EPHERNITÈ (aka L’Epherenitè) – Taiwanese ingredients reimagined.

Ephernitè – the final restaurant in our food tour of Taiwan. It had been a whirlwind expedition from Thailand to Singapore and 4+hours across to Taiwan. We’d traversed across Taipei and down to Taichung to eat (Le Mout) and now we were ensconced in a softly-lit, quiet nook at restaurant Ephernitè. It was a perfect way to end our Taiwanese culinary adventure,

This farm to table menu with fresh produce brought in daily from local providores and farmers across Taiwan was delectable.  It is tasting menu-style catering for a quick meal through to decadent signature menu.  We selected the seasonal menu which by that stage of our Taiwan adventure, was going to be plenty!

Ephernitè’s French-bred and trained, Taiwanese couple (Vanessa, Chef & Claude, Manager) have created a warm, inviting and almost-serene, minimalist environment which is the antithesis of the hustling streets of Taipei and to be honest it was a welcoming relief. Their staff were exceptionally well trained, impeccable in their presentation and table service and added to the Epherenitè experience.  They understood the vision of the restaurant, flawlessly explained every dish and, to our delight, served each dish uniformly. Their humble, discreet approach was appreciated and absolutely added to the overall dining experience.

The Epherenitè menu was a beautiful array of local ingredients, with obvious French influence in the kitchen. With the menu changing every few months, it will be surprise should you have a chance to dine. If it is anything like our experience, you will appreciate the creative, delicate start, rustic bread, the light sear of local vegetables with fresh, melt-in-your-mouth sea urchin through to brulèed fruit and French cheese (of course).  This is not for you if you are attempting to find authentic local Taiwanese dishes. It IS for you if you want to experience Taiwanese ingredients reimagined through French cooking.

Sometimes we dine and agree that it was nice, but not something we would try again but Ephernitè is at the top of our list next time we find ourselves in the unique, intriguing and mesmerising Taiwan.