasonably acceptable option for gatherings, especially if you have birthday discounts or want a place with a nice atmosphere. However, to be honest, compared to my first impression when I dined at Tao Ban House a few years ago, this time's performance lacked some of the wow factor from back then. It could be that the flavors have become more conservative, or perhaps my standards have risen after trying too many other options.