Location: Hsinchu, JR (Gia Western Restaurant)
Travel note summary: This weekend, I tried the newly opened Shiki Japanese Shabu Shabu on Guangfu Road (dinner NT$198+10%), as well as Omuraya in Qingda Night Market and Yongji Beef Noodle Shop (the beef was pretty good). On Sunday evening, after playing badminton all afternoon with friends from UMC—Zhiqian, Yanlu, and Zongwei—we habitually headed to Jinshan Street for dinner. We originally wanted to try the new Dafu Japanese Restaurant, but it was closed on Sundays, so we went to JR (Gia Western Restaurant), which I hadn't had a chance to try before. Unlike its somewhat intimidating exterior, the menu actually has cheaper options (under NT$300) like pasta set meals. But based on recommendations from senior Katiya and my own observations, this place has survived in the competitive Jinshan Street area for so long—it must have something going for it. So even though it was my first time, I dared to try their steak. Like my friends, I went for the Premium Sirloin Steak (NT$450+10%), cooked medium-rare. Following the usual Western dining course, after having clam chowder and garlic bread, since we were a large table, they brought a salad bo…