Only seasonally available on the menu, highly coveted white asparagus is taking the culinary limelight at Cucina. From now until 4 July, Italian Chef de Cuisine Andrea Delzanno has crafted a series of dishes to showcase the flavourful and aromatic qualities of the “royal vegetable”, cherished for its supreme taste and rarity.
White asparagus can be found across Europe but the German variety is especially prized. Chef Andrea selects the finest German white asparagus to create seven white asparagus dishes. “The quality and aroma of white asparagus varies from region to region due to the different soils and weather patterns that effect harvesting. The season of asparagus, also known as Spargelzeit in Germany, usually starts each year from late April. I love to select German white asparagus because of its sweetness and plump size,” Chef Andrea explains.
Chef Andrea believes that the best way to savour white asparagus is to boil it until tender and then add flavourful sauces. Poached White Asparagus with Hollandaise Sauce and Parma Ham (HK$328) is his personal favourite. The traditional marriage of Hollandaise sauce with white asparagus enhances the distinctive white asparagus with slightly sour and salty notes of the sauce and ham respectively.
Another highlighted appetiser of Raw White Asparagus Salad, Quinoa, Shrimps and Avocado with Lemon Dressing (HK$288) is a healthy choice for gourmands. White asparagus and fresh shrimps are showcased in the form of small cubes, mixed with avocado and celebrated superfood quinoa. Elegantly framed in a flat, square shape on a white plate, this healthy treat accompanied by lemon dressing is deliciously light and refreshing.
The main course of Ravioli Filled with Lobster, White Asparagus with Cherry Tomato Sauce, Vanilla Oil and Zucchini (HK$428) is also beautifully presented as a flower blooming. With a blend of succulent lobster and the finest white asparagus flavoured with cherry tomato sauce, this main is blissful for both white asparagus and ravioli lovers.
Other must-try dishes include Mezze Maniche, Garlic, Olive Oil, Chili, White Asparagus, Japanese Sea Urchin (HK$388), Risotto with White Asparagus, Alaskan King Crab, Mascarpone Cheese, Champagne (HK$408) and Italian Veal Chop, Butter Sage, White Asparagus Gratin, Parmesan Cheese with Marsala Wine Sauce (HK$458).
The chef-crafted white asparagus menu is available from now until 4 July 2018 during lunch and dinner periods. For enquires or reservations, please call Cucina at 2113 0808.
Cucina
Address: Level 6, Marco Polo Hongkong Hotel, Harbour City, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon
Tel: 2113 0808 / [email protected]