Category Archives: Photo Gallery

Newest 85°C Bakery Café

Posted on December 23, 2013 | Leave a comment

Taiwan’s 85°C Bakery Café opened its first store in northern California in November. Over 300 fans of the company waited patiently outside the Newark store for its grand opening despite extremely cold conditions. Long popular in Taiwan, the new location was an instant success.

The pictures below show some of the bakery’s colorful cakes and baked goods and the long lines that are still evident, in both Newark and Taiwan (last two photos). The bakery just completed building centralized kitchens in Brea (Southern California) and Newark (Northern California), so they can open new stores much quicker, allowing them to dedicate more space for seating and less for the kitchen area.

Named 85°C (185 degrees Fahrenheit) because “Coffee holds its flavor best at a steady 85 degrees Celsius” the company wanted its name to reflect its devotion to providing its customers with the highest quality products.

Just this year, the company opened four new locations in California. Next year, 85°C Bakery Café will open at least ten more stores, with two planned for San Jose this coming spring.

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Tagged 85°C Bakery Café, Newark, San Jose

Taiwan Film Days

Posted on November 15, 2013 | Leave a comment

Taiwan Film Days focuses on the best contemporary Taiwanese cinema and provides Bay Area audiences with a unique opportunity to view bold new Taiwanese films and engage with visionary filmmakers. Marking its fifth year, San Francisco Film Society’s (SFFS) programmer Sean Uyehara said that without a doubt, this year’s Taiwan Film Days is the most eclectic yet. Included in the line-up are films already screened at celebrated international film festivals such as Cannes, Toronto and Locarno.

The photos below are a sample from the TFD over the last five years. This year’s festival has relocated to the Vogue Theater in the Marina District. Despite the new location, the festival has grown and has proved to be the best TFD yet.

The 5th Taiwan Film Days at the Vogue Theater in San Francisco (November 2013)

Fung Kai (left), director of Din Tao, takes questions from the audience. SFFS’s programmer Sean Uyehara at his right (October 2012)

TECO chief, Bruce Fuh (center), talks to Ted Hope (left), then executive director of SFFS, and Amanda Todd, SFFS’s development manager at the TFD reception (October 2012)

Tsao Jui-yuan (right), director of Joyful Reunion, is greeted by the audience (October 2012)

Manfred Peng, TECO’s press director (right), stands with Wang Chi-tsai (director of Formosa Mambo) (middle) and Huang Hsin-yao (director of Taivalu) (October 2011)

Long lines for TFD in front of New People Cinema in San Francisco (October 2011)

More long lines for TFD in front of New People Cinema (October 2011)

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Tagged 5th TFD, Amanda Todd, Bruce Fuh, Din Tao, Formosa Manbo, Fung Kai, Huang Hsin-yao, Joyful Reunion, Manfred Peng, New People Cinema, San Francisco Film Society, Sean Uyehara, Taivalu, Taiwan Film Days, Ted Hop, Tsao Jui-yuan, Vogue Theater, Wang Chi-tsai

Grandriders’ California Trip

Posted on September 16, 2013 | Leave a comment

On August 20, ten Taiwanese senior riders from the original documentary, Go Grandriders, gathered in front of the Santa Clara County Government Center to begin their ride from San Jose to Los Angeles. Gathered to celebrate the occasion were a wide group of volunteers, fans and curious onlookers who stopped to see what all the cheering was about.

The ceremonies started soon after 10 am with a welcome offered by Janice Sung, chair of the Ad Hoc Taiwanese-American organization working together to give the grandriders a grand send off. Among the attendees were local politicians with proclamations and certificates of recognition to present to the group. In the photos below, are Cupertino Mayor Orrin Mahoney, Santa Clara County Sheriff Laurie Smith and TECO Director-General Bruce Fuh greeting one of the riders from the BMW Club of Northern California.

Since the grandriders did not have California licenses to drive, generous volunteers from the BMW Club of Northern California kindly offered to give them a lift down to Southern California. Each grandrider was paired with an American motorcyclist for the three-day trip down Highway 1. The trip was completed on September 23, with the grandriders now back in Taiwan enjoying a much more sedate schedule.

To learn more about the kickoff, you can also read CBS’s article and news story by linking to their site at, http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2013/08/20/seniors-on-motorcycles-begin-tour-of-california-coast/.

