Sunday, November 30, 2008

To LP

Hey there! I just found out that DC has moved out of the house. I feel terrible for him and I can't believe that you're doing something like that in the house. It just proved that I'm right about you again - you'll never grow up to be the man you claimed to be in this lifetime.

So, this is goodbye. And I hope that your landlady will soon find out that you're an untrustworthy person and throw you out of the house and the authority will bust your operation sooner or later!

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Roxy Rocker




Roxy Rocker
Hours / 營業時間
Daily 8:00 pm – 4:00 am;每天 8:00 pm – 4:00 am
02-2708-4553
No.363 Si-Wei Road 台北市四維路363號
Credit Cards Accepted / No Service Charge 可刷卡 / 無服務費
www.roxy.com.tw

Roxy Rocker: A Paradise for Vinyl Record Diehards

With 27 years of experiences under its belt Roxy established its fourth location in an alley which is right across the street from the Far Eastern Shangri-la Hotel. Ever since it has become a home away from home for those die hard fans of Rock N’ Roll. To Owner Ling Wei Roxy Rocker is like a dream comes true. For years he planned to open a lounge bar that is different from the other three Roxy locations and is dedicated to rock and roll only. Roxy Rocker is for those customers who had grown up with the original Roxy twenty something years ago and are now in need of a comfortable space to enjoy their favorite rock and roll with friends over a few drinks. Moreover Roxy Rocker is for anyone who loves music and prefers to hang out with the grown up crowd.

From the get-go owner Ling Wei did everything by himself. He found the current location and is fully responsible for the interior and lighting design. Roxy Rocker is designed with a casual American flair. You wonder if you’ve walked into the set of American sitcom “Friends” because there are comfy sofas all over Roxy Rocker. And you do feel welcome and cozy as if you’re in the living room of your own home.

For you rock and roll lovers you must visit Roxy Rocker for its extensive collection of vinyl records. Generous owner Ling Wei set up a separate area designated for vinyl records only. Even though the records have never been counted thoroughly, there are at least 10,000 from Ling Wei’s private collection. DJ Hank, a young man who seems to know much about rock and roll that was way before his time, says, “We welcome everyone to come in for a rock and roll scavenger hunt!” Ling Wei’s vinyl collection has been locked up in storage for years. When you find something that you would like to hear it also gives Hank the opportunity to clean the record and classify it alphabetically. When I visit the vinyl record room all I can think of is that memorable quote from Hollywood film “Forrest Gump”. “It’s like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get.”

Speaking of Ling Wei he deserves a lot of credits for his generosity and big heart as a bar owner. He believes that Roxy Rocker is reserved for everyone who loves rock and roll and therefore Roxy Rocker is not available for block booking. However, you may book a booth or a table in advance for private gatherings. Best yet, there is no minimum charge, no admission or rental fee for booking a private booth. Roxy Rocker does not charge 10% service fee like most night spots. Sometimes I wonder if Ling Wei is aware of the fact that he’s running a night club business, not a nonprofit organization.

Roxy Rocker is open all year round and everyone is welcome to stop by after work for some classic rock and roll music. Happy Hour comes in three phases. From 8 to 10 pm Taiwan Beer ﹙Gold Label﹚ is only 120NT per bottle﹙regular price NT180﹚;Before midnight two pitchers of Jack Daniel’s with coke or sprite are NT1,000﹙regular price NT1,200﹚;from 11 pm to 1 am tequila ﹙five brands to choose from﹚is buy one get one free.

On the weekends when friends gather at Roxy Rocker Space Walk ﹙NT470 / served in six tubes﹚is always a good party starter! There are 10 cocktails invented by the employees at Roxy Rocker and Rainbow Candy ﹙NT220﹚is the flavor of the moment! When local rock and roll bands and singers come over for drinks assorted deep fries ﹙NT260;choosing 3 out of 5:chicken strips, onion rings, calamari, cheese sticks and French fries﹚and nachos ﹙NT180﹚are their favorite snacks. You’d better come to Roxy Rocker to see it for yourself!

