Calling all Foodies in the GTA: It's White vs. Green
The Bier Markt's European White Asparagus Feastivül promises to dispel the myth among Torontonians that all asparagus are created equal.
TORONTO – April 20, 2009 – The Bier Markt wants to know: are your taste buds up for the challenge of white vs. green? Toronto's premier Belgian-inspired Brasserie invites you to be the judge, as it plans to launch its annual European White Asparagus Feastivül on April 29th until May 31st. The White Asparagus Feastivül will give Torontonians the exclusive opportunity to see if they can taste the difference between this European delicacy hailed throughout the world as the "White Gold" of vegetables and other grocery or locally grown varieties of asparagus. The new, limited-time Feastivül menu created by the Bier Markt's Executive Chef, Michael Cipollo offers an exotic array of European-inspired recipes using European White Asparagus as the main ingredient or as an extraordinary side dish.
"The difference in size, taste and texture between European White Asparagus and other varieties found in your local supermarket is day and night. I encourage Torontonians to try it for themselves and see if they can taste the difference. I believe that once they have sampled European White Asparagus at the Bier Markt - with its sweet, luxurious flavour, velvet texture and refreshing taste - that they'll never look at asparagus the same way again," says the Bier Markt's Executive Chef, Michael Cipollo.
The Bier Markt was one of the first dining destinations in North America to bring this European delicacy from Northern Continental Europe five years ago for its annual European White Asparagus Feastivül. It continues to be one of the Bier Markt's most popular seasonal menus.
But, just what makes this European White Asparagus so special? According to Chef Cipollo, European White Asparagus is highly prized all over Europe for its delicate flavour, tenderness and unique harvesting methods compared to other varieties of asparagus that tend to be smaller, tougher in texture and sour in taste due to quick growing and harvesting methods. There are only a select number of key growing regions for this type of White Asparagus from Northern Continental Europe – France, Holland and Germany. These regions have been growing White Asparagus since the 17th century. European White Asparagus is only harvested in April and May, as it is one of the most labour-intensive crops as European farmers use age-old traditional methods for harvesting it to ensure its premium taste and quality.
Prices for the White Asparagus Feastivül menu range from $9 - $36. Each menu item features a recommended beer pairing to enhance guest's dining experience. The limited-time menu will be offered at the Bier Markt's two locations on the Esplanade and King Street West in Toronto and will feature 3 entrées, 2 main plats and 2 desserts, including:
"At the Bier Markt, we continually strive to offer our guests the opportunity to sample premium foods such as European White Asparagus to explore new tastes and to heighten their culinary experience. I hope that Torontonians take Chef Michael up on his white vs. green challenge and come to the Bier Markt during our European White Asparagus Feastivül to see if they can taste the difference," says Robert Medal, General Manager of the Bier Markt.
About the Bier Markt
Established in 2001, the Bier Markt is a Belgian-style Brasserie located in downtown Toronto on the Esplanade and now on King Street West. Offering a selection of over 100 brands of beer from over 24 countries, the European Brassiere's culinary commitment is defined by season to ensure exceptional quality. Chic and dynamic modern design complements guests' visits, as do friendly and knowledgeable staff. The Bier Markt is a Prime Restaurants of Canada brand. For more information visit www.thebiermarkt.com
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Media Contact:
Margaret Batuszkin, Cowan & Company
416-462-8773 ext. 22 or
margaret@cowanandcompany.net
