Ice In, Fire Out

Here you can see the refreshing crushed ice desserts Diana and I enjoyed at Meet Fresh (the name of the place) about 1.5 weeks ago. That is also approximately the same time my stomach took a turn for the worst. Since then I have been mutilating innocent toilets around Taipei without mercy. One of the many benefits of writing Taiwanyumyum is that I can use all the photos I take for it as an accurate database for what I've eaten and when I ate it. I am still currently analyzing the immense amount of data, but the dishes you see below are very high up on the suspect list. However, The possibility of it being the cause of my traumatic intestinal issues is unassociated with its deliciousness. So jump into the past with me and try to enjoy the cold treats below without thinking about the unpleasant aftereffects.


Red beans/Ice/Condensed Milk. The simplest and best ice dessert in my opinion, though probably not that many people agree with me. You can't tell from this image, but this plate was HUGE. So HUGE that I could barely eat it fast enough to prevent the melting mountain of ice from overflowing over the edge. Many children strolling past my table commented to their mothers about my situation.


I'm not really sure what's going on here but Diana really digs it so maybe it's okay. I do know those things on the left are squishy taro balls. Wouldn't mind a couple of those guys chillin' with my red beans.

An Oath

On this day, I, Jordan, promise to never (actually, just for the rest of this month, for now) put a 10NT coin into a claw machine again. I promise not to carefully and intensely study machines for the best possible moves, and then celebrate with glee when the prizes drop into the hole. In the end, despite the fun, it's time to move on, divert my time, money, and effort to more mature activities. It will be hard to break this addiction, but I will try my best.


What you are feeling right now is called envy. Each one tells a unique story, filled with different emotions, and distinct memories. Just to note, some of these were acquired with the help of others while many were given away and unfortunately not present for the photo shoot.


*Sigh*... We sure had some good times.

The New Flavor

My buddy Duke suggested I try out OOLONG milk tea. It's always been around but I've just never thought of trying it. Well I give Duke a high five and a chest bump because it's pretty good. It carries a much stronger tea flavor than black tea with a toffee like aroma, though not as sweet. My usual green milk tea has a worthy competitor now.

Jiminey Cricket (Fried)

Recently stopped by a friend's restaurant/bar to test out some new dishes that are in development. The new items are based on the cuisine of Taiwanese natives with a modern twist:


It took about 10 minutes and some aggressive persuasion to get me to eat this giant fried insect. Looking at it now makes me slightly nauseous but I admit it tasted fine, kind of like fried shrimp but flakier. Apparently, there's also a stick of onion rammed through the body of the insect, if you can tell. That nasty insect dome really gets me though. Still, I recommend huge crickets to anyone with curious taste buds and a need for cheap thrills. It made me feel like a man.


This dish isn't very impressive after a fried bug, but it was actually quite memorable. Sticky rice and pork wrapped with tea leaves. I've had it before, but this specific version was much more reactive to the chew and carried a spice I have yet to encounter.


I don't know if you can tell, but these are little river fish, fried to a crisp. There's quite a punch in each of these little peckers, but I couldn't tell if it was from the fish itself or the groves of garlic it was cooked with. At this point, my palette was about pooped out and done. In the end, I give a thumbs up to proceed with all these dishes. If there's anything lacking in taste, the presentation makes up for it.

Operation Catch Many Stuffed Animals

Through my month and a half in Taiwan, Justin and I have amassed quite a collection of stuffed animals through the claw game. I admit I wasted a bit of time and money in the beginning but through trial and error and pure talent I've learned a few things about this underrated sport. Here's a brief rundown of a typical night of quality claw action:


First, I scavenge through all my belongings, pants/shorts pockets, backpack, dresser top, Justin's money stash, for loose change, preferably the 10NTs. 50NT works too but you have to waste time exchanging them for 10NTs. Worst comes to worst, you gather up all your 5NTs, but that is generally shamed upon in the claw community


Second, I grab a backpack. Nothing looks more amateurish than walking around juggling your assorted prizes in both arms while reaching for change in your pocket and talking on the cell phone, while eating a grilled rice sausage. If possible, always carry a backpack for pure convenience. Also, nothing looks cooler than a backpack packed full of oddly shaped soft objects. This sense of mystery is a very powerful chick magnet. Oh, and notice Justin's technique of placing a previously won prize into the backpack before we leave. This is part tradition and part psychology. An empty backpack is generally damaging to the player's confidence, which is crucial in this deadly game.


Unfortunately, our actual animal catching techniques can not be revealed at the moment, as our enemies will surely take advantage and cripple us. But here's another piece of advice. Research and analysis are quite vital in the overall stuffed animal catching process. Notice here, while regular civilians are casually and naively ordering cold and overly sweetened beverages, Justin is busy browsing the street vendors that sell stuffed animals straight up for those can't claw. He carefully examines each individual piece for surface texture, weight and awkward protrusions among other factors that greatly effect the course of the claw games.


Here you can see the haul after one night's work. For an hour's worth of action, using only about 400 NT total, I'd call this excursion an acceptable success. Tonight, we will be thoroughly studying game tapes to mine our weaknesses and burn them.