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.
PHOTO: CHANG JU-PING, TAIPEI TIMES
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.
PHOTO: CHANG JU-PING, TAIPEI TIMES
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.
PHOTO: CHANG JU-PING, TAIPEI TIMES
PHOTO: CHANG JU-PING, TAIPEI TIMES
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.
PHOTO: CHANG JU-PING, TAIPEI TIMES
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.
14. Tea House (茶掘出軌) -- - Tea House from Taichung presents a very unusual appearance with its railroad tracks leading from the doorway to an island bar at the center. Tea House serves oversized drinks and, oddly, prices are half of what's shown on the menu.
Address: 32, LN 187, Tunhua S. Rd., Sec. 1, Taipei (台北市敦化南路一段187巷32號); tel: 2772-7278.
15. Mother's Hands Restaurant (老媽的店) -- See review at restaurants of the week.
16. Bu-e Clothing Store (布衣本店) -- Simple clothing store that sells imported American cotton shirts, sweat shirts, sports wear and accessories. Address: 1F, 10, LN 177, Tunhua S. Rd., Sec. 1 (台北市敦化南路一段177巷10號1F); tel: 2773-9234
17. Cat Restaurant and Public Bar (布貓餐館) -- See review at restaurants of the week.
18. A Paris -- - One of the dozens of small fashion boutiques in the area, with clothes imported from France and Italy. Address: Tunhua S. Rd., Sec. 1, Taipei (台北市敦化南路一段161巷6號); tel: 2711-4426.
19. Haagen Dazs (喜見達) -- Three-floor designer ice cream shop with sky-high prices (NT$90 a scoop) and the best ice cream in town. It's been open 10 years, but still lines stretch out the door. Address: 173, Tunhua S. Rd., Sec. 1, Taipei (台北市敦化南路一段173號)
20. Guess -- American "urban chic" apparel. Address: 179, Tunhua S. Rd., Sec. 1, Taipei (台北市敦化南路一段179號); tel: 2776-0772.
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