The new bar on Anho Rd with the mysteriously dark facade and dimly lit
sign "Champagne" written above is not another high-brow,
secret-code-required watering hole, but a relaxing hangout for urban
women.
Well before midnight, the place is already filled with tastefully
dressed young women, cigar-smoking executives still dressed for work,
and the occasional celebrity lured by the sleek interior, comfy sofas
and music as soothing as the champagnes.
Focusing not just on the quality of the environment, but his customers
as well, co-owner Jackie Lee (李繼強) started Champagne as a young woman's alternative to the often dingy Taipei pub and club scene associated
with gangsters and dirty old men.
"Champagne is a very feminine drink. So the place is safe and pleasant,
catering to women's needs," he said.
Having opened Taiwan's only champagne bar just last month, Lee intends
to promote the drink among Taiwanese, with his collection of 67 kinds.
The bar staff is quick to introduce customers to different champagnes to
help them order the right one.
For champagne beginners, Lee recommends Veuve Cliquot "Demi-Sec" N.V
(NT$2,700), which has a slightly sweet, peach-and-apple flavor. The
heavier Laurent-Perrier Cuvee Rose Brut (NT$3,300) is the favorite among
foreign patrons.
For champagne connoisseurs, Lee recommends the Billecar-Salmon series
(NT$3,000 to NT$3,800) which gets high ratings from international wine
magazines and is very rare in Taiwan. The house treasure is the vintage
Salon LeMesnil 1985 (NT$7,800). Its smoked honey and chocolate-toast
flavor satisfies the most finicky palettes.
Apart from champagne, red and white wine, liquors, beers and the bar's
exclusive champagne cocktails are also served at decent prices.
Champagne is located at 75 Anho Rd. Sec. 1, Taipei (台北市安和路1段75號)
and is open from 7:30pm to 2:30am.
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