[Photo provided to China Daily]

Beijing

Edible ivory - White asparagus

White asparagus heralds the arrival of spring. It is treated as a king of vegetables in Europe. Starting this month in Beijing, many top Western-style restaurants have launched their special white asparagus menus.

1 At Barolo, the classic Italian restaurant with a modern twist, Chef Ivan Fargnoli perfectly matches the king of vegetables with succulent lobster, scallops or with a simply refreshing King Fish tartar.

From May 1 to June 30, The Ritz-Carlton, Beijing, 83A Jianguo Road, China Central Place; 010-5908-8151.

Chef Cyrille Molleat at Raffles Beijing Hotel's signature French restaurant Jaan has created a marvelous white asparagus set menu, called "Les Asperges Blanches". This exclusive menu features 5 delightful dishes. For starters, Chef Cyrille has prepared a White Asparagus Cream Veloute with Grilled King Prawn and Smoked Pork Belly Lardoons, followed by Poached White Asparagus with lemon Hollandaise sauce. It continues with Grilled White Asparagus and Gruyere Cheese "au gratin" with 48 Degrees Slow Cooked Salmon Steak, and Glazed White Asparagus with Honey and Lemon Cow & Goat Milk Cheese Crottin. To finish, a delicious Rum Baba, Vanilla Creme Mousseline and White Asparagus and Olive Oil Caramel Coulis. Cost is 688 yuan plus service charge per person.

Monday to Saturday, from 6pm to 9pm, May 4 to 30; Jaan at Raffles Beijing, 33 East Chang'an Avenue, Beijing; 010-6526-3388 ext 4186;