風林火山
台北市中山北路二段77巷16號1樓
02.2581.3565
This is 'the' drinking place for one of my colleague at work. She had mentioned it a few times, and we never really had the opportunity to go with her. Finally, another colleague of ours from HK came to visit, and we decided to take her there for dinner (well, we as in a few of us less the colleague who normally goes there). So it was a new experience for all of us.
Small izakaya place but strong in Japanese atmosphere and culture. According to my colleague, the family lived in Japan for quite a long time. It is a family run business, and the dad has pretty much retired and focuses just on mingling with the guests. Very very hospitable person. Apparently, this place is supported by returning guests mostly. We went on a Tuesday evening, and it was loaded with people, and every table was occupied.
What really made it a homerun is the night we were there, someone was there for a birthday celebration. The owner decided to pour all of us free rice wine (高粱) so that we can all bottoms-up with the birthday girl. She was first led behind the bar table. The owner then demanded that the entire restaurant all sing happy birthday once in English, followed by once in Taiwanese (yes, that was hard) and handed out tambourines for the beat. Everyone participated, and it was definitely a pleasant show. The birthday girl is then requested to bottom up 3 glasses. Super cool!
Food-wise, as soon as you sit down, they serve you a dish of sashimi appetizer regardless. The sashimi's quite fresh. In addition, I have to say that their plum wine, although they label it as plum juice, is quite good in the sense that it is not too sweet. The grilled skewers are OK. Not bad, but quite pricey. We ended up spending around $1,400/person that night. Although we ordered a lot, and ate a lot, I still don't think it is worth that much money. I guess we are also paying for part of the entertainment as well.
Definitely an interesting izakaya, and would strongly recommend everyone to experience the livelihood and enthusiasm from the crowd, but I may not go back if my main objective is for the food.
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