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Tagged BMV Club of Northern California, Cupertino Mayor Orrin Mahoney, Director-General Bruce Fuh, Go Grandriders, grandriders, Santa Clara County Government Center, Santa Clara County Sheriff Laurie Smith

Vox Nativa Children’s Choir visits the Bay Area

Posted on July 24, 2013 | Leave a comment

On July 6, Bay Area audiences had the rare privilege of hearing the Vox Nativa Children’s Choir at Jubilee Christian Center. Made up of Taiwan’s aboriginals who are known for having great rhythm, strong vocals and unique harmonies, their singing is well appreciated in any culture. Their visit was sponsored by the Wisdom Culture Education Organization (WCEO) in the Bay Area.

Founded in 2008, Vox Nativa is a nonprofit special weekend music school in Hsing-yi Village of Nan-tao County (central Taiwan) with the goal of achieving social reform in the aboriginal community through nurturing gifted aboriginal children. At the same time, they hope to preserve and promote aboriginal culture, and instill a sense of cultural pride and identity. The singers are made up of aboriginal children aged 9 to 13 years old selected from the poverty stricken villages in the foothills of Jade Mountain, the highest peak in East Asia.

The pictures were taken by Ben Hwang during the performance at the Jubilee Christian Center.

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Tagged Ben Hwang, Jade Mountain, Jubilee Christian Center, Taiwan's aboriginals, Vox Navita Children's Choir, Wisdom Culture Eduation Organization

Fusion House, authentic Taiwanese food in the South Bay

Posted on June 21, 2013 | Leave a comment

The Yu family opened Fusion House two years ago in Fremont, and looking around the crowded dining room; it is quite clearly a resounding success. Although relatively new to Northern California, the Yus are seasoned restaurateurs, having opened eight restaurants specializing in Taiwanese food in Southern California.

Yu Chien-hsiang arrived here with his parents and opened their first restaurant in 1988 in San Gabriel. Like many first generation immigrants, they arrived not knowing what might be their new occupation. According to Yu’s wife, Manette, her husband did not know how to cook then, but gradually taught himself how to recreate authentic Taiwanese dishes he so enjoyed.

Hao Nien Dong, the Chinese name for all the family’s restaurants is the same, roughly translated, it means “Harvest Day” but each restaurant has a different English name.

Taiwan Insights have included some of Fusion House’s most popular dishes in our Photo Gallery. If you are hungry for some authentic Taiwanese food after seeing the photos, then drop by Fusion House at 46228 Warm Springs Boulevard #452 in Fremont.

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Tagged Chien-hsiang Yu, Fusion House, Harvest Day, Manette Yu, Taiwanese food

Bay Area Taiwanese Restaurant

Posted on May 10, 2013 | Leave a comment

With one of the largest populations of Taiwanese-Americans in the United States, the Bay Area is home to some of the country’s top authentic Taiwanese cuisine restaurants. One of the more notable establishments is the Taiwanese-owned China Bee Restaurant in San Mateo (31 South B Street). From the first sip of its homemade sour plum drink, with its smoky flavor, diners know they have found a place that can satisfy their craving for real Taiwanese food.

When the Bee family first emigrated from Taiwan in 1977, Mrs. Bee quickly earned a reputation for her cooking. Many encouraged her to open a restaurant and she finally did so in 1992. Today, the restaurant continues to be a family-run business. On most days, Nancy, Mrs. Bee’s daughter, is there to welcome customers with a warm smile. About 75 percent of the diners are regulars and many she knows by name or recognizes. Growing up in her parents’ restaurant, Nancy says the customers are drawn to the China Bee because their flavors are stronger, with less oil and salt.

After 21 years, the restaurant continues to be a popular destination for Taiwanese people seeking the familiar comforting taste they grew up with and a new crop of foodies looking to try a good stinky tofu dish. The restaurant is especially crowded on weekends, when diners come from all over the Bay Area for its weekend brunch dishes. Among their popular daily dishes are spicy beef noodle soup, stinky tofu, pork chop rice plate and an assortment of other favorites shown below.

