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For meat enthusiasts, the Bel Air restaurant at the Grand Hyatt Taipei is hosting an unmissable culinary event, featuring Chef Tim Larimer from Tokyo's acclaimed steakhouse The Oak Door. This event runs until June 30 and invites diners to indulge in a menu crafted by two culinary talents, combining traditional Japanese flavors with international flair.

Since its establishment in 2003, The Oak Door has enjoyed a well-deserved reputation as one of Tokyo's best dining landmarks. Chef Tim Larimer, who hails from California, joined the Grand Hyatt in Tokyo in 2012 and was promoted to head chef of The Oak Door in 2021. His culinary philosophy revolves around merging passionate elements from California and Mexico with refined European techniques and the spirit of seasonal Japanese ingredients.

During this guest chef stint in Taipei, the collaboration has focused on utilizing unique local ingredients, including the rare “Three Major Dried Chilies” from Mexico, showcasing Larimer's commitment to quality and authenticity in every dish presented.

The opening dish, the “Classic Maryland Crab Cake”, has garnered acclaim as one of the best in Tokyo, combining exquisite Dungeness crab and Maryland crab meat with curry powder and aromatic spices to achieve a delectable balance of crunch and juiciness, embodying the essence of American cuisine.

Following this is the “Teppanyaki Hokkaido Scallops”, a dish that offers a triple sensory experience. The Hokkaido scallops are seared to perfection before being served on a hot grill, where the dish exudes an enticing buttery aroma. Don’t miss the opportunity to dip bread into the flavorful sauce for an extraordinary taste sensation.

Next up is the “South American Style Slow-Cooked Beef Cheek”, a transition from staff meals to a gourmet offering. Utilizing locally sourced Taiwan beef, the dish boasts a delightful tenderness and is complemented by the unique heat and aroma of Ancho chili, offering each bite a flavor reminiscent of dried chili, nuts, grapes, and apricots that may redefine your palate.

The signature night course “Hokkaido F1 Red Wagyu Steak” showcases The Oak Door's commitment to purity in flavor, perfectly locking in the juices while searing the tender fillet and sirloin. Simply seasoned with black pepper and salt, and served with three special sauces—including green peppercorn, American barbecue, and Argentinian chimichurri—it promises an explosion of flavor that lingers.

Additionally, different desserts are offered for lunch and dinner, including seasonal fruit tart and dark chocolate cookies, continuing The Oak Door’s tradition of table-side service to enhance guest interaction. Throughout the event duration, ordering any of the special set menus also enters diners into a draw for a chance to win a two-night stay at the Grand Hyatt Tokyo. Don’t miss this opportunity for an exquisite dining experience.

Location: Bel Air Restaurant, Grand Hyatt Taipei, 2F, 2 Songshu Road, Xinyi District, Taipei City; Phone: (02) 2720-1230. Reservation link: https://bit.ly/4dzSCG5. Business hours are Sunday to Thursday from 11:30 am to 2:00 pm and from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm; Friday and Saturday extend to 9:30 pm. The price for the lunch four-course and dinner five-course menus ranges from NT$2,580 to NT$8,800, catering to a variety of guest preferences.