Roxy Rocker:愛好黑膠唱片者的新天堂樂園

具有27年歷史的Roxy在遠東飯店正對面的巷子創立第四家分店Roxy Rocker,從此喜愛搖滾樂的同好有了新家。老闆凌威說,這是個美夢成真,他一直希望能有一個和旗下的三家店有所區隔的搖滾樂lounge吧。尤其是二十多年來陪伴Roxy成長的老客人,隨著年齡的增長,他們也需要一個更舒服自在的空間,與三兩好友喝點小酒,聆聽經典的搖滾樂。

從一開始,尋覓地點、室內裝潢、燈光設計,如同所有的Roxy,都由老闆凌威一手包辦。這個空間有著輕鬆的美式風格,一進門就看見寬敞舒適的沙發,當客人坐下,似乎置身在美國影集「六人行」裡的主要場景,一派悠閒,就像在自家客廳。

對於搖滾樂的愛好者,最大的吸引力必是數以萬計的黑膠唱片。大方的老闆凌威將自己所有的收藏與客人分享。年紀輕輕、卻對於在他出生前的搖滾樂瞭如指掌的DJ Hank說:「我們歡迎客人一起來挖寶!」這些唱片已經被庫存很久,所以當客人找到自己想聽的唱片時,趁機拿出來清洗後分類。借用好萊塢電影「阿甘正傳」的經典台詞來形容Roxy Rocker黑膠唱片室,「它就像一盒巧克力,你永遠不知道你會找到什麼奇珍異寶!」

提到老闆凌威,就不得不稱讚他的大器。他認為這個空間屬於所有熱愛搖滾樂的朋友,因此不提供包場,但可以預定包廂,而且不收包廂費、不收門票,也不收最低消費。Roxy Rocker並沒有收一成服務費,這也令大家懷疑老闆凌威開店彷彿是在經營慈善事業。

Roxy Rocker全年無休,就是希望客人隨時可以像回家一樣輕鬆的在下班之後來到這裡聽喜愛的音樂。Happy Hour是分三個階段,十點之前,台灣金牌啤酒一瓶只要120元﹙原價180元﹚;半夜之前,兩壺JD傑克丹尼爾加可樂或是雪碧只要1,000元﹙原價1,200元﹚;11點到凌晨一點,龍舌蘭酒買一送一,有五種品牌可供挑選。

週末朋友相聚,太空漫步﹙470元﹚的六支試管大家一飲而盡,炒熱氣氛!Roxy Rocker的員工自創出十種獨家調酒,其中以彩虹糖﹙220元﹚最受歡迎。從炸雞柳條、起司條、花枝圈、洋蔥圈和薯條中任選三樣的酥炸拼盤﹙260元﹚和墨西哥脆餅﹙180元﹚是樂團、歌手收工之後來到這裡最愛點的下酒菜,你得趕快來嘗嘗!

Thursday, November 20, 2008

Feeling the Pre-Holiday Blues

Pre-Holiday Blues – How to quit drinking before the holiday season begins

I can't believe this year is almost over. From Thanksgiving to Xmas is about a month. And from Xmas to Chinese New Year (starting Jan.25th) is also a month. In two months there are three major holidays, not to mention New Year's Eve on December 31st. This can’t be good if I want to quit drinking.

A few days ago a friend (in fact a distinguished gentleman who is my dad’s age) invited me over to his house for fine wine. He has very extensive collection of champagne and red wine. He said we’ll celebrate my 35th birthday.

Yes you’ve guessed it. I’m still celebrating my birthday and it’s like a never ending party. In the past I would organize a big party and invite all my friends. But I realized that sometimes the party became too big and I had little time to spend with everyone. There are times that I can barely remember who showed up at my party when too many people were crowded in one place. Since a lot of my friends don’t know each other, it’s a good idea to do individual birthday celebrations which allows me to spend quality time with just a few friends at a time.

Anyway back to the story. So I stopped by City Super to buy a light supper for two. I arrived at his house just before 7 pm. We started with champagne – just one bottle. It really complements the cheese, pig knuckles and baguette I brought over. He explained, “You don’t sip this is the kind of champagne. You have to guzzle it.”

