It seems like a paradox: the more confidence in the economy fades, the fancier the bars and restaurants become.
One example is the recently opened Vogue 90, cafe by day, lounge bar at night. The management says celebrities like the fact that it's tucked in an alley behind Anhe Road. If you're headed to nearby Carnegies but decide at the last minute to go low-key instead, this could be your place.
"We don't get noisy traffic out front during the day like places on Anhe Road do. And the buildings outside soften the light" said the manager, Wu Ming-ru (吳銘儒), as soft house music played in the background Wednesday night. Wu, who was wearing a black T-shirt and had his hair gelled to one side, was referring to the long window that comprises a large portion of the facade, allowing patrons sitting in front to see and be seen.
Vogue 90 is large enough to allow for seclusion as well. The space was designed by its owner, Coco Li, an interior and furniture designer who filled the lounge with her original creations. Fixtures include strands of real crystal hanging from the ceiling, a marble bar lit from the inside and zebra-backed chairs in an alcove set away from the window. Here, a table is operated by a switch and can be raised or lowered by customers.
For the furniture, Li took old designs and redecorated them with fabrics that match the latest fashions. The food, which is prepared in an open kitchen, heeds a similar inspiration.
"The name of the lounge is Vogue, so the food has to be as fashionable as the furniture," Wu said. A former hotel chef, he recommends the lamb chops in cream sauce (NT$580,
Also on the menu are eight varieties of flower tea. The flowers and leaves aren't dried, but are vacuum sealed and shipped straight in from the countryside. Spa Tea (NT$250) is the most popular. According to the menu, it has qualities that help you unwind after a long day at the office.
Vogue 90's subdued yet modern atmosphere, combined with its novel dishes, make it a good place to take a date. A dozen varieties of champagne are served, and the bartender makes a good mojito. But competition is fierce, and only a few tables were occupied last Wednesday night.
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