Source: CCTV.com

09-06-2008 08:58

Several years ago, people in Hong Kong were swept up in a popular trend to Sifangcai, or "private home cuisine." People could go out to a place where there were no signs or other identifying marks on the doors, and enjoy a typical home cooked meal. Sifangcai restaurants are starting to spring up in Beijing. But those looking for originality in their evening meals must be prepared to pay.Today, let's check out one of the best known Sifangcai restaurants: the Mei Mansion. The setting, the foods at Mei Mansion are linked closely with one of the luminaries of Chinese Opera.

You are likely to get lost on your way to "Mei Mansion." The route takes one over a winding course of narrow lanes, through the "Hutongs" near the man-made lakes of Houhai.

A pedicab is probably the best way to get there. Most of the drivers will know where to go.

The courtyard to the mansion is set out in all the elegance of the Qing Dynasty. Things have changed little since the place was built 200 years ago. It remains as graceful as it ever was, largely through the efforts of its former owner Mei Lanfang. Mei was a legendary performer of Peking Opera, where he became famous as a female impersonator.

You feel as if you get close to Mei Lanfang here. There's the paper fan with his own painting on it. You can sit on the sofa where he sat. And you hear his music. The sitting room and dining room are redolent in the style of the 1920's style. They're homey rooms, cozy and rather exclusive.

You step in and feel as if you are a guest at a private dinner. The "host" is not in attendance but his "table" is. The head chef is the heir to the recipe book of Mei Langang's personal chef. Sampling the great maestro's personal favourites, surrounded by his own things gives the place an aura of intimacy.

Mei Lanfang was an epicure by all means. For one thing, he was fastidious about presenting the ideal female image on stage. And in that pursuit he believed the right foods were essential to maintain lustrous eyes, porcelain skin,slim figure and dulcet voice. His diet was light and low in fat but there was no sacrifice of nourishment or flavor.

A serving of "Chicken Porridge" was mandatory prior to every performance he gave. The porridge had no rice. It consisted of chicken that was thoroughly boiled, then mashed, then vegetable juice was added. Preparation is time-consuming, It takes 48 hours.

NAME:

Chicken Porridge

INGREDIENTS:

Chicken meat, vegetable juice

Specialities at the "Mei Mansion" extend to dozens of snacks and desserts. Jujubes, nuts, and probably honey are key components of most offerings. These are favourites among all Chinese people.

There is no menu. Foods are prepared only from fresh produce, in season. There are four dining halls of different sizes are available.