There's a Mexican style restaurant on Wu-Chang St. between Jian-Xing Rd. and Mai-Ting Street near China University Medical Center in Taichung, Taiwan on what I call "Little International Street." The restaurant used to be called "Red & Green" to distinguish it from its sister restaurant on Xi-Tun Road, Sec. 3, but since that location closed its door last year, the Aztec name reverted to the original location with the original chef, much better cuisine than the offshoot. Do not confuse the two. The old Aztec, according to an ex-pat Californian, "used Chinese rice, fake sour cream, canned beans, oil that gave acid reflex, and small portions." Not the new Aztec!
The new Aztec has excellent Mexican food for Taiwan, maybe even good enough for a Californian. The portions are large, with homemade sour cream and guacamole. The chicken fajitas are good and so is the deep-fried chimichanga. For beverages, try non-alcoholic horchata, a refreshing creamy cold drink like rice or almond milk, or try their alcoholic mojito if you're not driving. Corona would hit the spot, too, on a hot summer day. But back to the tacos and burritos. I liked the combination burrito, taco, and enchiladas with beans on the side and a choice of homemade toppings such as salsa or tomatillo; don't ask me where they got tomatillo from in Taiwan.
Before I get off the subject, try the Aztec Mexican veal chop, but you will have to call in advance to reserve it. The newly decorated store is air-conditioned and next to a parking lot.
While you're there, stop across the street for awesome Japanese-French style pastries and bread at Boulangerie Roi. The baker is an award-winner. Try their giant spiced soft pretzels or cheese and bacon Italian bread.
Also on Wu-Chang St., you'll find Las Fallas. Can you say that your Mediterranean Taichung restaurant makes its own pesto sauce and mint-apple julep? Fallas does. Can you say your restaurant offers real zucchini, crab meat, pine nuts, squid ink pasta, ingredients, couscous and tabbouleh salad? Las Fallas does! You will be surprised what Chef Tim can whip up for your business lunch or romantic dinner under a life-sized photo of a Venetian canal. The desserts are homemade, too; vanilla pana cota, cakes, and fresh brewed espresso cappuccino. I happened upon Las Fallas and have been back often to relish their dreamy creamy mushroom linguine.
Oh, I almost forgot; if you have a hankering for Russian Uzbeki dishes, like shish-kabob or salad with homemade yogurt sauce, a short block away you will find "Oh My G-d". I know you've been searching all your life for it.
Thai, Mexican, Japanese-French, Mediterranean Italian, Russian and a hamburger joint, all excellent independent international eateries. Now you know why I call it "Little International Street."
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| Boulangerie Roi on the corner of "Little International Street |
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