Da Zheng Lang Man or 大政浪漫

I wanted to introduce you guys to another a fancy pants sushi restaurant in Taipei. =P This is also my last Taipei review. Wooo! Unfortunately I was a dolt and completely forgot to bring my good DSLR camera and my superhero dad stepped in with his android phone. As a result the photos have that sort of awkward cellular phone quality about them...and not the "beautiful hipstamatic prints from the iPhone" type quality. However, let me preface this particular blog post with this singlehandedly had to be the most decadent meal that I had in Taipei. How? Why? Where? With whom? Let me explain.

The most viewed post on my blog is the restaurant review on Kitcho, my favorite sushi restaurant in Taipei. HOWEVER, my aunt and my father have a penchant for taking me out on gastronomical adventures, and I'm not one to complain about them. ;) My aunt bet that she could replace Kitcho as the reigning sushi place in Taipei from my father's list and thus took us to Dàzhèng làngmàn/大政浪漫.  A sushi restaurant located by the Zhong Xiao Fu Xing metro stop (忠孝復興), nestled into one of the back alleyways of the Zhong Shan District, that prides itself on remembering customers, offering high levels of service, and fresh delicious food.  

Green Beans and Leeks in a Miso sauce

The design of the restaurant was a stark contrast to the narrow alley it was located in. It was an angular, cement, glass, and raffia creation that brought an immense amount light and elegance that seemed a bit out of place in the narrow walkway of the alley. The interior design of the restaurant was equal, if not more, elegant and lovely. The whole restaurant was dim with focused mood lighting on tables, in the sitting area and behind the sushi bar, while diners in the larger sitting area are given privacy with divisions of frosted glass. There were private rooms available, but I believe you have to call ahead to reserve one. The sushi bar, where we were located that night, was made our of a dark reddish brown hardwood that was lacquered over with gloss. The whole restaurant incorporates a color palate of dusty green, dark brown, opaque beiges, and rusty reds. While the decor and the artwork is minimalist, the largest art piece that they had was a large stone wall mount behind the sushi bar.

Sake Dispenser

My auntie was a regular at this restaurant and the second we entered, the hostess, sushi chef, and busboy looked up and called her name. We were ushered to the bar seating and were immediately offered hand towels, tea, and a small amuse bouche. The meal that followed was everything sushi should be, equal parts traditional and creative, fresh, light, and surprising. They offer three tasting menus you can choose from with differing price points the first rests at 2200 and unfortunately I can't remember the other two but, I've heard that the menu can go up to 22000NT with additional orders and alcohol.

From Left to Right: Shredded Radish, Ika (squid), Pickled Radish Two Ways 

I'll let the photos speak for themselves and add commentary when I feel it's necessary. Thank you for coming and enjoy!

Cotton Candy

Hello dere! I thought this photo was a slightly attractive one of me so I put it at the top. >< You know, to cushion the blow of the following derpy photos and awkward posing. Absorb the extreme narcissism while you can. ;)

Here's me looking sheepish. Hahaha, I don't think I'll ever be comfortable with this "modeling" thing. Anyway, this is the outfit I wore the other day! It was cold and raining outside, so all I wanted to do was stay home in a big warm ridiculous sweater....and I did! I need to recoup and regroup before school starts again.  

Dior Sweater, Nine West Shoes, Valentino Purse

What better way to celebrate seasonal malaise by lounging around in a super plush, very ridiculous, and extremely stain-able designer sweater? Since I live at home, because my university is so close....school housing would be a waste of money, my mom has graciously opened her closet to me and allows me to plunder through it at my leisure. 

So when I want to prance around the house feeling fancy, regal and ladylike I usually plunder her closet first. I believe that she got this particular sweater at a super sample sale for out of season Dior clothing. I have to say, as a family we never really buy anything "full price", especially on luxury items like this. When one sees all the slashed prices and the discounts...it can be difficult to stop an impulse buy. 

The detail and level of craftsmanship on this particular sweater just screamed luxury item, the softness of the wool, the level of detail that the ribbons were bound and laced through, and finally the sheer detail of the knit! I used to be a "the cheaper the better" kind of girl, but now the more and more I notice the disparity between "affordable" and the "luxury" clothing, purses, and makeup....I feel myself turning more and more to the dark side...the more expensive side. UGH. It hurts. My heart and my wallet. That isn't to say that I don't think cheaper items aren't as great, I simply feel that there is more trial and error with them...which leads to more disappointing purchases. 

I feel like recently there have always been a slew of X-TREME sales going on. With a capital X instead of an e. For example: Black Friday, Boxing Day, the Pre-Holiday Sale, the Post Holiday Sale, the Spring Sale.....good lord. I see discounts and deals everywhere. I gotta manage my money better...after all I'm saving up to see the boyfriend in February. =) Long distance is hard, but he makes it worth it. 

Anyway, I think I rambled on enough. Thank you for reading and the continued support of this silly little blog! 

+Love 

The New Year

Whistler, BC

I always feel like I'm constantly apologizing for things, but I really have to say that school has been kicking my butt and fun things (all of them) have to be put on the back burner for now. *sigh* I long for the day that I will, hopefully, find a job that I actually enjoy...so my "fun things" can be a part of my everyday life. Nothing will have to be put on the back burner...NOTHING. Well, that's a hope at least. Here are some photos that I've taken recently. I hope you enjoy! 

Sun Yat Sen Memorial Garden, Vancouver

However! I do want to thank Bloggers.com for featuring me on their front page some days ago. =) Welcome to all new readers and people just drifting on by! If something draws your interest please feel free to stop and take a look. =) 

Gastown, Vancouver

The New Year came up and surprised me...I honestly hadn't expected the year to end quite so quickly. >< Does anyone have any new years resolutions? I feel that if people want to change things, they shouldn't have to wait until the New Year to start improving themselves, but even as I say that....I'm a big procrastinator. Perhaps that's why I'm constantly bogged down with work. Haha, anyway here's a list of my new years resolutions! What are yours?

1. Be more organized!
2. Have a better sleep schedule
3. Find a Yoga Studio/Start Practicing Yoga
4. Find Employment 
5. ...and most of all. Update this blog! 

Boyfriend and I =) 

I hope to have a plan of at least five buffer posts in advance, but you'll probably see how that goes. >< Thanks for sticking with me all this time guys. Happy New Year and Happy Holidays. =) I hope all your dreams come true this year. 

As always, thanks for reading everyone. =) 

+Love

P.S. Please ignore my crazy eyes above. >< Haha