1. United Colors of Benetton (台灣斑尼頓) -- The ubiquitous apparel shop from Italy has been selling here for a decade. Address: 177, Chunghsiao E. Rd., Sec. 4, Taipei (台北市忠孝東路4段177號); tel: 2721-1767.
2. Cash Box KTV (錢櫃KTV) -- Belt out a tune for an hour or an entire night in private rooms. Cash Box is probably the best-run KTV chain on the island, so enjoy state-of-the-art equipment and clean interiors for about NT$200 per hour. Address: 2F, 205, Tunhua S. Rd., Sec. 1 (北市敦化南路一段205號2樓); tel: 2731-6326.
3. Ting Kua Kua Fried Chicken (頂呱呱炸雞) -- One of the rare local fast food chains, this one was popular among high school students in the 1980s and retains a steady following until today. Address: 177, Chunghsiao E. Rd., Sec. 4, Taipei (台北市忠孝東路4段177號); tel: 2771-8652.
4. Esprit -- This store is a popular outlet for the Hong Kong-based leisure/office wear provider. The simple and comfortable style that typifies "stylish casual" clothing is especially popular with the 20- to 30-something set. Always full of people, it is packed during sales periods. Address: 183, Chunghsiao E. Rd., Sec. 4 (台北市忠孝東路4段183號); tel: 2771-2580.
5. E-city (E-city娛樂城) -- This venue plays host to a variety of services ranging from the recently opened California Fitness Center, the U2 MTV -- if you're in the mood for movie reruns -- and Shanghai Paramount (海百樂門) -- a nightclub and Chinese restaurant. On a smaller scale, there are also designer stores for brands such as Swatch, Body Shop, and Calvin Klein. Address: 210, Chunghsiao E. Rd., Sec. 4, Taipei (台北市忠孝東路4段210號)
6. ATT Flagship Square (流行旗艦廣場) -- For those with extra cash and a taste for imported fashions, this complex offers a wide range of designer labels: Sisley, Kenneth Cole, Ralph Lauren and many others. Address: 219-221, Chunghsiao E. Rd., Sec. 4, Taipei (台北市忠孝東路4段177號)
7. Boots -- A new arrival in Taiwan, the drugstore chain focuses on personal beauty care. You can find beauty products on the first floor, and health products and medicines on the second. Address: 219, Chunghsiao E. Rd., Sec. 4, Taipei (台北市忠孝東路4段219號);
tel: 8772-1413.
8. Meinung Bantiao (美濃粄條) -- See review at restaurants of the week.
9. Japanese Grill House (山喜居:日式串燒居酒屋) -- A small, quiet and tidy place with softly glowing lamps and a romantic atmosphere. Address: 1F, 77, Tunhua S. Rd., Sec. 1 (台北市敦化南路一段187巷77號1F); tel: 2721-0631.
10. Taipei Tattoo Studio (台北刺青.人體穿洞工作室) -- Owner Jason has worked at tattoo clinics in the US for five years, and now has set up his own studio. Patterns are displayed on the wall. A palm sized color tattoo costs around NT$5000. Address: 61, LN 187, Tunhua S. Rd., Sec. 1 (台北市敦化南路一段187巷61號); tel: 2772-5112.
11. Chang Hong Veterinarian Hospital (長虹動物醫院) -- Modern care for pampered pets, this establishment even offers ultrasound and beauty services. Address: 57, LN 187, Tunhua S. Rd., Sec. 1 (台北市敦化南路一段187巷57號); tel: 2772-8777.
12. LIMA Skateboarding Shop (LIMA滑板專賣店) -- LIMA sells the full range of products for this increasingly popular sport. Pick up boards, shoes, accessories and clothing. A complete skateboard costs about NT$4,000. Address: 11-3, LN 205, Chunghsiao E. Rd., Sec. 4 (台北市忠孝東路4段205巷11-3號); tel: 8771-0966.
13. Thai Fusion BarBQ (泰式創意燒烤) -- At the head of the street, this restaurant is the gateway to a row of chic restaurants. Its modern interior, clear pricing and good location have made it a popular spot for young diners. Address: 50, LN 187, Sec. 1, Tunhua S. Rd., Taipei (台北市敦化南路一段187巷50號); tel: 2781-3650.
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