CARNAL NATION

You kind of have to be in the mood to sample exotic foods, not to mention a little adventurous. But what if those strange delicacies are also good for you—improving, say, your complexion or your circulation? The menu at the Guolizhuang restaurant in Beijing may still be hard to swallow considering the house specialty: penises. Dog, snake, ox, seal, sheep, horse, and even tiger penises are all on the menu, along with an assortment of testicles, all cooked to order. Hungry yet?

The staff at the Guolizhuang restaurant call themselves nutritionists, serving up recommendations along with the various male appendages. Donkey dick is apparently good for the skin. Snake cock is supposedly good for potency since snakes are lucky enough to have two penises. Sheep, horse, ox, and seal penises promote healthy circulation, according to the restaurant's knowledgeable staff. Tiger penis, however, has apparently no specific health benefit, but at $5,700 per entree (which must be ordered months in advance), it does serve as a kind of status symbol. "People just like to order tiger to show off how much money they have," says Nancy, one of the staff nutritionists. She notes that a recent private party ate tiger penis off gold plates after gnoshing on an order of aborted reindeer foetus. There's also penis fondue, a penis hot pot, and (of course) a penis platter with a selection of different species. Customers can eat their cock raw (like sushi) or have it cooked any way they like. While deciding, customers are invited to enjoy a a deer-blood and vodka cocktail or an appetizer of oh-so-appetizing deep-fried bull perineum.

The theme of the restaurant is the brain child of 81-year-old Mr. Guo. After living in both Taiwan and Atlanta, the restauranteur opened his own emporium a few years ago, incorporating decades of his research. Penis, it seems, is quite low in cholesterol and, Mr. Guo claims, increases a man's sex drive. It might even work in women, too; however, female patrons are discouraged from ordering testicles. The ambiance of the place is less down-and-dirty eatery than high-end spa. Discretion is assured for all parties, whether they occupy a table in the main part of the restaurant or a private room upstairs. It is a favorite spot for both Beijing's business elite and high-level government officials. No word on whether or not mints come with the check, but we hope so. And maybe some antacid, too.

[via the BBC]