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Tagged 31 South B Street, China Bee, Mrs. Bee, Nancy Bee, Pork Chop Rice Plate, San Mateo, Spicy Beef Noodle Soup, stinky tofu

Matsu Temple of SF

Posted on March 28, 2013 | Leave a comment

Matsu is one of Taiwan’s most popular folk deities. Known also as the Heavenly Mother, she is the indigenous goddess of the sea, widely worshipped in Taiwan, the coastal provinces of China, Japan, South Korea and Southeast Asian countries.

The Chinese have been migrating from the mainland across the Strait to Taiwan since the 16th century. With a strong seafaring tradition, Taiwanese sailors turned to Matsu for comfort and shelter. There are over 500 Matsu temples on the island.

The Matsu Temple of San Francisco was established by Taiwanese immigrant Kao Ke-ta in 1986. On August 19 of that year, he received permission to set up the temple as a house of worship. In order to set up the American temple, the Chaotian Temple conducted a spiritual ceremony blessing the Matsu goddess for the San Francisco temple. The Chaotian Temple is one of Taiwan’s oldest temples. Built around 1700, it is located in Beigang, Yunlin County.

The Matsu Temple in San Francisco was originally located at 554 Vienna Street but moved to 30 Bechett Street in San Francisco’s Chinatown in 1996. Kao said the temple is a place for ethnic Chinese to worship, offering psychological comfort to those seeking solace from life’s difficulties and their fortune. In the last thirty years, the temple has become a well-known San Francisco attraction, drawing many visitors from around the US.

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Tagged 30 Bechett Street, Beigang, Chaotian Temple, Heavenly Mother, Kao Ke-ta, Matsu Temple in San Francisco

Your Fortune in 2013 – The Year of the Snake

Posted on February 22, 2013 | Leave a comment

The Chinese Lunar New Year started on February 10 this year and with it, a changing fortune for the 12 zodiac animals.

Chinese people are accustomed to matching the lunar calendar (long ming li) according to their zodiac animal and checking their fortune for the coming year. The lunar calendar was created in ancient China and is reflective of the agricultural-based society then. The four seasons and solar positions are used to predict a good or bad time for marriage, career, travel and financial decisions for each zodiac animal.

In Taiwan, many fortune tellers issue their own version of the lunar calendar each year, with their general predictions for each animal. The following version is from one such fortune telling organization. Read it and see if your year might unfold according to the predictions below.

Rat (1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020)
You will get an unexpected surprise with someone’s help at work or business, especially if you seize an opportunity at the beginning of this year or in the first half. You should keep a low profile and be wary of showing off. More communication between married couples or lovers is needed. You will spend a lot more, but gain a little in wealth.

Ox (1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021)
You will accomplish new milestones in your career development. You will be lucky in love or find new love. But you should be careful with your finances. And, you may also encounter an unexpected collision or need medical help this year.

Tiger (1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022)
You will have adverse fortune this year. Even with someone’s help, you will still need to be doubly careful. It is easy for you to waste or lose money, and therefore you must be careful when considering any investments. It might be best if you avoid excessive speculation. Better communication is needed between married couples or lovers. Avoid risky sports and activities.

Rabbit (1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023)
You will be rid of the poor luck you have experienced over the past two years, and gradually move onto a path of good luck. There will be a change in your career or business this year, but whether this change is favorable depends on your judgment. You have to be careful to avoid accidents, and steer clear of potentially dangerous sports. You will enjoy stability in your romantic relationship this year.

Dragon (1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024)
Your career will go smoothly and good things will happen this year. Overall your fortune is in a state of steady recovery. But you still have to keep a clear head, and be cautious. Singles may find it easier to engage in whirlwind affairs this year. You will get financial help from partners in business.

Snake (1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013)
Even though this is your year, do not expect a lot of good fortune. If you are planning to marry or have children, these good things may prevent the adverse effects of this year. You have to take a low key approach and be cautious. Pay attention to your physical health, and learn the wisdom of solid growth in looking at business deals.

Horse (1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014)
Your overall wealth will improve this year compared with previous years. You will receive help in your career, and reap the rewards from some appropriate and low-risk investment. You will have a colorful love life this year. Male Horses will enjoy career promotion or financial gain with the help of others.

Goat (1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015)
Work pressures will be significantly heavier than in previous years, so you will have to adjust mentally and have patience in the face of these difficulties. You have to work hard and rely on yourself. Stay away from any big investments or any aggressive speculation. You will enjoy stability in your romantic relationship this year.

