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TAIWAN
FUN MAGAZINE, January 2003. VOL.3 ISSUE 1
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Tassels
55-1, Yong Kang Street
(02) 2392-9856
Hours: 6 pm-12 am (closed Mondays) |
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Tassels
Tea Lounge and Bar
By
Ken Lin (ªLÂEÅï) Translated by Patricia Li (§õ¨Ø¾§)
Who says a bar has to be cacophonous,
smoke-filled and crowded? Sometimes you simply want
a place to enjoy a heart-to-heart talk with friends,
or linger over a cup of tea or glass of wine. If you're
finding it hard to be heard and longing for a more peace
and quiet, Tassels is the right place for those conversations
you've been trying to have.
The name
of this lounge is derived from Chinese modern novelist
Eileen Chang's masterpiece, "Qing Cheng Zi Lian"
and the decor draws from styles that flourished along
the Bund in early 20th century Shanghai. Selected teas
(NT$150) are also named after Chang's novels, "Chen
Xiang Jian" is a black rice tea, and "Ban
Shen Lu" is a ginger tea. Other teas include Red
Rose, White Rose, Steamed Osthmanthus, and Flower on
the Sea. Drinking tea in this nostalgic place has the
feel of returning from a rendezvous with a lover.
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Once, French director
Leo Carox dropped in for a drink and mistook the lounge as
a set from the film "In the Mood for Love". The
director was enchanted by the place and praised it endlessly.
The owner of this lounge has collected pieces that have that
enchanting effect, with tassels of all shapes and sizes to
give it character. Pieces on display are marked by a fusion
of East and West, similar to Eileen Chang's depictions of
old Shanghai.
Jazz from Shanghai's
vintage Peace Hotel and familiar French songs whisper to customers
lost in reverie. Even older male customers have been known
to get up and boogie as the music starts to play. The younger
generation comes in search of inspiration from relics of old
Shanghai. Many artists and foreigners gather here and, once
in a while, a Shanghai mother, dressed in a chi-pao, will
throw a class reunion here and revel in the spirit of the
good old days.
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A favorite
among customers is the French Lychee Wine (NT$150) and
the Tangerine Wine that mirrors the color of the sunset
walls. Other favorite drinks include the Black Russian,
Salty Dog, Smirnoff Vodka Mixed Drinks and Belize Beer
(NT$150).
The warm
and inviting owners mak this place feel like home. Have
a drink and enjoy a heart-to-heart with them, as you
enjoy the ambiance of a lounge that relives old Shanghai.
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