At first I was a little suspicious of what he said. After a few sips I started to guzzle as he suggested. After champagne he opened a bottle of red wine. This is when my memory began to fail me. I don’t remember finishing the entire bottle with him (but I did see the empty bottle when I woke up). The last thing I do recall is retrieving a text message on my cell phone. I have very vague memory of the rest of the night.

I regained some conscience and found myself lying flat in the guest room. And this part I do remember vividly. While I lay in bed with my body facing the wall, he asked, “Can I touch you?”

“NO.” I said it loud and clear and he left. For the rest of night I was half asleep just to stay alert. I wonder the reason I passed out ‘cuz I consumed alcohol too fast and didn’t drink water with alcohol like I normally do just to dilute the alcohol in my body.

I have strange feelings toward this unusual incident. In fact I don’t like what happened to me. Maybe I’ll stay away from alcohol for awhile. The truth is that I loathe losing control of myself like that. I seem to drink more this year than ever before. Perhaps my tolerance for alcohol has built up over the years. I remember back in college I was always the designated driver and therefore I never had the chance to drink. Despite staying sober I did have good times when we went clubbing. I just wanted to dance all night and I never took drugs. I was on a natural high. So who says you can’t have fun without alcohol, uh?

Monday, November 17, 2008

路人

我剛洗完頭、從美容院出來,就在路口等紅綠燈,還來不及過馬路,一位同樣站在斑馬線上的中年阿伯說:「大美女。」

他叫得很親切,我以為也許我們見過,他也可能是我父母的朋友。

我側身轉過去看他一眼,我一臉茫然。

確定我們不認識,他既不是親屬也不是鄰居。

「漂亮的大美女!」頓時他又補一句。

我很不耐煩的對他說:「美女本來就是美麗的女人,在美女前面加漂亮兩個字似乎是多餘的!」

說完,我就過馬路了。

Saturday, November 15, 2008

A Snow White Dream

I woke up and received an Email from a friend.

It said,

I had a dream last night that a few guys and I were on a road trip to hunt or fish or something. We stopped at a shop that sold snacks and gifts and there you were, working!

You were wearing a really small bright red top that only covered your chest...it was a sash or something. There was lots of skin and the guys found you quite interesting. we bought nothing and off we went.

So you are on my mind sometimes!

Having a good week I hope!

Friday, November 14, 2008

Standing Room

Standing Room
Hours / 營業時間
Daily 5:30 pm – 12:00 am;每天 5:30 pm – 12:00 am
02-8712-0879
No.508 Zhang-chun Road Taipei 台北市長春路508號
No Credit Cards / No Service Charge 無刷卡 / 無服務費

Standing Room means that everyone stands in a room. In Japan and some western countries there are bars that didn’t provide any chairs. By all means whether patrons come in for food or drinks, people just stand by the bar counter area. The best thing about it is that no reservation is ever needed because there is no place for sitting down. At first this concept may seem unbelievable but now Taipei is catching on quickly. Since opening in mid October people from all walks of life have flocked to Standing Room. Local patrons and foreign alike are making Standing Room their first stop after work.

The owners are overseas Japanese residing in Taiwan. Therefore the menu offers the type of cuisine that’s available at any traditional izakaya in Japan. In addition western and Chinese dishes are also added to the already extensive menu.

After a long day at work Ipponyari Kohaku Mugi-Shochu ﹙NT170/glass; NT2,300/bottle﹚can ease off the tensions. You may drink it straight, on the rock or add water to it and experience the different sensations. As a starter Vinegar Mozuku Seaweed ﹙NT60﹚can boost your appetite. Spring onion rice bowl﹙NT120﹚, Japanese style fried tofu ﹙NT120﹚along with fried mushrooms ﹙NT60﹚, fried smelt fish ﹙NT90﹚and fried lotus ﹙NT70﹚will make a perfect meal while sipping shochu.

