111340 Tue Sep 10 10:02:07 -0700 2002 6 7 Chicago Area 0 602528 I spotted a new place just opened in the Chinatown Mall, and in a stretch that includes multiple versions of blood cakes and chive, saliva chicken, condensed milk on toast and stellar pidgeon duck served with the heads, this place may perhaps be the oddest place of them all. The young and bit ornery group standing near the back door of Sweet House Gourmet told me that their place was Cantonese with a bit of Japanese, but I got to imagine, based on the menu, that this is some wierd sub-genre of Chinese that only RST knows FULLY about. The menu is divided into BBQ, snack, sweet drinks, house special, beverages, desserts, and my favorite, boiled things. As can be expected, I have no idea what most of their offering amout to: boiled duck with cordyceps [sic], guiling-gao [a sweet drink], bbq anchovy. They are also offering a grand opening special of boiled bird's nest, "more than 1 oz [!], for $24.95 (only one per customer). Look forward to hearing more. Sweet House Gourmet Resturant 2120 S. Archer Chicago 312-791-9133 (On the eastern segment of the mall, just past the zodiac statues.) Tue Sep 10 10:02:07 -0700 2002 0 Vital Information 1 602530 VI, You list some intriguing items, but I was most taken by two of the frog preparations under the menu heading, "Boiled Things," specifically the Boiled Snow Frog with Coconut Milk and with Red Dates. There were also several words on this menu I've never seen before: in addition to the Cordyceps you mention, there's also Fritillary. Fried ordnance? No, a botanical, see link, below (it is described here as "poisonous and very distasteful to the palate" -- there must be a number of varieties) Sweet House is high on my list of places to visit. Link: http://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/f/fritil33.html Tue Sep 10 10:36:10 -0700 2002 602528 0 David Hammond 2 602534 I, too, am intrigued. I grew up in Chinatown and have eaten a lot of strange things, but some of the items that were mentioned sounded exotic to me. If this is a Cantonese place, I suspect a little Nuveau Hong Kong influence. I'm up for a scouting mission if anyone else is. ps - I'm new to Chowhounds and am very excited! Tue Sep 10 11:25:56 -0700 2002 602530 0 Shirley 2 602541 Hi! I'm involved in a Spring bulb fundraiser where Fritillaria are featured as rodent repulsive. These bulbs smell like skunk and their flower is not much better. While the tulips are nipped by deer, rabbits and other fur balls, Fritillaria remain undisturbed. You really have to wonder what "Sweet House Gourmet" is offering! Regards, Cathy2 P.S. I responded to the Puffball fairy ring question from the Farmer's Market report of September 7th. Tue Sep 10 13:46:18 -0700 2002 602530 0 Cathy2 2 602542 Fritillaries are, I believe, botanically members of the allium (garlic) family, so.... Tue Sep 10 14:13:45 -0700 2002 602530 0 annieb 2 602798 It sounds like the "Boiled Things" are in fact tong shui (I think that's the proper term). These are small dishes, often sweet, which are believed to have health-promoting properties. One of my favorite Chinese restaurants in Manhattan, the Sweet 'n' Tart Restaurant, serves a wide selection of them. Sun Sep 15 19:50:57 -0700 2002 602530 0 Adam Stephanides 1 602540 The following is the Chinese point of view, there is a link which is more scientific: Cordyceps fungus In Chinese medicine Cordyceps fungus is described as a very effective herb for treating circulatory, respiratory, immune, sexual dysfunction, as well as a host of other health problems. It was also classified as a general health tonic because of cordyceps capability to improve energy, stamina, appetite, endurance, and sleeping patterns. In tradition Chinese medicine cordyceps is used for the kidney and lungs meridians. Cordyceps fungus has the ability to increase the ATP (Adenosine Tri-Phosphate) production in human cell's mitochondria and thus increasing the energy levels of people using it. Especially, good for people who are involved in athletics or enjoy vigorous sports. Compounds found in cordyceps are classified as HDP "Host Defense Potentiators". These compounds include: hemicellulose, polysaccharides, polysaccharide-peptides, nucleosides, triterpeniods, complex starches, and other metabolites. Combinations of these compounds are now believed to target the human immune system as well as aid in neuron transmission, metabolism, hormonal balance and nutrient and oxygen transport. They help your body regulate the development of lymphoid stem cells and other important body defense responses. Chinese athletes who used Cordyceps in their athletic training program surprised everyone including sports authorities when they broke the 10,000 meter World track record in 1993. Cordyceps can only be found in isolated places in southwestern China and because of the harsh environment and very small production amounts, thus wild cordyceps is usually very expensive up to $1000 for 100 grams. Cordyceps fungus is also known as: Cordyceps sinensis , Caterpillar Fungus, Dong Chong, Xia Cao Tochukas, Deer Fungus Link: http://www.uio.no/conferences/imc7/NFotm99/August99.htm Tue Sep 10 13:35:52 -0700 2002 602528 0 Cathy2