Chowhounding Taipei
I'm a veteran American food writer/critic (I founded Chowhound.com, currently a zombie site), and am planning my first visit to Taipei.
I've changed my chowhounding tactics while traveling. I no longer go crazy venturing for the very best this or that. Honestly, a very good, reference-quality three cup chicken, sticky rice sausage, breakfast, etc, would suit me as well — maybe better — than a legend rendition that's refined in a way that appeals mostly to those who've had 30,000 versions (i.e. "slightly more crispy", etc.)
So please recommend a solid place to use as a home base where I can grab a baseline on greatest hits. I've had them all dozens of times in NYC venues (for Taiwanese immigrants), so I don't need tourist-friendly "intro level". Just solid reference-quality. The sort of place a local chowhound might scoff at for its low-difficulty rating.
Also, who are the most respected writers or vloggers for Tapei food in English? Looking for content designed for hardcore eaters, not insta fluff. Immigrant or native equally good (I defer on questions about NYC deli food to a Japanese rock and roll guitarist who speaks broken English, so I'm open that way).