For Christmas Standing Room presents white Christmas special – a glass of red wine , a glass of white wine along with broccolis with white sauce ﹙NT280 /for December only﹚- it will spice up your holiday season! If you’re craving for comfort food, ask for Japanese ramen. It is an off the menu special but it will keep you warm on your way home!

Standing Room,顧名思義就是大家都站著的場所。在日本和歐美國家有些酒吧不提供座位,無論在進食或喝酒,所有人聚集在吧台周圍站著;最棒的是完全不需事先訂位,反正本來就沒位子坐。乍聽之下覺得不可思議,如今台北也跟上世界的腳步,Standing Room自十月中開幕以來,吸引各式各樣的客人上門,本地的客人和旅居台灣的外國人一下班就來報到。

經營者是幾個年輕的日本人,餐點以日式居酒屋的傳統料理為主,再加上西方和台灣的特色美食,讓寫在黑板上的菜單硬是擠的滿滿滿。

辛苦工作一整天,先點一本槍琥珀麥燒酌﹙170元/杯;2,300元/瓶﹚,直接喝、加冰塊或是加水,各有特色。店長建議吃海藻醋沙拉﹙60元﹚開胃之後,再上青蔥蓋飯﹙120元﹚,配上日式炸豆腐﹙120元﹚和炸香菇﹙60元﹚、炸柳葉魚﹙90元﹚和炸蓮藕﹙70元﹚,不但好吃也適合下酒。

為了聖誕節推出的白聖誕組合,紅白酒各一杯加上白醬綠花椰菜﹙280元, 僅限12月﹚,增加過節的氣氛!如果想要吃點熱食,點一碗日式擔仔麵,這是店長的私房菜,吃完之後包你滿意的回家!

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

The Single World



Despite I'm at the age where a lot of my friends are married and are even with children, I do have a group of single friends. In fact I have a lot of single friends. Among them some are seeking marriage actively, especially women in their late 30s. Also there are single guy friends in their early 40s who have never been married and they hang out together quite often as a group. Every so often someone gets involved in a relationship and disappear for awhile. When he re-appears and becomes single again, it calls for a series of celebrations.

I got a message the other day and it said, "News Flash: The King of Siam is a free man once again! Now you have three pieces of meat to parade you around. K. Mr. Guns, C. Mr. Pecks, and me Mr. all around."

I can't help it but laugh when I receive something like this unexpectedly.

I think I know whom he was referring to. Just a month ago I met him and his girlfriend and they were about to take a vacation in Europe - their first trip as a couple. I did warn him that travelling together could be a deal breaker. Perhaps my prophecy has come true.

Once I was joined by friends at a happy hour event. After a few drinks a male friend broke the news to the crowd: his live-in girlfriend proposed to him that very morning and he turned her down. For some odd reason the other guys actually cheered and made a toast to him. I was lost for words. Obviously they have no idea how gutsy it is for a woman to do such a thing. Sigh...I guess they're better off remaining single forever!

Friday, November 07, 2008



Vivian and I used to be TV hosts at the shopping network. Despite the animosity between most female hosts, she and I got along from day one and never had a problem. Perhaps we're self-assured and fiercely independent!

Thursday, November 06, 2008

Long Time No See - Lulu



Lulu and I met almost 10 years ago when she used to work for a PR firm in Taipei. She hired me to be the host for press conferences and events. If my memory serves me correctly, she's the first person who gave me a chance to be on stage holding a microphone. And the rest is history.

We lost contact for several years now. We did chat from time to time on MSN but tonight we met for dinner at my favorite restaurant of the moment: Galerie Bistro.

Over the years we both changed quite a bit inside and out. Nonetheless we still look good!

Blast from the Past

There is one thing that I know certain and that is my purpose in life is to entertain people I know, especially my close friends. Therefore I always try to stay in touch with them.

Upon my birthday I received an Email from Mr. Scotland. That's what I like to call him. He was the first guy I met in college and he was very charming - a perfect European gentleman. Even though no true romance really panned out for us I do love this man with all my heart. We've always remained good friends.

Here's what Mr. Scotland has to say:

Happy Birthday. You look good for being 35. Too little booze and too few fags over the years have been to your advantage.

