October 2025 Community Spotlight: Julian Thornbury

Welcome to the October 2025 Community Spotlight!

As we move closer to our much-anticipated 40th Anniversary Gala, Tropical Nights, Community Lights, we’re shining this month’s Community Spotlight on a familiar face who has been an essential part of the Center’s gala tradition for nearly a decade. From his energy on stage to the way he brings the room together, he has helped make our annual auction one of the most memorable parts of the evening.

This October, meet Julian Thornbury—long-time auctioneer, educator, and community member—who shares his story, favorite local finds, and what keeps him connected to Taiwan and the Center.

About Julian Thornbury

My name is Julian Thornbury. I was born and raised in a suburb of Toronto, Canada to immigrant parents from Belfast, Ireland. My favorite thing to do as a youth was play sports – all sports, any sport. I literally could not be still for more than 15 minutes at a time. I was a student-athlete throughout middle and high school, and I continued to pursue athletics at the University of Toronto, where I received a bachelor’s degree in Physical Health and Education.

After teaching for five years in Canada, my girlfriend at the time (now wife of 17 years) and I moved to China and taught at the Shanghai American School Pudong Campus for eight years. Both of my sons were born there, and in 2014, we all moved to Taiwan, where I currently teach and coach at Taipei American School.

  What’s one restaurant in Taipei you’d recommend that everyone should experience at least once?

This one is a great one-two punch for an evening out. Dinner at Le Blanc. They have a simple menu: Steak or Lobster (or both) and fries. The baked cookie with ice cream dessert is reason alone to go there. Then, about 100m down the street, indulge in some signature cocktails at Drizzle by Fourplay. 
Le Blanc Taipei, a restaurant located in Daan district.
Steak and fries at Le Blanc Taipei.
Drizzle by Fourplay, a bar located in the Daan district of Taipei.

 What’s an authentic restaurant that serves food from your home country?

Canada prides itself on being a mosaic of different cultures and nationalities. So, I am not sure there is such a thing as a “traditional Canadian food”. However, I can’t seem to find Nanaimo bars, “proper” Poutine, wood-fired maple syrup, and Tim Hortons here in Taiwan. But, if you’re looking for a good burger and fries combo, I regularly get those at Runny Egg Burger or Louis’ Burger. Both are in Tianmu. 
Runny Egg Burger, located in the Shilin district of Taipei.
Louis' Burger, located in the Shilin district of Taipei.

 Do you have a go-to comfort food spot in Taipei that you absolutely love?

This is the easiest question – Spice Shop in Tianmu. Their dishes are consistently delicious and flavorful. I always leave satisfied and looking forward to the next time, which usually ends up being the following week.

The Spice Shop, located in the Shilin district of Taipei.

What’s a hidden gem in Taiwan—a place or activity—that you think foreigners should know about?

The natural beauty of Taiwan abounds. You don’t have to travel far to have your breath taken away by its beauty. One of my favorite spots is Great Roots Forestry Spa. Great food, great hot springs, great massage, great hiking trails (especially if you like easier trails like me – there are not a lot of stairs). It’s great for families too. 

The Great Roots Forestry Spa Resort, located in Sanxia, New Taipei.

How did you find out about the Community Services Center?

I first learned about the Center in 2015. It was my second year in Taiwan, and they were looking for an auctioneer for their annual Center Auction Gala. A friend of mine was asked if he could play that role, but a scheduling conflict prevented him from doing so. Consequently, he threw my name in the hat, and I have been the auctioneer ever since. 
Julian Thornbury has been serving as the auctioneer for the Center's annual auction gala since 2015.

What’s one book, movie, or piece of media you think everyone should experience at least once—and why?

A must-watch is “The Rescue”. It is the most moving and profound documentary I have ever seen. It is a National Geographic documentary on the rescue of the 12 Thai boys and their soccer coach trapped in a cave in Northern Thailand. It hits hard on so many levels and will give you a renewed faith in the strength of the human spirit. It’s incredible.

What piece of advice would you give to someone new to living in Taiwan?

My best piece of advice to new arrivals is to explore. Explore your neighborhood – the restaurants, cafes, and shops. Explore nature – the hot springs, hiking trails, and parks. Explore other parts of the island; there is so much to enjoy in Taiwan, and the people are kind, friendly, and generous.

The Center’s annual auction gala, coming up on November 14, is a beloved tradition. Do you have a favorite auction gala memory?

I don’t have a favorite memory per se, there are too many to count. However, I always get a kick out of seeing the joy on the faces of the winning bidders whenever I shout, “SOLD!” Their inner child always seems to emerge in that moment, and the energy is palpable.

Julian Thornbury, auctioneer, beside Blake Pattenden, emcee.

🗺 Locations Mentioned:

after a soccer game at the park

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