Eatery offers authentic American Southern cuisine that’s replete with buttermilk

Eatery offers authentic American Southern cuisine that’s replete with buttermilk

2024-04-03

Today we take you to meet the founders of an eatery in Taipei that serves up authentic American Southern cuisine. One of the founders, Charlie Berman, is from North Carolina. He decided to open up an eatery selling Southern fried chicken and buttermilk biscuits. FTV reporter Stephany Yang takes us in for a taste!

Mix the chicken breast covered with buttermilk with flour.

Then, fry the chicken breast two times. Now, it is time to add the chicken breast and eggs into a freshly made large biscuit. Fried chicken and buttermilk biscuits are a signature dish of the southern regions of the U.S. Now, you can have a taste of it in Taiwan.

Charlie Berman
Founder
The two things we specialize here are Southern biscuits and fried chicken. They are used with an ingredient called buttermilk, which is part of the fat that separates out when you milk a cow. It is slightly acidic so when you marinate chicken in buttermilk, it breaks down the chicken and it becomes really soft and tender and juicy. And then, when you add buttermilk to biscuits, it adds a slight tangy flavor. It also makes it fluffy and soft and delicious.

If you’re here for breakfast or don’t want to eat fried chicken, you can up for the eatery’s bacon egg and cheese dish. Applewood smoked bacon, fried egg, and American cheese are wrapped inside a biscuit. Charlie Berman is from North Carolina. He moved to Taiwan three years ago to study. He first started making Southern fried chicken and buttermilk biscuits for his friends. He later decided to open his own eatery last November. He hopes to bring a taste of home to Taiwan.

Charlie Berman
Founder
One food that I loved from my childhood growing up was fried chicken biscuits. That was something that I was unable to find in Taiwan. I was doing restaurant pop-ups at a friend’s events space. One of the prompts was to make a dish from your childhood or a dish from your home. So, I made fried chicken biscuits. Tammy and Caleb came and we all fell in love with butter and started to work on this restaurant together.

Tammy Huie and Caleb Rogers are cofounders of the restaurant. Tammy is from Idaho, while Caleb is from Texas. Most of the ingredients are imported from the U.S. and the food is made fresh every day.

Tammy Huie
Founder
The chicken has to sit in the buttermilk brine for at least two hours. We have start at around 9 a.m. every day. We pound the chicken breast so that it cooks evenly. And then, after it has been sitting in buttermilk for about two hours, we fry it fresh when customers order it so that way it is extra juicy, extra hot when they eat it. And also, in an America flour dredged for a certain type of crispiness that is indicative of American fried chicken.

Caleb Rogers
Founder
That is where my passion comes from here. Delivering authentic American experience like all of our ingredients as much as we can are sourced from the United States. The way that we prepare it. I am very passionate about delivering that to Taiwanese people. Like giving back because Taiwan has given me so much.

The founders say that the path to establishing the eatery was challenging, especially overcoming logistical hurdles as foreigners. However, they didn’t give up.

Charlie Berman
Founder
There were lots of institutional barriers that we faced as foreigners opening a restaurant in Taiwan. Whether that is opening a bank account, going to the tax office, finding a place to rent, finding a landlord that would rent to us, finding a real estate agent. Every single step of the process was very difficult.

Caleb Rogers
Founder
We are not really interested in expanding to other locations. What we want to focus on is this one and making it a destination for authentic American food. We are thinking about events and things like that. We are considering tasting menus and other ways to focus on American food. We are talking with other American restaurants here about partnerships and things like that.

Tammy Huie
Founder
To be able to grow sustainably and to meet I guess demand because we are already seeing that growth is something that we definitely need to tackle.