You seem to know a lot of men in SF. I don't think I recognized any of them. Should I?

Before I forget what is your up to date address at home. I did write to you in the Spring, but I don't know if you got my card. I think I still have the address from 12 years ago.

Are you still a DJ/TV host?

Are you thinking about settling down and maybe having a few kids? Did you know I have three children? Carys and I had twins in June last year - a boy and a girl. Our first so, Griff will be three at the end on this month.

I look forward to hearing more of your news.


It makes me feel touched that a man from my past cares so much about my overall well-being. Thank you, Mr. Scotland!

Wednesday, November 05, 2008

Mindong Korean Gourmet 明洞館二館




Mindong Korean Gourmet 明洞館二館
Hours / 營業時間
Everyday 每天5:30 pm – 12:00 am
02-8772-3319
No. 40-2 Lane 223 Section 4 ZhongXiao East Road ﹙near MRT Zhongxiao Dunhua Exit 2﹚
台北市忠孝東路四段223巷40號之2(近捷運忠孝敦化二號出口)
Credit Cards Accepted / 10% Service Charge 可刷卡 / 一成服務費
www.mindong.com.tw

Due to popular demand Mindong Korean Gourmet finally opened up its second location after 10 years in the business. Just because celebrities and showbiz people are regulars at Mindong, it doesn’t mean that it must be an expensive restaurant. To the contrary it serves quality Korean food with the most affordable price. Different from the original location this new Mindong is positioned as an izakaya which is commonly known as a drinking bar. The capacity is about 80 people. What remains true at Mindong is the famous delicious Korean cuisine. First off, Mindong is proud to introduce troops hotpot ﹙NT600﹚and you won’t find it anywhere else in Taiwan but Mindong. This unique dish was invented during the Cold War when the U.S. troops were stationed in Korea and there was a constant shortage of food supply. No one could have foreseen the popularity of this hotpot today. Korean civilians cooked spam collected from the U.S. army base along with watercress, cheese, kimchi, rice cake and glass noodle in beef broth. If you prefer spicy food, you can always ask for extra chili peppers in the broth. When the hotpot is nearly empty, be sure to throw in Korean ramen and eat it while it’s hot! Troop’s hotpot from Mindong is going to be the hottest dish this winter season!

If you come into Mindong after dinner Korean chicken gizzard ﹙NT200﹚and beef tendons ﹙NT480﹚will complement any alcoholic beverage of your choice. You may have visited many Korean restaurants in the past but Mindong Korean Gourmet is sure to stand out among all!

在台灣耕耘十年有成的明洞館在東區開了第二家,別以為演藝圈名人喜歡光顧的餐廳一定是非常昂貴,殊不知明洞館是高貴不貴。有別於一館,二館以八十多個座位的居酒屋呈現,不變的是家喻戶曉的韓國美食。首先要介紹的是全台灣只有明洞館獨家推出的部隊鍋﹙600元﹚,這個特殊的料理是當年在糧食嚴重短缺的情形下而產生,如今也成為一道傳統的韓國美食。韓國人將美軍基地所剩的豬肉罐頭搭配水芹菜、起士、泡菜、冬粉和年糕,加入牛骨湯頭煮成一鍋色香味俱全的家常菜。喜歡重口味的可以要求調整辣度,當鍋內所剩無幾時,再下一份韓國拉麵,更是過癮!明洞館的部隊鍋絕對是今年冬天最熱門的鍋類料理!

既是居酒屋,必要有下酒菜。韓式雞胗﹙200元﹚必須搭配由海鹽、香油和芝麻混成的沾醬,讓人一口接一口,捨不得停下來。牛筋﹙480元﹚經過長時間的燉煮,入口即化,沾一點韓式黃芥末,味道更甜美!明洞館的韓國美食就是和別人不一樣!

Sunday, November 02, 2008

Officially 25 Going On 35


Turning 35 years old...what does it mean to a single woman?

Am I supposed to be married by now? Am I supposed to be a mother by now? Am I supposed to be rich & famous by now?

