Red Lion Bar & Restaurant 35, ShengPing St., 1F Tel: (04) 2301-5569 Hours: 8 pm-4 am

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By Chen Ni-ang Translated by Jacques van Wersch

Hidden away in a quiet alley off Sheng Ping Street, the Red Lion Bar & Restaurant is a place with an ambiance that sets it apart from other Taichung hangouts.

This warm and tranquil retreat has only a few tables, plus five or six bar stools, which limits seating to fewer than 20 persons. However, it isn't one of those crowded little places, even as the relaxed atmosphere does seem to bring people closer together. This effect is heightened by the incandescent lighting and mellow music, reminiscent of a friend's living room.

The Red Lion provides grilled fare and a wide variety of alcoholic beverages. The proprietor, Mr. Chen, explains that his seafood comes directly from an importer, to ensure freshness, and he gets his chicken from a reliable supplier, helping guarantee that Red Lion chicken dishes will be tender and succulent. The beef and mutton rates well against larger teppenyaki restaurants in the city and cost between NT$100 and NT$160 for generous portions that could easily be shared.

The drinks menu includes several brands of beer, sake, whiskey, brandy and liqueurs. Japanese plum wine is worth a try for those who don't like strong alcoholic drinks. On your right, as you enter the Red Lion, there is a selection of more than 200 bottles of alcohol. You can purchase a bottle and then leave it at the bar for future visits. Mr. Chen suggets that first-time customers complement their meal with a beer or some sake. This, he says, will set them at ease and make them feel at home.

The Red Lion is open from 8 p.m. until 4 a.m. every day, to serve day- and night-shift workers who need a place where they can relax, fill their stomachs with delectable grilled meals and calm their spirits with soothing music. Many harried executives like to take their minds off work for a few hours by talking with friends over a glass or two. In addition to beverages and the food described above, there is also a selection of three specially prepared snack plates available daily and there are plans to introduce sashimi for even more variety.