TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – Five-star hotel Le Meridien Taipei is abuzz with the launch of an exciting new evening menu at its vibrant Tipsy Sparrow bistro.
Known for its relaxed ambiance and innovative culinary creations, Tipsy Sparrow, whose name evokes the spirit of freedom and vitality, is fast becoming a go-to spot for urban diners seeking to inject more enjoyment into their busy city lives.
Stepping into the restaurant, guests are greeted by a stylish interplay of dark green tiles and beige washed-stone walls, complemented by an array of liquor bottles that set a distinctly casual and inviting tone.
The dining area offers thoughtfully designed spaces, including intimate, cave-like curved booths and contemporary metal mesh sections, all brought to life by lush green plants. The overall effect is a chic yet comfortable environment perfect for unwinding.
The new a la carte evening menu showcases several meticulously crafted dishes, each a testament to the chef's creativity and dedication to flavor.
Here are some of the standout classics from the new selection:
Tuna tartare with citrus and avocado is a refined take on a French classic, infusing exotic flavors. Finely diced, straw-smoked tuna is delicately mixed with shallots, avocado, and a touch of Korean sesame oil.
It is then brightened with a citrus vinaigrette and garnished with fresh citrus segments for a crisp, layered profile. The accompanying sauce, a balanced blend of Sriracha and mayonnaise, adds a unique spicy kick.
Served with crispy, house-made spiced flatbread, infused with over ten spices like Sichuan peppercorns, curry, and star anise, it offers a delightful textural contrast.
Braised lamb shank with smoked chipotle and taco is a deeply flavorful dish. This lamb shank undergoes a 24-hour marinade in a special blend of anchovies, smoked chipotle paste, beer, and aromatic herbs.
It is then slow-roasted for two hours at a low 160 C in a rich base of tomatoes, onions, and broth, before resting overnight to achieve its signature melt-in-your-mouth tenderness.
The dish is accompanied by a trio of dips—Guacamole, herb yogurt, and spicy salsa—and three pickled delights: pineapple, onion, and peach radish. These are perfect for wrapping with house-made flatbread, creating a symphony of rich, multi-layered flavors.
Chargrilled smoked amberjack collar with sambal sauce and green beans features an amberjack collar that is first smoked, then chargrilled to impart a distinct smoky aroma and delectable char.
The fish is generously brushed with a rich Southeast Asian sambal sauce, crafted from red chili, shallots, fish sauce, lemon juice, and parsley. Topped with crispy fried shallots and garlic, and served alongside crisp green beans.
Fried whole chicken with duck fat fries is a sophisticated rendition of a classic American comfort food.
Instead of a traditional breading, the whole chicken is brined, air-dried, coated in frying powder, then soaked in unsweetened yogurt to tenderize and eliminate any gamey notes, before a final coat and deep-frying to a perfect golden crisp.
It is served with indulgent duck fat fries and a special country gravy, a rich concoction of mushrooms, spinach, black pepper, butter, and a hint of whiskey, adding complex layers of flavor.
The restaurant's bar and outdoor bar operate from Tuesday to Sunday, 6:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. Reservations can be made via phone or online.
Tipsy Sparrow bistro. (Taiwan News, Lyla Liu video)
