LIQUID LOUNGE RESTAURANT  98, JungMing (ChungMing) South Road, 1F (04) 3601-9980; Hours: 6:30 pm-2 am (open to 5 am Fri/Sat)

       This establishment is the latest addition to Taichung's rapidly-growing lounge scene and is a classic lounge in every sense. The cool, chic-looking interiors are very dark, highlighted only by indirect lights, glass-bead curtains, the bar and a big-screen projection TV. Comfortable sofas and chairs are clustered around tables and up against the padded walls. Essential to the atmosphere is great lounge and chill-out music, played by resident DJ Rabbit. House music is played on "Slightly Chilled" Saturdays by guest DJs, including local Michael Richardson, who owns a piece of the action here. Despite the bar/lounge setting, Liquid Lounge also offers excellent, reasonably-priced meals, from pastas and salads to steaks and New Orleans Grilled Shrimp, prepared by hotel-trained chefs for NT$160 to NT$480. The large drink menu also offers good value, with plenty of champagnes, sparkling wines, brandies, Scotch whiskies, and various fine wines and spirits. Prices per bottle range from about NT$1,000 to NT$4,600. Cocktails average about NT$150 each. A selection of Cuban cigars is also sold. There is a NT$300 minimum charge (plus 10%) after 9:30 p.m. Liquid Lounge is located along JungMing South Road, about half way between TaichungGang and KungYi roads, and there is a large parking lot within easy walking distance.