HOME > NORTH TAIWAN > TAIPEI > NIGHTLIFE >

TAIWAN FUN MAGAZINE, January 2003. VOL.3 ISSUE 1
 

 

Tassels
55-1, Yong Kang Street
(02) 2392-9856
Hours: 6 pm-12 am (closed Mondays)

ADD YOUR RATING & REVIEW | VIEW VISITOR RATINGS & REVIEWS

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.

     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.

      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.