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TAIWAN FUN MAGAZINE, March, 2006.

Shochu Sake House (02) 2704-2421 10, Lane 420, GuangFu S Rd Hours: 6 pm-2 am Credit cards accepted. Smoking allowed. MRT: SYS Memorial

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--By Cat Thomas Translated by Jade Weng

Shochu Sake House is an excellent place to go in these colder months. For a start, they serve hot sake. Secondly, they very sensibly have put in heaters for the winter months! The owner used to live in Japan and the style and standard of the fare on offer reflects this. They have a fine selection of sake, some of which are suitable for heating, and the waiter is able to advise you as to which are best. These come in a range of sizes and prices--expect to pay around NT$500 for a 300ml bottle, NT$1,500 for 720ml (the priciest, the infrequently ordered Chi-Ling, comes in at a whopping NT$8000 [750ml]).

They mix a nice cocktail, too. A gin and tonic will set you back NT$180. The real ones to watch out for, though, are the Long Island Tea Plus (vodka, rum, tequila, bourbon and orange juice, NT$300) and the Dance of Fire (tequila, vodka, gin, rum, orange juice and grenadine, NT$320). Japanese beers are also available for NT$150. They serve a small selection of food-10 dishes-including Turnip and Natto Bean Mash (NT$150), Steamed Garlic Reef Fish (NT$200) and Salmon Fried Rice (NT$220).

Shochu Sake House has a nice feel to it. The staff is attentive but unobtrusive, and it's nice to have a change from the same old drinks every once in a while and splash out on a shared bottle of sake. Those of you up on your Japanese pop culture may recognise a few of the faces drinking in here--which I feel speaks volumes for the level of authenticity achieved. It's certainly not the cheapest night out, but the sake is very good and they also serve a range of Shochu-based cocktails (the latest trend to have hit London's bars). So, why not Sake-iate your thirst at Shochu?