Alba’s white asparagus menu offers soup, pasta and even dessert

Think tenderloin in red wine jus, white asparagus and lobster ravioli and white asparagus cheesecake 
Alba’s white asparagus menu offers soup, pasta and even dessert

White asparagus is exotic even in Ger-many, where asparagus is grown in abundance. The spring vegetable is said to vanish from the markets in days owing to its high demand and low supply. So, to say that the new white asparagus menu at Alba is exquisite and rare would be an understatement. “We’ve gotten creative with the vegetable, which we are sourcing from Germany, and tried to use in different ways, from something as conventional as salads to dessert,” explains Chef Marouane Rahali who has put the menu together.


Cream of the crop
A rained out evening had us craving something warm and rich, so it was all we could do not to drink the velvety white asparagus sauce that was served with green asparagus flan and crispy parmesan tuile, like a shot. But we saw sense and restricted ourselves to sipping it delicately! The dish, Flan Di Asparagi Verdi, Crema Di Asparagi Bianchi E Parmigiano, is a well-balanced plate of contrasting textures and flavours.

The chef also pairs the vegetable with lobster in Ravioli D’aragosta in Chilli, Aglio E Olio Sauce, Crema D’asparagi Verdi — lobster-stuffed tortelloni, with aglio e olio sauce and cream of green asparagus. The hint of chilli brought out the subtle flavour of the white asparagus, which paired well with the lobster. For mains, we sampled the Filetto Di Manzo, Asparagi Grigliati, Ridu-zione Di Barolo, which is seared beef tenderloin served with grilled asparagus and Barolo wine jus. 

The jus, slightly sweet, was the perfect accompaniment to the tart roasted cherry tomatoes (on the vine), the smokey tenderloin (which was a beautiful shade of pink in the middle) and the buttery asparagus. 

Cake walk
The subtle flavour and buttery nature of the vegetable does lend itself quite well to desserts. Chef Marouane first served us the White Asparagus Cheesecake with Milk Chocolate and Crumble. We liked the almost flaky yet moist texture of the cake. If you’re looking for something more subdued in terms of sweetness, try the Bitter Choco-late and White Asparagus Cannoli. The crisp cannoli is filled with dark chocolate infused with citrus.

Innovation does not always translate to great taste, but this menu at the JW Marriott’s Italian 
restaurant is truly exceptional.

Rs.4,000++ for two. At Vittal Mallya Road
 

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