I have always been a huge brunch fan. Pancakes, eggs benedict or omlette, you name it and I'll guarantee I can have it any time of the day. I live in Tianmu so when I first heard about JB's brunch menu I was all in for trying it out.

JB's is an American diner located on Tianmu East road, just behind Wovie (previously known as Miramar) Cinemas. My friends and I decided to go Christmas caroling at the old age home in Tianmu and thought brunch at JB"s would be the perfect place to go to prior to that.





With diners quickly gaining popularity in Taipei, JB's has made a good name for itself in Tianmu. We got there at 12.30pm on a Sunday and had to wait for 30 minutes so I definitely suggest making a reservation if you plan on going during peak times or the weekend.





Their menu ranges from pancakes, omelettes, pasta to burgers - so there is something for everyone. Portions at JB's are great for the price you pay so make sure you have plenty of tummy space available, you won't leave hungry!

Most of us went for breakfast and were able to choose a side of hash browns, home style fried potatoes or fruit salad. With an extra NT$30 we were able to add a beverage of our choice (excluding alcoholic beverages).

For all meat lovers out there, this one is for you. Aptly named Meat Lover's Omelette (NT$290), it is an omelette stuffed with sausages, ham, bacon, onion and cheese.

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="600"] Jay has given his seal of approval for the Meatlover Omlette[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_291" align="alignnone" width="600"] Meatlover Omelette with a side of toast and hash brown (NT$290)[/caption]

If you're feeling a little adventurous, the Tex Mex omelette (NT$320) comes with black beans, onion, peppers, jalapenos, Jack cheese and a dollop of chunky salsa.

[caption id="attachment_307" align="alignnone" width="600"] Tex-Mex Omelette with home-style fried potatoes (NT$320)[/caption]

For a more traditional option, there is also fried egg  served on English muffins.

[caption id="attachment_301" align="alignnone" width="600"] Fried egg with a side of hash brown[/caption]

If you don't see any omelette options that stand out, fear not - you can also create your own omelette starting at NT$120. Fillings range from NT$30 to NT$60 and include: feta, tomatoes, avocado, black beans, spinach, etc.

Continuing on the breakfast and egg bandwagon, JB's also has great Eggs Benedict options. You can choose what fillings you want and get a side of your choice.

I went for the Smoke Salmon & Spinach (NT$330) and my friend went for the Crab & Avocado (NT$340). You get two poached eggs on two English muffins topped with a generous amount of Hollindaise sauce plus a side of your choice.

[caption id="attachment_306" align="alignnone" width="446"] Eggs Benedict with smoked salmon & spinach and a side of fruit salad (NT$330)[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_312" align="alignnone" width="600"] Eggs Benedict with Crab & Avocado and a side of home-style roast potatoes (NT$340)[/caption]

If you've got an early sweet tooth coming on, JB's range of pancakes will hit the spot. From banana and chocolate chips, cinnamon apple, oreo, and blueberry pancakes - you won't be left short of options!

[caption id="attachment_305" align="alignnone" width="600"] Banana & Chocolate Chips pancakes (NT$240)[/caption]

Other than brunch, JB is also great for American style main courses.

[caption id="attachment_300" align="alignnone" width="600"] Mimi's Mexican Meatless Burger (NT$280)[/caption]

For all vegetarian burger lovers out there, JB's has some delicious burger options. This is Mimi's Mexican Meatless Burger (NT$280). With a homemade style bean patty, topped with some guacamole, salsa and tortilla chips, this burger is packed with flavor - and the tortilla chips add a great crunch.

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="600"] Grilled Chicken Sandwich (NT$260) with a side of fries[/caption]

Last, but not least this is a classic Grilled Chicken Sandwich (NT$260) with grilled chicken, Monterrey jack cheese and honey mustard. 

For a decent price, you get great quality American style food at JB's. Be it breakfast or main courses, you won't be left disappointed.

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/judyandbert?fref=ts

Address: Tianmu E. Rd, Lane 50, No 8

Phone:  2876-1588

Opening times: Tue - Sun: 08:00 - 22:00

La Bey Cafe

On a cold rainy day, there is nothing more comforting than a cup of hot chocolate. Add a few fluffy marshmallows on top and it's heaven in a cup.

My friend G just got back from a three week trip around Korea and Malaysia so we decided to look for a cafe and chit chat away.

I passed La Bey several times on Zhongyi Street and always took a quick glance to find a full cafe and cute accents of decor hanging inside. When trying to decide on a place, La Bey quickly popped to mind and we made our way there.



La Bey is a cozy, independent cafe run by a (very sweet) couple. As soon as you step inside you get the homely feeling - with wooden tables, couches and a magazine corner it is the perfect place to unwind and relax. For those who just can't itch away the temptation of checking emails, there is also free WiFi access.











The cafe has a range of drinks and food on their menu such as coffee, tea, sandwiches, cakes and waffles. We went in at around 5pm and thought we'd save some tummy space for dinner so just decided to go with a hot drink.









G and I went for Sipping Chocolate (80NT) and E went for a Caramel Milk Tea and Lemon Drizzle Cake (180NT). You can choose to get just a hot drink or get a refillable tea pot with one slice of cake, pastry or honey toast.

The couple prepare all the food and drinks themselves so our order did take longer than the usual chain cafe - approx 20 minutes or so, but it was well worth it.

Can we all take a moment and appreciate the froth and cute marshmallow on top?



The hot chocolate had the perfect balance of cocoa and sugar. It wasn't too bitter or too sweet and the caramel drizzle added an extra hint of sweetness.

I tried some of E's Lemon Drizzle Cake and it was delish. I'm not a big lemon cake fan, but the lemon wasn't too overpowering and the cake was moist and spongy enough.





We ended up staying at La Bey for a good two hours. The service was great - E got offered a top up and overall we were happy bunnies. I would highly recommend La Bey if you are in Tianmu. I know I'll definitely be going back for some coffee and cake.

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/La-Bey-Cafe-Bar/329594947060742?fref=ts

Address: Zhongyi Street No 157, Taipei, Taiwan

Closest MRT: Zhishan

Opening times: Noon to 11 (kitchen closes at 10) Monday to Sunday