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Aspasia’s Tribute to the ‘Food of Kings’ White Asparagus Gourmet Menu – April 11-30 Aspasia, the signature Italian dining outlet at The Luxe Manor, is serving gastronomic tribute to the ‘Food of Kings’, the delectable white asparagus, from tomorrow to 30 April. Priced at HK$688, the 5-course haute cuisine menu was created by renowned Chef Roland Schuller at the quirky venue. It opens with an appetiser of Wagyu Beef Tartare and White Asparagus with Oxtail Consommé, followed by White Asparagus Clear Soup with Baby Squid and Bottarga. White Asparagus Risotto with Australia Rock Lobster and Morel Mushrooms or Home-made Tagiolini with Foie Gras Ragout and White Asparagus is next served before a main course choice of either Confit de Mackerel with White Asparagus, Mozzarella Frittata and Blood Orange Broth or Grilled Sisteron Lamb with White Asparagus Tempura, served with Truffle Mayonnaise. The feast is completed with dessert of Sweet White Asparagus Carpaccio, with Mint Granita and Campari Sorbet, followed by coffee and Pasticcini biscuits. White asparagus is especially famous as a delicacy in Germany during what is known as “spargel season”. It is cultivated underground, blocking the plants light to prevent the development of chlorophyll, which results in its distinctively pale colour and also allows the asparagus to grow very tender with a mild and nutty taste. Through history, asparagus has been trumpeted as a luxury and an aphrodisiac. A 16th century Arabian love manual gave an asparagus recipe to create a stimulant for amorous desires. In 18th century France, Madame Pompadour attributed it to her sexual vigor. It has been praised for its distinctive flavour by such famous figures as Julius Caesar and Louis XIV of France, who ordered special greenhouses built so he could enjoy asparagus all year-round. There is a recipe for cooking asparagus in the oldest surviving cookbook, compiled by Apicius in the 3rd century. A member of the lily family related to onions, leek and garlic, asparagus contains more cancer-fighting glutathione than any other food and is packed with folic acid, which helps to prevent birth defects and heart disease. Health-conscious dieters will be pleased to know that asparagus contains no fat and no cholesterol. It is low in sodium and contains only 20 calories per serving. Aspasia is located on the 1st Floor of The Luxe Manor, 39 Kimberley Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong, which opens 7 days a week from 6:30 am to 11:00 pm. For reservations, please call (852) 3763 8800 or check out more online at www.aspasia.com.hk. Aspasia has become quickly established as one of the most elegant Italian restaurants in Hong Kong at the “quirky and fun” designer boutique hotel, The Luxe Manor. Styled after a European manor, The Luxe Manor combines surreal design with modern amenities and technology and is managed by GR8 Leisure Concept Ltd., a Hong Kong based hospitality group. For further information on The Luxe Manor, please visit www.theluxemanor.com. (Information provided by the pr company)
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