The trio hopes that their eatery can become the go-to destination for authentic American Southern cuisine.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Sun to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

美國南方經典比司吉台灣也能吃到

2024-04-03

今天我們帶您認識一家正宗美國南方美食的餐廳。來自北卡羅萊納州的Charlie Berman，一起來看看他開設南方炸雞和酪乳比司吉餐廳的過程。

將雞胸肉裹上酪乳和麵粉。

下鍋油炸兩次，接下來，將雞胸肉和雞蛋放上新鮮製作的比司吉。酪乳炸雞和酪乳比司吉是美國南方的招牌菜，現在台灣也能吃到。

[[創辦人 Charlie Berman]]
"我們這裡的兩個招牌推薦是南方的比司吉和炸雞。它們是使用酪乳製作的，酪乳是擠牛奶時分離出的一部分脂肪，它是酸性的，所以當你把雞肉浸泡在酪乳中時，它會將雞肉變得非常柔軟、嫩滑、多汁。然後，將酪乳添加到比司吉裡面，會使味道更加濃郁，且口感更蓬鬆、柔軟，更加美味。"

如果你想吃早餐或是不想吃炸雞，還有培根雞蛋和起司比司吉可供選擇。煙燻培根、荷包蛋和美國起司包裹在比司吉內。Charlie Berman來自北卡羅萊納州。3年前，他移居台灣求學。一開始他做南方炸雞和酪乳比司吉只是為了跟朋友分享。去年11月，他決定自己開餐廳，希望把家鄉的味道帶進台灣。

[[創辦人 Charlie Berman]]
"我從小就喜歡吃的食物是炸雞比司吉。這是在台灣找不到的美食。我借用朋友的地方開了一個快閃餐廳，我做了一道童年時期的料理或是家常菜，炸雞比司吉。後來Tammy和Caleb來了，我們都愛上了奶油，並開始在這家餐廳一起工作。"

Tammy Huie和Caleb Rogers是這家餐廳的共同創辦人。Tammy Huie來自愛達荷州，而Caleb Rogers來自德州。餐廳大部分的食材都是從美國進口，而且食物都是每天現做的。

[[創辦人 Tammy Huie]]
"雞肉必須在酪乳鹽水中醃漬至少兩個小時。每天早上九點開始，我們攪拌雞胸肉，才會醃漬均勻，然後要在酪乳中浸泡約兩個小時。當有訂單時，我們才會放下去油炸，這樣吃的時候，會特別多汁還能熱熱的吃，並且鬆脆的口感是美國炸雞的標誌。"

[[創辦人 Caleb Rogers]]
"這是來自我的熱情，就像我們從美國進口食品，我也從美國帶來我的熱情，並且我想傳遞熱情給台灣民眾，我想要回饋給台灣，就像台灣給了我很多體驗。"

創辦人們表示，開設這家餐廳的過程充滿挑戰，尤其是身為外國人要克服許多問題。但是他們不輕言放棄。

[[創辦人 Charlie Berman]]
"作為外國人要在台灣開餐廳，會面臨許多營運問題，像是開銀行帳戶、去稅務局、尋找出租店面，還要願意出租給我們的房東、尋找房地產經紀人。這些過程每一步都非常困難。

[[創辦人 Caleb Rogers]]
"我們並沒有想在其他地點開設分店。我們的目標是想讓這家店成為正宗美國南方美食餐廳。我們正在往這方向計畫著，我們考慮推出品嚐菜單和其他方式來增進美國料理。目前也與其他的美式餐廳進行合作洽談。"

[[創辦人 Tammy Huie]]
"持續成長去達成我們設定的目標，這絕對是目前我們需要努力的事情。"

三位創始人希望他們的餐廳能成為民眾在選擇南方美食餐廳時的首選。

更多新聞內容，請鎖定：
民視台灣台（152頻道）週日至週五晚上9:30
民視新聞台（53頻道）週二至週六凌晨1:00

Related News

7.2 magnitude earthquake rocks Taiwan, leaving at least 9 dead

2024-04-03

Hualien earthquake had energy equivalent to 32 atomic bombs: expert

2024-04-03

Central government takes action after Hualien temblor

President Tsai Ing-wen was seen at the Central Emergency Operations Center on Wednesday, after the 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck Hualien. Premier Chen Chien-jen canceled his schedule for the day, joining his vice premier Cheng Wen-tsan and interior minister Lin Yu-chang at the center for a disaster briefing. Top officials have launched repair work on rail lines and roads damaged by the temblors. Troops have also been deployed nationwide to assist in rescue missions.

