Sean's Irish Pub
PHOTO: COURTESY OF MR FISH
Address: B1, 104, Naking E. Rd., Sec. 3, Taipei. (北市南京東路二段104號B1)
PHOTO: GAVIN PHIPPS, TAIPEI TIMES
Telephone: (02)2721-6787
Open: 11:30am to 1am. Lunch 11:30 to 3pm, dinner 6:30 to 9:30 pm.
Average meal: NT$500 per person.
Details: English menu. Credit cards accepted.
While there is no shortage of Western restaurants in Taipei, if you are looking for an alternative to sitting in a joint plastered with North American bric-a-brac and dining on the seemingly ubiquitous burger meal, choices are somewhat limited.
You can go French, Italian or even Greek, as colorful Mediterranean cuisine has picked up quite a local following. If, however, it's good helpings of traditional Celtic and Anglo Saxon brown grub you crave, then there really is only one choice; Sean's Irish Pub.
Located in the basement of the Westin Hotel, Sean's Irish Pub opened its faux-Irish pub doors late last year. Although the bar initially drew crowds as the only place in Taipei to offer Irish tipples such as Guinness, Harp and Kilkenny on tap, the pub grub has since become an integral part of any visit.
Furnished in dark wood, Sean's aims at the traditional pub look. While it hasn't quite got the right feel -- the walls haven't become stained nicotine yellow by generations of heavy smokers propping up the bar -- this is about as close at it gets to the real thing in Taipei.
Although none of the chefs hail from Ireland, they are all well schooled in the preparation of traditional pub grub. The extensive menu includes Irish staples such as sausage, bacon and potato casserole, black pudding and cabbage, pea soup, buckets of mussels and breakfasts of blood sausage, fried eggs, bacon and tomato. Prices range from between NT$300 to NT$420 for a solid serving.
According to Sean's manager, Alexander Liu (
"We didn't expect the restaurant to be as popular with locals as it has proven. Whilst we still see a predominantly foreign clientele during the afternoons, during lunch and dinner, most of the diners are local people looking for a bit of variety," explains Liu. "They've taken to Irish food very quickly. Which is quite a surprise as it is very different from the fare they are used to."
For the sweet tooth, try one of the desserts. Although the dessert menu is not extensive, it contains mother's-own staples like bread and butter pudding (NT$220) and apple tart served with cinnamon ice cream (NT$220).
Mr.Fish
Address: 14, Ln. 51, Ta-an Rd., Sec. 1, Taipei (北市大安路一段51巷14號)
Telephone: (02)2721-6787
OPen: 11:30am-9:30pm. Closed Mondays.
Average meal: NT$199 per person.
Details: English menu. Credit cards accepted.
When Canadian native, Lambert Lee opened his Mr Fish restaurant six months ago he really didn't know how readily the concept of fish and chips would be accepted in Taiwan.
He needn't have worried, however, as patrons took to his deep-fried fish immediately, although he did have to offer patrons a choice of rice as an alternative to chips.
The main reason Lee's Mr Fish and the now famous fish and chips are doing so well has a lot to do with the secret ingredients he adds to the batter in which the fillets of fish are fried.
The interior is sparse and simple yet at the same time it's simplicity offers diners a warm and friendly atmosphere in which to tuck into a plate of fish and chips. And of course, should you approach Lee on any hot fish and chip issues, he'll be only too happy to sit and chat with you.
Another reason behind Mr Fish's success has been its prices. At NT$120 for the basic fish dish -- a plate of chips, one fillet of fish and a side salad -- even those unfamiliar with fish and chips can check it out and not break the bank.
For more seasoned fish and chip diners, the restaurant's NT$199 lunch special comes highly recommended. Consisting of soup, two pieces of fish, chips, side salad and a soft drink, this is one lunch not to miss. For diners who don't want to take the plunge and dine on fish and chips, then there are other meals on the menu. Chicken or fish burgers cost NT$130. Snacks are also available and include onion rings NT$90, chicken nuggets NT$110, hot wings NT$120 and salad at NT$80.
Of course, being a fish and chip joint the addition of condiments is a crucial part of the meal. Here again, Mr Fish comes up trumps. You can drown your food in lashings of malt vinegar or tartar sauce.
It's not very often that a restaurant offers great food at a very reasonable price and still manages to remain customer friendly. Mr Fish has achieved this winning combination, however. So whether it's a power lunch, a long lunch or a slap up evening meal you're after, then get yourself off to Mr Fish and enjoy a great British dish.
-- Gavin Phipps
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