Lounge bars have been popping up all over Taipei with generally positive reviews. Typically appealing to a clientele with a high disposable income and a taste for the finer things in life, these joints offer a relaxing atmosphere, comfy sofas, downbeat music and cocktails.
Inevitably, perhaps, the lounge bar vibe has made its way into restaurant culture and is influencing design, opening hours and the drinks menus. Similar to fusion cuisine - which combines culinary elements from different cultures - these fusion restaurants offer traditional menus in ultra-hip surroundings, but remain focused on the food.
The first floor of Ichi Japanese Cuisine & Bar on Anhe Road resembles a traditional Japanese sushi bar, though darker, more upscale and intimate, while the second floor features large plush sofas that lounge lizards can while away the evening on. The lighting is subdued with six large fire-red Chinese lanterns bathing the entire space in dusky crimson hues.
At Ichi, the chefs have put as much care into the food as the designers have into the decor. Along with sashimi, Toubanyaki and roasted items, the menu also offers a variety of Asian fusion dishes.
Assistant manager Ramon Yu (尤榮宗) says customer favorites include the almond fried sea eel with Thai-style spicy and sour sauce (NT$300). The crunchy sliced almonds on the outside provide a contrasting texture to the moist eel and zesty sour and spicy sauce. Equally tasty is the fillet with fresh fruit combo sauce (NT$300). Chunks of New Zealand beef are seared and served with chunks of apple in a marinade made from fruit.
The showstopper, however, was the buri chin and daikon boiled in Japanese soy sauce (NT$260). Delicately presented on a bed of daikon radish, the fish was moist and tender and the sauce surprisingly light.
Each dish at Ichi comes complete with a drink suggestion. The restaurant has a broad range of cocktails, sake, whiskey and Japanese beer to compliment the menu.
Address: 40 Anhe Rd Sec 2, Taipei (台北市安和路二段40號)
Telephone: (02) 2704-8195
Open: Daily from 6pm to 3am; kitchen closes at 1:30am
Average meal: Lunch NT$399 adult; afternoon tea NT$250; dinner NT$699 (children's meals available)
Details: Menu in Chinese, Japanese and English; credit cards accepted; 10 percent service charge
On the Net: www.ichi.tw
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