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FYI
SOUTH Magazine,
June 2003. VOL.3 ISSUE 6
No
weapons, only friendship, at the Armory
By Steven Crook |
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The
Armory--so named because it backs onto what used to be a large military
base--is a Tainan institution.
Opened
five-and-a-half years ago, this bar has evolved from being mainly
a foreigner hang-out to a place immensely popular with both expats
and young locals.
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Much
of the Armory's popularity can be attributed to owner DuMei,
who--in addition to being approachable and easygoing--sponsors
a range of cultural activities, from soccer to photography
exhibitions to radio programs.
Recently,
DuMei helped launch BUNK magazine, which features the poetry
and photography of several Armory regulars. BUNK is available
free from the bar.
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Many
events are held in the Armory itself, often on the first floor.
Live musicians (Nicole Darcy, Unfinished, and others) and DJs occasionally
perform here.
But
on most evenings, much of the action happens around the bar on the
second floor, which is reached by climbing a distinctive yellow
spiral staircase.
The
bar offers a decent range of beers, spirits and mixed drinks.
Almost every item is priced between NT$100 and NT$150.
Sections
of wall have been graffitied by customers. For those who want
to read something more intellectually demanding, there's a
stack of National Geographic magazines. DuMei is an enthusiastic
traveler with a special interest in Tibet.
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Those
who prefer less noise and more fresh air can sit away from the bar,
near one of the large open windows. There's also some seating in
the leafy frontyard.
Wherever
you sit, you could find yourself beside a foreign English teacher,
a Taiwanese college student, or an artist passing through town.
The Armory attracts all sorts; the regulars wouldn't have it any
other way.
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Armory
82, GungYuan (Kung Yuan) S. Rd.
(06) 226-5800
www.armorygallery.com |
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