A 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck Hualien Wednesday morning and was felt throughout Taiwan. Premier Chen Chien-jen canceled his schedule for the day and, alongside Vice Premier Cheng Wen-tsan, joined President Tsai Ing-wen at the Central Emergency Operations Center.

Tsai Ing-wen
President
Since this morning’s strong earthquake, there have been numerous aftershocks. We are closely monitoring the situation nationwide, and are ready to launch contingency measures at any time to ensure the people’s safety. The central government will be in close communication with local governments to provide the necessary assistance. The military will also provide assistance. Through the cooperation of central and local governments, we will minimize the damage of this disaster. We are prepared to meet all challenges. Let us work together.

Chen Chien-jen
Premier
The interior ministry immediately established a Level 1 earthquake response center to keep abreast of the latest developments. But as the commander said earlier, we are still experiencing aftershocks. All relevant agencies must seize this golden window of opportunity for rescue efforts and start searching for survivors.

The disaster struck just before the Tomb-sweeping Festival long weekend. Along the East Coast, the earthquake damaged rail lines and other transport networks. Premier Chen has given orders for urgent repairs.

Chen Chien-jen
Premier
Subsequent rescue work will rely on smooth transportation, so we need to make sure that resource deployment is properly managed.

Lin Yu-chang
Interior minister
We hope to repair rail lines and public roads as soon as possible. The central government has already deployed rescue crew to Hualien, where a coordination center has been established.

Troops have also been deployed for rescue missions nationwide. The central government said it’s activated an emergency response plan to minimize damage to life and property.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Sun to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

2024-04-03

Hualien quake closes Suhua Corridor, disrupts rail service

2024-04-03

NTSO and Hsin Yi Foundation to hold charity picture book concerts

2024-04-03

Wei-yin Chen to make a comeback with Long Island Ducks

At 38 years old, Taiwan pitcher Wei-yin Chen is returning to the pitcher’s mound. The lefty from Kaohsiung has signed with the Long Island Ducks of the Atlantic League, after more than a year of rehabilitation from shoulder surgery. The team’s manager says Chen has had an outstanding career, and that the team looks forward to the experience and knowledge he will bring.

Wei-yin Chen practices on the mound after surgery, as his young son watches on. Last month, this video posted to Facebook left many fans hoping for a comeback. And now, the good news is out. Chen will soon be pitching for the Long Island Ducks of the Atlantic League.

The team announced Chen’s signing on social media. Chen’s official fan page shared the announcement, along with the caption: “Giving up is easier than persevering. Appreciate every opportunity and give it your all.”

On social media, the Ducks announced that they had signed an eight-year MLB veteran who previously played for the Baltimore Orioles and the Miami Marlins, and who was named to the Baseball America Major League All-Rookie Team in 2012. In an announcement on the team’s website, Ducks Manager Lew Ford hailed Chen for his “outstanding career” and for excelling at the game’s highest level. “We look forward to having his experience and knowledge on our pitching staff,” he said.

Chen, now 38, started his career in 2003 playing for the Chunichi Dragons in Nippon Professional Baseball. He achieved a 1.54 ERA in 2009, putting him at the top of the league for the season. In 2012, Chen signed with the MLB’s Baltimore Orioles, posting 46 wins, 32 losses and a 4.18 ERA over four years. Then he played for the Miami Marlins for four seasons, notching a record of 13 wins, 19 losses and an ERA of 5.10. Chen signed a minor-league contract with the Seattle Mariners in 2019, and was released mid-season in 2020. He then returned to Japan to play for the Chiba Lotte Marines, and then for the Hanshin Tigers in 2021. After his release from the Tigers in 2022, Chen underwent shoulder surgery.

Now nearing 40, Chen has earned more than NT$3 billion through his 18-year career. He stayed in the U.S. to rehabilitate from surgery, and had been seeking a chance to get back on the field. Now he’s making fan wishes come true with a much-awaited comeback.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Sun to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

2024-04-03

Biden and Xi speak on phone about Taiwan Strait, South China Sea

U.S. President Joe Biden spoke on the phone with Chinese leader Xi Jinping on Tuesday, marking the first conversation since their historic summit in California last November. During the call, Biden underscored the importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. Other topics of discussion included human rights in Xinjiang, the Russia-Ukraine War, and tensions in the South China Sea.

