Ginny Sher wrote:
>
> I have never heard of Chinese red vinegar. Is it something that is
> readily available in either the Asian section of a major supermarket
> or a typical Asian grocery store? Would one be able to use it in a
> salad dressing? I live in Los Angeles where Asian ingredients are
> easily found and have never seen or heard of it, so I'm just a little
> curious.

The vinegar used in 'real' hot and sour soup is Chinkiang _black_
vinegar. It's an aged vinegar, sort of the the Chinese equivalent of
balsamic. Readily available in asian stores, certainly can be used in
a salad dressing where you want a strong flavor. Very good in many
dishes, including sweet and sours. Whether it would salvage the 'fake'
soup this thread is about, I dunno. -aem