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J'adore Lounge Bar: A quiet, chilled-out solution to evening relaxation
By Douglas Habecker
Translated by Ann Lee
177, TaichungGang Rd, Sec 2, 1F (Hung's Mansion)
(04) 2255-6688
Hours: 6:30 pm-11 pm
Credit cards accepted.
10% service charge.
Perhaps I'm getting older--or perhaps it's my friends who are getting older--but with growing frequency I get asked to recommend a local nightlife hangout that "isn't noisy" or some place that is "private", "relaxing", "a place we can talk" and so on. Providing such an option isn't always easy, particularly on weekends, when many nightspots are overflowing with raucous crowds, loud music and other distractions.
With that in mind, I always sit up and take notice of the exceptions. Such an option recently opened at one of Taichung's newest high-end hotels, Hung's Mansion, which now has its own lounge bar, located on the first floor. Walk in and you'll quickly realize that this isn't some typical hotel lobby bar. In fact, Hung's Mansion prides itself on the privacy that its guests enjoy on all levels, something you'll immediately sense upon entering.
J'adore is a large, attractive establishment provides plenty of room to relax in a classy, subdued environment perfect for discreet gatherings and quiet, chilled-out evenings. Its spacious, luxurious interior is tastefully decorated with a variety of modern art objects, and provides seating for at least 100 patrons to stretch out in. There are also several sofa areas perfect for small groups to enjoy, at no added cost.
Prices on the drinks menu are surprisingly reasonable and there is no minimum charge. Friendly bar manager Tanya Hsu mixes up a good selection of cocktails, including these two colorful, tasty tropical concoctions (both pictured here), The Cloud (NT$120) and Jamaican Paradise (NT$210). The whiskey selection includes single malts like Glenlivet and Glenfiddich, and there is a full range of vodkas, tequilas, rum, gin and liqueurs, mostly priced around NT$150. Beers, from Corona to Guinness, range from NT$120 to NT$150 and there is wine by the bottle, as well as coffee, juice and soft drinks. If you're feeling a bit hungry, light meals include NT$200 tuna/ham/chicken sandwiches and Seafood Pasta (NT$240).
So there you have it--a relaxing, high-end place for chilling out at very reasonable cost. It's such a nice secret that I'm almost reluctant to share it with anyone else but, then again, good things shouldn't be kept to oneself.
 
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January 2009 
