Company parties done differently: South American BBQ, beer galore, magic shows and gourmet delights at scenic restaurants

Whoosh—welcome 2018, which is just over a month away, marking the arrival of the Lunar “Year of the Dog”! Company year-end parties and holiday banquets are festive gatherings where employers reward their hardworking staff. Everyone gathers together to enjoy delicious food, watch performances, and take part in lucky draws, all of which help build team spirit.

But why not try something different for your year-end party? Tired of traditional Chinese banquets? Some craft beer restaurants now offer exotic South American-style roast pork and Cuban sandwiches, served with lively samba beats and paired with tasty beers to create a fun atmosphere for both staff and bosses. And when choosing a venue for your company gathering, it’s not just about the food—the restaurant setting matters too. Imagine enjoying a magical performance under the stars on the rooftop of New Taipei City’s tallest building, listening to classic jazz and blues tunes, all while taking in breathtaking views, savoring delicious food, and sipping fine wine. It’s the perfect way to recharge before embracing new challenges in the year ahead.

● Savor gourmet flavors at an East District craft beer restaurant with Colombian-style slow-roasted pork

ABV Bar & Kitchen, a craft beer restaurant tucked away in Taipei’s East District (216 Alley), has specially created a unique Colombian-style slow-roasted pork dish for company year-end parties, holiday banquets, and group gatherings. A whole pig weighing nearly 4.5 kilograms is prepared by carefully deboning the meat beneath the skin. The meat is seasoned, cooked, and then stir-fried with spices such as turmeric green beans and rice. The flavorful rice and shredded pork are then stuffed back into the pig skin, which is slow-roasted in a wood-fired oven until the skin turns crispy. This dish takes six hours to prepare and serves more than 30 people—making it a show-stopping centerpiece sure to impress at any company gathering.

ABV Bar & Kitchen’s Caribbean branch offers a wide selection of authentic local dishes from across the Caribbean, including Cuban sandwiches, Jamaican fried cornmeal fritters, San Fernando fried shrimp, Guyanese stewed lamb, sancocho chicken meatballs, Puerto Rican banana lasagna, Dominican coconut squid, and Colombian corn tamale cakes—offering a rich culinary journey that feels like a global food fair. Choosing such flavorful Caribbean cuisine adds a unique twist to your year-end party or holiday banquet.

Recognizing the growing trend of companies organizing smaller, department-based micro year-end parties, ABV Bar & Kitchen offers flexible seating arrangements that can accommodate 60 to 80 people. The venue comes fully equipped with projectors, microphones, and sound systems, and breaks away from the conventional Chinese-style multi-course meal format. Guests can dine in small groups at tables or opt for a buffet-style setup with food stations. In the competitive year-end party market, this approach allows departments to feel the company’s thoughtful selection while bringing employees closer through shared gourmet experiences.

Located on the 49th floor of New Taipei City’s tallest building, “Asia 49 Asian Cuisine & Lounge” has been hailed by media as the most scenic restaurant in New Taipei. (Photo courtesy of the Asia 49 Asian Cuisine & Lounge official website)

● Enjoy stunning views at a New Taipei scenic restaurant—watch magic, listen to music, and savor gourmet food

Situated on the 49th floor of New Taipei City’s tallest building, “Asia 49 Asian Cuisine & Lounge” has been praised by media as the most beautiful scenic restaurant in the region. Netizens also rave that it’s the place to “enjoy great food and even better views!” To enhance customer satisfaction, starting January 10 and running through the end of March (excluding February 15, Chinese New Year’s Eve), Asia 49 will launch a brand-new “Magic Nights” event every Wednesday and Thursday evening from 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm. Wednesdays feature a Magic Night, while Thursdays are Music Nights, with performances by two talented emerging artists to elevate your dining experience. Best of all, these shows are completely free with your meal.

Hank became fascinated with the mystical world of magic when he joined his university’s magic club. Through self-study and observation, he has continuously honed his skills and dedicated himself to creating original magic acts. In recent years, he has actively participated in international magic conventions around the world—including those in the UK, US, Netherlands, Japan, and Korea—learning from masters and fellow enthusiasts. Hank specializes in close-up magic, performing intricate tricks with coins, playing cards, and other small props right at the table. This style is even more challenging than traditional stage magic. With his impressive skills and striking resemblance to Mandopop star JJ Lin, Hank has earned the nickname “The Handsome Magician.” He will be performing fresh, captivating shows every Wednesday at 7:30 pm during the event period.

Chen Hongzhu, known for her smooth and soulful voice, excels in classic English jazz and blues songs. As early as 2009, she won the title of “Best Vocalist at the Taipei International Choral Festival,” and in 2016, she claimed the championship in the social category of the National Taiwan University Singing Competition. Her voice is incredibly moving. Today, she serves as a judge for various major music competitions and is also active at cultural and art venues across Taipei, collaborating with musicians of diverse styles to showcase her talent and further refine her craft. Known as the “Champion Songstress of Golden Melody,” Chen Hongzhu will perform every Thursday at 7:30 pm (excluding Chinese New Year’s Eve) alongside two other musicians during the event period.

★ Newsletter reminder: Don’t drink and drive. Excessive drinking is harmful to your health.