U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese leader Xi Jinping on Tuesday held a call that lasted an hour and 45 minutes. In their conversation, Biden underscored the importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.

John Kirby
National security communications advisor
President Biden also emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and he reaffirmed the importance of the rule of law and freedom of navigation in the South China Sea.

The last conversation between the two heads of state took place at a summit in California last November. The call on Tuesday meant to build on the foundation of that meeting, to further develop bilateral communication. Besides the Taiwan Strait, the topics of discussion included human rights in Xinjiang, tensions in the South China Sea, the war in Ukraine, and North Korea’s nuclear capabilities.

Kayla Tausche
CNN reporter
Among some of those topics, you mentioned a few of them. Tensions over Taiwan, the South China Sea, North Korea’s nuclear program as well as China’s support of Russia’s war in Ukraine.

The two also discussed cooperation against drug trafficking and on tackling the challenges of artificial intelligence and climate change. Speaking on the U.S.’ recent legislation targeting social media app TikTok, Biden said the intention was to protect U.S. national security interests and the American public.

John Kirby
National security communications adviser
He made it clear to President Xi that this was not about a ban of the application, but rather our interest in divestiture so that the national security interests and the data security of the American people can be protected.

U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Janet Yellen is set to visit China this week to discuss the country’s industrial overcapacity on behalf of American businesses. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is also expected to travel to China in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, Japan Prime Minister Kishida Fumio is scheduled to meet Biden in the U.S. on April 10. Japanese news outlet Yomiuri Shimbum has leaked the contents of the joint statement to be released after the meeting. A key point is that Tokyo and Washington both assert the important of maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Sun to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

2024-04-03

Nvidia’s Jensen Huang rises to No. 20 on Forbes billionaires list

2024-04-03

Kaohsiung cafe encourages painting as therapy

One old building in Kaohsiung’s Yancheng District has been transformed into a cafe that doubles as a painting studio. Freshly brewed coffee in hand, customers can also let their creativity flow. But the most unique feature is up on the fourth floor, where visitors can take up a brush and coveralls and let their feelings, both good and bad, out on the walls.

Everyone in this old Yancheng District cafe is hunched over their tables, but they’re not drinking coffee. They’re busy painting.

Professionals are on hand to offer advice, a rainbow of acrylic paints at the ready along the wall. The owner, Chuang Jo-chih, had her first artistic encounter at 6 years old. She graduated from college with a fine arts degree, and has always dreamed opening an art studio cafe. Now she has succeeded in bringing art to people’s daily lives.

Chuang Jo-chih
Painting cafe owner
Every time I bring it up, people say, “Oh I can’t paint.” But I think it’s actually easy, you just have to be bold enough to pick up a brush and give it a try. And we also offer guidance, so you can make your very own painting in a relaxed and comfortable environment.

The coffee setup is elaborate, reflecting the careful consideration that also goes into the rotating painting exhibitions along the walls. A lot of ideas are packed into this small space, but it’s when you go upstairs that feels like another world.

Liu Yin-chun
FTV reporter
On the fourth floor is a room dedicated to venting emotions. Just pick up a brush, load it up with paint and splatter it all over the wall.

The white walls are flecked with all shades of washable paint, splattered on by visitors as a way to vent their emotions. Wearing protective coveralls and gloves, they put on a love song and get to work. Afterward, they leave refreshed.

Chuang Jo-chih
Painting cafe owner
One group of friends played around a lot and I found it fascinating. They lay a canvas on the ground and dripped paint on it. After they were done, they sat back and thought about what to change. In the end they made it into a bird, with the drops as wings. I found it adorable.

Art stimulates endless imagination. It not only brings joy, but daring to get your hands dirty can pull you out of the fatigue of daily life, giving your mind a much needed break.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Sun to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

2024-04-03