This was actually one review of this breakfast restaurant on the Taipei Guide Blogspot. And yet, we still decided to go. After all, it was the only Western restaurant nearby, and we really needed some bacon, eggs, and pancakes or toast at this point in our trip. We can all relate. One time in Bangkok, after four days of eating Thai (spicy) food, my digestive system just needed a bland break, and I found that break in a burger, fries and coke. To get that burger break, I had to fake a stomach illness just to get away from my hosts and my colleagues that were about to suffer through a fourth day of more spicy Thai food which caused much flushing in our hotel later that evening.
Fast forward to this current trip to Taiwan. Derick and I were in need of some western food after multiple days of not having our traditional breakfast. Luckily, our guide book referenced a western breakfast place, Grandma Nitti's Kitchen, which had mixed reviews. Not all the reviews were bad. Some visitors enjoyed their meal, and some patrons were part of a loyal following of Granma Nitti's, which after all had been in operation since at least 2001, based on review dates. Consequently, it was difficult to distinguish those who did not like western breakfasts from those who, have plenty western breakfasts under their belt and, were the true (western breakfast) connoisseurs. Who wouldn't want a meal that grandma makes!
Grandma Nitti’s Kitchen, located on Shi-Da Road, Lane 93, #8, was difficult to find. We were in the general vicinity according to our Google Maps phone directions, but the app had us walking in circles. We decided to ask someone on the street for directions. We probably asked at least 5 people before we found 2 young women who admitted they could speak English, and also were willing to help. However, the directions they provided were so confusing, and we probably had a confused look on our faces, that the young women decided to walk us to the restaurant. We were only a couple of blocks away, so it was not too far out of their way. We accepted the assistance from the women who, interestingly, had us follow them the entire time and only spoke to one another. We had been advised that many Taiwanese who were learning English liked the opportunity to practice their English with those from English-speaking countries. It seemed that these young women did not share the desire.
After a short walk, we arrived at Grandma Nitti's. We thanked the two young women who, backpacks in tow, seemed to be on their way to class somewhere nearby, possibly at National Taiwan Normal University.
When we walked toward Grandma Nitti's, the signs directed us up a staircase which led to the second floor. Inside, there were some customers already eating, drinking their coffee or tea, and reading some type of literature or just talking amongst their group. It was a relief to see that the restaurant actually had customers. We are usually wary of empty restaurants.
After being seated at a corner table near a patio door, a man brought us menus, then proceeded to take our order rather quickly. It was as if he did not want to give us the opportunity to change our minds.
The restaurant atmosphere was actually quite peaceful and calm. It was quiet enough for us to have a private conversation without having to raise our voices to hear one another.
After some time, my omelet was delivered. Or, was it mine? It looked as if some type of mystery meat was in it, but it should have been a cheese omelet. The hash brown was shaped like a triangle, previously frozen I imagine. This to me indicated that the hash browns were not made fresh. The toast was not toasted, just plain. Therefore, no use putting butter on it since it would never melt. To say my breakfast was disappointing was an understatement.
Derick's breakfast seemed to be nonexistent at first, and then it finally arrived. It was ice cold, and the order was partially incorrect.
It is impossible to let something like this trouble us much when we are enjoying ourselves on vacation. Furthermore, we knew we would have many laughs about it later as we repeated the phrase from the reviewer on the blog about that person's experience at Grandma Nitit's.
We decided to walk to the Starbucks down the street and have a hot beverage and croissant. That, we thought, should have been our first choice.
Note: This restaurant is now permanently closed.
Normally a blog about a restaurant would be under our Eat Section. However, since this was more about the adventure in Taipei and less about the food, it is included in the Travel section.
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