TAIPEI > DINING > Eating with a bit of twistin' 'n' turnin'

TAIWAN FUN MAGAZINE, February, 2007.

Eating with a bit of twistin' 'n' turnin'
Taipei city is a dining paradise, boasting places where you can go to have more fun than just great food and great company! In this issue of Taiwan Fun, we take you on a fast ride to a few of these places, so fasten your seat belt and let's go!

---By Shanzi Chen, Julia Koprak and Josie Wu
Translated by Ann Lee, Ann Li and Sho Huang

Persian Heaven
~~1, Lane 61, HeJiang St~~
move to: 6, NanJing E. Rd, Sec. 5, 2F
(02) 2767-1661
Hours: 11:30 am-2 am
Credit cards accepted.
10% service charge.
www.persianheaven.com.tw

Open over one year, Persian Heaven has won praise for its Iranian cuisine. Owner Amini recently upgraded by renovating inside and outside and hiring belly dancers to entertain. These beautiful, exotic performances were once only seen in the palace chambers of the Persian Empire. Dance performances and great food promise a good night out. You have a choice of kebabs (barbecued) or the time-consuming braised dishes, both worth trying. The Negini Kobideh Kebab (NT$320) is a set of kebabs marinated and grilled with Middle Eastern spices. You can choose beef or lamb along with chicken cubes. Another recommended entree is a traditional stewed dish called Gheymeh Badenjan (stewed lamb chunks and eggplant, NT$300). Flavourful sauces are absorbed into the tender lamb and is served with fragrant eggplant. Consuming this with a pita or rice helps bring out the flavours. The belly dance performances are free and set meals are an affordable NT$280 to NT$400.

Hooters

(02) 2716-5168
18, QingCheng St
Hours: 11:30 am-12 am; 1 am
open to 1 am Fri/Sat
MRT:NanJing E Road
10 % Service Charge
www.hooters.com.tw

There's just something irresistible about this "delightfully tacky, yet unrefined" American classic. I mean, seriously, where else can you go if you want to cuddle up during happy hour with a buy-one-get-one-free pitcher of beer, a tray of buffalo wings and a perfect key lime pie, all while watching a hula hoop competition? With performances three times a day, at 1, 8 and 10 p.m., as well as different games (think limbo, bingo) every night, it's difficult not to be entertained here. While the namesake "hooters" may not be as hooter-licious here in Taipei, the ladies are as spicy as the wings and offer you friendliness and service galore. They'll even peel your shrimp and succulent crab legs for you! The atmosphere here is bright and lively and even on a weekday night you'll find this place packed with out-of-work professionals, girls-night-out-ers, and families alike. Added bonuses include lunch specials, huge sandwiches and appetizer platters (great for sharing), plus 20 different kinds of beer.

Salt & Bread

(02) 2738-2700
269, DunHua S Rd, Sec. 2
Hours: 6:30 am-11 pm;
Fri/Sat 6:30-12 am
Credit cards accepted.
10% service charge.

Salt & Bread is an authentic Russian restaurant with the red, green and yellow interior part of the Russian-style decor. This exotic-looking place also serves as a bakery, an ice cream parlor and a bar. People that come here to dine usually order the famous Russian ice cream for dessert, and buy some bread on their way out. Another popular thing to do here is to order a vodka drink at their unique bar that is reportedly minus-20 degrees Celsius inside and gives you a moment in an Arctic-like environment. When you visit the restaurant, order "Number 8" on the menu---the Deep-fried U.S Short Ribs with Beer Batter (NT$580). From 7 to 10 p.m. Tuesdays to Sundays, Salt & Bread invites two Russian accordion players to perform traditional Russian music for everyone. They often interact with guests and create a great, entertaining atmosphere. We think this is a wonderful place for gatherings of family and friends. Making a reservation is also a good idea.