Monkey (1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016)
Your fortune will be mixed this year. You will face both good and bad things, in business, work and romantic relationships. No career development is likely without someone’s help. You will enjoy colorful relationships, but be careful of unexpected accidents and avoid dangerous sports. You must pay extra attention to financial management.

Chicken (1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017)
You will likely experience a steady improvement in your fortune this year. It will be easy to get someone’s help in your career, which may lead to a good opportunity for promotion. You should not embark on any radical projects or act hastily. You should be careful of your health. It would be prudent to take a steady approach toward investments. You could well be lucky in marriage this year.

Dog (1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018)
This year will be much smoother than the previous years. You will have good fortune in developing your career. Unique things this year could include a move. You will be extremely busy and will experience a good deal of change in your life. Your wealth will increase to a greater degree than your career progression. This will be a good year for singles to marry or find new love.

Pig (1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019)
Overall you will experience more turbulence and tiredness than in previous years. You will expend a lot of effort but with little benefit in your business dealings. You must pay careful attention to your state of mind and your emotions in the face of adversity. You will remain lucky in love, but be mindful of your physical health. Try to limit overseas trips this year.

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Tagged 2013 fortunes from Taiwan, Long ming li, Zodiac fortunes for Year of the Snake

China Airlines float wins in Rose Parade

Posted on January 22, 2013 | Leave a comment

Taiwan’s China Airlines (CAL) won an award at the annual Rose Parade in Pasadena, California, on January 1 for the 22nd time, with its themed float “Cycling Through Paradise”.

CAL first took part in the Rose Parade in 1987, over a quarter century ago. This year, it used images of Taiwan’s famous scenic spots at Sun Moon Lake to decorate the airline’s float, which was 55 feet long, 30 feet high, and 18 feet wide.

Taiwan was chosen by the publisher of the Lonely Planet guide as one of the top 10 Best in Travel countries for 2012, because of the way the island’s authorities have embraced biking with such enthusiasm, vision and funding, linking 1500 miles of bike paths. The cycling route around Sun Moon Lake was also ranked the world’s No. 5 best route for cyclists by CNN’s “Cycling routes that’ll take your breath away.”

Established in 1959, China Airlines has more than 10,000 employees worldwide, with a fleet of 72 aircraft. It is the largest airline in Taiwan with the most frequent flights. CAL is a member of the 19-airline SkyTeam alliance, which serves 552 million passengers annually, and offers 15,000 flights daily, serving 1000 route points to 187 countries.

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Tagged CAL, China Airlines, Cycling Through Paradise, Rose Parade 2013

Temple of shells

Posted on December 18, 2012 | Leave a comment

Located in the coastal township of Sanzhi (northern Taiwan), the shelled temple was built by believers of the Taipei-based Foofu Hilltop Temple Organization in 1996. After years of construction, the shrine is mainly used to worship Ji Gong, a legendary monk, and 18 legendary arhats (holy disciples of Buddha).

Unlike other monks, Ji Gong ate meat and drank wine, often over-indulging on the latter. He is often depicted with a smile on his face, carrying a magical fan and a bottle of wine (as shown in the first picture below). Though a flawed deity, he is very popular in the Taoist community for his compassionate nature. With his mischief-making, he was sentenced at one point to serve 360 years in the undersea Dragon King’s palace.

With a revelation from Ji Gong, a Taiwanese believer of the organization named Lee Shu-tsong, along with other believers, began collecting shells, coral and agate to build a temple simulating the underwater palace to recreate his imprisonment.

The shelled temple seems to offer solace to worshipers seeking advice from worries about health, wealth, education or business. Today, a large number of worshippers and tourists visit the temple daily, so much so that the owners are considering relocating it elsewhere since the space has outgrown the daily influx of visitors arriving on tour buses.

The following photos were taken by Tao Bing-hua, a Taiwanese amateur photographer. He said, “I admire the sincere mind of the religious believers who built the temple by taking advantage of nature’s raw materials and innovative designs. This makes the Shelled Temple a museum of shells.”

The temple is located at No. 69, Erpingding, Yuan-shan Village, Sanzhi Township, New Taipei City, Taiwan.