Restaurant A by Alain Huang

A white restaurant like you're flying in the sky; chef Alain explains that it serves to accentuate the vibrant colors of the food, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in the dining experience.

I've always believed that a restaurant mirrors its chef in more ways than one. Sure, the food is a direct reflection of the chef's style and personality, but it's not just that—the entire dining experience, from the service to the decor to the music, speaks volumes about the chef behind it all. Take, for example, A, a relatively new restaurant in Taipei led by Chef Alain. Here, every aspect of the dining experience embodies the chef's perfectionism, promising guests a seamless journey through contemporary French fine dining.

Chef Alain explains that the name "A" isn't merely an acronym of his own name; rather, it symbolizes endless possibilities. Across various languages, "A" serves as the starting point, capable of conveying diverse meanings depending on its context. Whether it stands alone as "Restaurant A" or is part of a phrase like "A restaurant," it holds different implications. This establishment aims to be "More than A restaurant," catering to diverse consumer expectations, from menu design to service procedures to interdisciplinary collaborations.

Upon entering Restaurant A, guests are immediately enveloped in a meticulously white atmosphere, yet one that exudes a cozy warmth. While many restaurants strive to recreate a homely feel, Restaurant A achieves a level of thoroughness that's truly remarkable. Situated in the upscale Shin Kong Mitsukoshi complex in the East District, Restaurant A spans a spacious 150-square-meter area across four floors. Despite its size, the space is thoughtfully divided into three main sections: the reception hall, the Alcoholiday Champagne bar, and the guest seating area. The Champagne bar, with its plush sofas and low tables, invites guests to unwind and indulge in appetizers, akin to being welcomed into a lavish home. From there, guests are guided through an "art gallery" corridor adorned with artworks to their seats in the dining area, where they can begin their culinary journey. Chef Alain emphasizes that dining at Restaurant A is meant to be relaxed, allowing guests to discover the finer details at their own pace.

When asked about the restaurant's predominantly white palette, Chef Alain explains that it serves to accentuate the vibrant colors of the food, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in the dining experience. "I want the focus to be on the guests, fulfilling their dining needs, whether it's for a business meeting, a romantic date, or a simple meal," he says. The all-white attire worn by the staff further enhances this seamless experience, allowing them to blend effortlessly into the space while providing attentive yet unobtrusive service.

Even the kitchen, with its pristine white surfaces, reflects Chef Alain's exacting standards. While the kitchen staff may work behind the scenes, they are held to the same level of precision and attention to detail as those in the front of house.

The menu

At Restaurant A, Chef Alain combines traditional French cuisine with precise cooking techniques, infusing Asian flavors and drawing inspiration from his global experiences. However, what truly sets the menu apart is the collaborative process behind it. Each dish on the menu is the result of brainstorming sessions with a team of ten collaborators, including designers and craftsmen with both local and global perspectives. Together, they reinterpret classic French dishes in a customized manner, incorporating their own experiences and preferences into each creation.

For Chef Alain, the menu isn't bound by seasonal constraints but rather evolves based on the availability of fresh ingredients and the demands of the customers. "We don't adhere to a fixed framework or seasonal themes," he explains. "The restaurant itself is our theme, and we adapt flexibly to meet the needs of our guests."