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COMPASS MAGAZINE December 2011

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LM Relax (04) 2255-7533 201, WenXin Rd, Sec 2, 1F, Xitun District Hours: 11 am-1 am Credit cards accepted. 10% service charge. English/Chinese menu. www.lmrelax.com Talented French-trained Chef Lanshu Chen--well-known for her very high-end Le Mout French restaurant--now offers a more youthful, modern French experience with this mid-range dining spot. The menu ranges from French standards like escargot and foie gras to steaks and a Wagyu and Cheese Burger with fries (NT$480). There are also Chef's Menu set-meal options (NT$890-1,380). Next door is sister business LMarche (7 a.m.-9 p.m) patisserie with take-out sandwiches, salads, pastries, coffees and other items. --By Douglas Habecker, translated by Angel Pu A. LM Relax's spacious, 130-seat interior exudes a fashionable Parisien flair with high ceilings, big windows, a long attractive bar, interesting high-backed seats and deep-pink highlights. B. The menu includes a wide variety of modern French cuisine, from the more traditional Slow-Braised Beef Cheek with Polenta (NT$790) to the Morroccan-inspired, very tender Herb-Stuffed Chicken Thigh "Roti" with Spiced Couscous (NT$480). Also pictured is the Grilled Vegetable Quiche (NT$220), available during 2:30-5:30 p.m. tea times. C. Among the bartenders' creative inventions is the Earl Grey Mar-Tea-Ni (NT$220), blessed with a delicate tea aftertaste, and the Pear Wine Punch (NT$250), with a deep fruity flavor and served with a fresh pear slice soaked 1-2 days in red wine. France's 1664 and Belgium's Hoegaarden beers are also available on tap.

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