Like the people who only go to church on Easter and Christmas, most Chicagoans visit Chinatown only to go to restaurants or watch the Chinese New Year Parade (which is NOT this weekend, but on Feb. 1). Consequently, a lot of folks miss out on this neighborhood’s lesser-known charms and secrets, ones Neighborhood Watch just happens to know and will share with you as we approach the Year of the Tiger (which starts Wednesday).
– 88 Video (2337 S. Wentworth Ave., 312-326-9888): Formerly called Bang Bang Video, this store houses Chicago’s largest collection of Hong Kong films, Chinese and Japanese soap operas, and Jackie Chan (below) epics. Rentals cost $1.50 for three nights and several include English subtitles.
– Chui Quon Bakery (2242 and 2409 S. Wentworth Ave., 312-225-6608): Those who want to eat cheap in Chinatown can visit one of its 10 bakeries, where you and a friend can relax with a pot of tea, barbecued pork buns, shrimp dumplings and several sweet desserts for under $10.
– Hong Kong Noodle Factory (2350 S. Wentworth Ave., 312-842-0480): Enjoy wholesale noodles and dumpling wrappers (we bought 5 pounds for $3.50) or a guided factory tour (by appointment) at this Chinatown fixture where the descendants of the originators of pasta can show you how it’s done. Don’t forget: Noodles are a sign of long life in Chinese culture.
– Herb shops along Cermak Road west of Wentworth Avenue: Even those who don’t know much about Chinese herbs can enjoy a look at the natural products sold in these shops or purchase a vial of ginseng for $1.
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– Chinatown branch of the Chicago Public Library (2353 S. Wentworth Ave., 312-747-8013): This lovely branch library features Chinese cultural displays, a serene reading area complete with burbling fountain and hundreds of Chinese operas, movies and serials on video that any cardholder can rent for $1 for seven days.
– Chinese groceries and gift shops on Wentworth Avenue between Cermak Road and 25th Street: Visitors can spend hours browsing in these spots, but some of our favorite buys are ceramic dishes (reasonably priced at That Porcelain Place 2), metal chime health balls (which shouldn’t cost more than $3.50) and whole roasted ducks ($9 and great for dinner parties).
– Dim Sum House (2610 S. Wentworth Ave., 312-842-5400): Catering your next brunch can be a breeze if you stop at this dim sum warehouse, which sells 100 shrimp, chicken, beef or pork dumplings for a mere $32 (add 10 percent if you want them cooked first).
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