Old Times Fresh Affairs Introduction
"I am very interested in the preservation of historical sites, cultural heritage, and artistic appreciation," said Zhang Jiaxiu, the CEO of "Old Times, Fresh Things," who explained from the beginning why they restored the 70-year-old house and ventured into a cross-disciplinary restaurant business. "However, we cannot just preserve the historical feel of the old house; we must also progress with the times," she added, explaining the reason behind the name "Fresh Things." With her unique vision for management, CEO Zhang insists on using local ingredients in the dishes and incorporating local characteristics into the interior decor, enabling customers not only to eat healthily but also to enjoy the beautiful landscapes and cultures of Chiayi. For example, the ceiling leading from the first floor to the second floor is painted by artist Lu Mingshi, depicting the starry sky of Alishan, showcasing the entire Milky Way. Utilizing the old name "Damiao" of Minxiong, there are numerous cat-themed decorations and creative ideas inside the restaurant. With a nursing background, she has fully utilized the two-story space: the first floor serves as a restaurant, while the second floor retains the original Japanese wooden style and adds several new art installations, making it a popular social media check-in spot. The second floor is specially designed for "foot bathing," hoping to promote the concept of foot care in Taiwan. Not only has creativity been infused into the creation and utilization of space, but the meals are equally impressive. The "Flower Cup - Takeaway Set Meal," developed and refined after several iterations, embodies a commitment to low-carbon and eco-friendly practices: using a cookie base to create a flower shape as the vessel for serving dishes, while incorporating local ingredients to enhance the nostalgic flavors. In addition to her dedication to environmental practices, CEO Zhang also mentioned that the "Little Pig Applause Encouragement Set Meal," topped with golden cheesy lava, has recently become the most popular dish in the restaurant, offering a delightful sweet aftertaste from pork fat mixed rice and a surprising visual impact. "Eat seasonally, and use locally" is the determination and belief that CEO Zhang has always upheld. Next time you visit, why not revisit the old times of the old house and experience the creativity of the space? Recommended dishes: Soup curry, Good Fortune Peanut Painting, Mille-feuille.