At the age of 35 I know that I can't stand stupidity. I know that I loathe people who are perpetually late. I know that I love waking up every morning to face a new challenge. And i definitely know a good man when I see one.

Thank you for all the birthday wishes



Aside from Christmas and Valentine's day the only time you'll know who are your real friends is on your birthday. I've received birthday wishes via Emails and text messages from all around the world and that made me feel very special!

Now I'm officially 25 going on 35. LOL.

Saturday, November 01, 2008

Turning 35 Today!



Urban Word of the day: SCORPIO

scorpios are sensual, sexy and mesmerizing. they're loyal and sweet to the very end. they're highly intelligent and have a quick wit. Scorpios are adventurous, curious and very loving.

I finally found someone

For the last month I’ve met up with many great friends in San Francisco. Among those married ones kids seem to be the most talked about topic. Everest and Donna just had their second child, baby girl Brooke; Eri had her second kid a year ago and yes! It’s a boy again. Melody had a 21 month old boy named Aiden. Tony & Trish finally had their first child a year ago and they are very happy with Emily. Rochelle is now 8 years old and Blake is so fortunate to have her. She’s gotta be the smartest 8 year old!

Today I turn 35 years old. Two years ago on my birthday I vowed to meet my Mr. Right before the age of 35. And it turns out that I’ve knew him all along.

We met five years ago at Rouge. It was a night I was supposed to hang out with friends from college. He asked me out on a date and promised to take me to sushi. On our first date he was late and he took me out for Thai food instead.

Once we spent a wonderful weekend together at Monterey. It was the most romantic weekend ever. I remember that my Tiffany necklace fell into the faucet and we tried to get it out but failed. So he called housekeeping and the janitor came to our rescue. It was the best sex I’ve ever had and I never felt this way with anyone. We’re a match made in heaven. On the way back we stopped by Gilroy to meet his dad and his stepmom. It wasn’t part of the plan as far as I was concerned. But he said that it was his father’s birthday and he wanted to go say hi.

We went out a few more dates afterwards. The last time we were together was when I lived on Nob Hill. Then I left San Francisco for Taiwan.

Last year the day I arrived in San Francisco for my 34th birthday he sent me an Email. He said that he was cleaning out inbox and came across the Email I’ve sent to all my friends upon my departure from San Francisco in 2004.

Isn’t that amazing? More than 3 & 1/2 years later he finally discovered my Email, not knowing that I’ve been gone all this time. I wrote him back immediately and he called me up right away. “I’ve thought about you over the years,” he said.

For some odd reason we didn’t get to meet up in person. My trip was extremely short. It was only a total of 9 days…unfortunately we missed each other again.

Usually prior to my arrival in San Francisco I would send an Email to friends and let them know where to find me during my stay. His Email address was bounced back. I didn’t think much about it until the day my date was late picking me up and I had a little extra time to kill. I began cleaning out my inbox and came across his Email from last year in which he provided new contact information.

I decided to give it a try and see what happens. And just like that only minutes after I left the house he called me up. It was so good to hear from him. It was like a dream come true!

I had to get off the phone because dinner was about to start. He asked me to call him when I got home. It was late when I called it a night and he didn’t pick up when I tried to ring him up.

The next day I had a plan to meet up with friends for happy hour drinks. I invited him to join us or pick me up afterwards for dinner. I was very excited about meeting him after nearly 5 years. The moment when I laid my eyes on him, he stood next to his car in a purple velvet jacket. Oh man, I was in love all over again.

We first went to Houston’s and were told that the wait for a table was 30 minutes. We kept ourselves busy by staying inseparable. But then we didn’t feel like spending all that time waiting. So we went up to North Beach for some great Italian food where waiting in line was not required. I remember looking at him across the table, and thinking to myself, “We belong together.” While we waited for the valet boy he grabbed me by the waist and kissed me like there’s no tomorrow. It was so passionate that we didn’t even care that we put on a free show by the curb for everyone to see!

That kiss sealed the deal and I’ve found my knight in shiny armor – my king – my everything!