Chinatown

During my spring break visit to Chicago, I stayed with a Chinese family (my friend is Chinese), ate authentic Chinese food, and shopped at Chicago’s Chinatown. Turns out that the Chinese take good care of their elders, don’t waste food and often send their kids to Saturday school to learn Chinese. They also make some excellent dishes which are much more flavorful and succulent than the cold buffet junk at your local “Chinese” restaurant. No, these places are filled with Chinese people. And my friend who recommended it gave me all the credibility I needed.

Photo provided by: Michelle Martin

In Chinatown I ate a relatively cheap eggplant and tofu dish that surged with fiery tanginess. The eggplant was utterly tender and irresistible. Plus, you can stuff yourself on one dish and still have at least one more meal to eat later. After eating, I accidentally stole a box of crushed placenta (sold for beauty purposes) from a Chinese herbal shop, which I promptly returned once I saw I had carried it out. I swear I only picked it up because the idea of selling placenta fascinated me.

Apart from Chinese food, we managed to find a few interesting nooks within the vast fabric of the city, from a hookah bar called Ambrosia to a multicultural/gay-friendly club called Berlin. Ambrosia had a rich, exotic atmosphere complete with purple drapes and flowing brass decor gracing the walls. The owner, generous with his smiles and kindness, even gave me a free mint tea! The peaceful atmosphere of Ambrosia dissipated when we stepped into the dark and crazy beats of Berlin, where bare-chested men sporting leather-studded suspenders were common on the dance floor. The Madonna songs blasting throughout the place were a pleasant change from the typical rap and R&B I always hear in parties. However, I felt like I was the only one dancing while everyone else was kind of jolting to the beat. So depending on your tastes, these might those of you dwelling in or visiting Chicago.

And if you aren't able to visit Chicago, I can suggest that you attend tonight’s “Asia Fest” at Truman—in line with my Chinese theme. The festival lasts from 5pm-8pm in the SUB Georgian Room A and B. Admission is free but if you want to eat bring $1 for food and $1.5 for bubble tea.