MANIA is considered negative when applied to many things but when it comes to food and drink, I am sure you agree that it has positive connotations.
Now it is the Asparagus season in Western Europe, the Crown Prince of vegetables. Actually, when I was in Holland, France and Switzerland just some 3 weeks ago, I had so much of the delicious culinary aphrodisiac, I succumbed to asparagus mania myself!!! You may know that Asparagus is cholesterol free and has phosphorus which produces sex hormones!
Yes, Asparagus is "in", and now in Singapore, albeit a little bit behind the Europeans, we have 3 days of Asparagus offerings in that very unique and COOL place just by RafflesHotel called the Supper Club, on 28, 29 and 30 May 2009!
Do not confuse it with the Upper Club in Chijmes, the favourite haunt of horizontally challenged, financially advantaged Tai-Tais who go gyrating & dancing there with their PDIs. The Supper Club opened in 1999 in Amsterdam by a group of "anything goes" libetine artists. Singapore’s Supper Club is part of that international brand.
If you do not know what is a PDI, well, just ask a man of the world that you know.
Recently, I went to taste the asparagus dishes early before the promotion starts. You see, being The Travelling Gourmet (it is a registered Trademark now so you know what will happen if you use the title) has its privileges, which one must never abuse.
Chef Ulpho from Holland served up Prawns and Green Frisee Salad in the La Salle Neige to start. "Where is the asparagus?" I thought but was too polite to ask.
Lo and behold, it appeared with my glass of Prophets Rock Riesling 2008 from Central Otago in New Zealand. Nibbles of white asparagus called Spargel in Switzerland and Germany floated sensuously in a soup with a poached egg. The yolk burst when I pricked it with my fork and I lapped up the lovely yellow liquid that mixed into the broth like a sauce. The minerality plus kalamansi notes of the New World Riesling went well with the soup and asparagus.
The main course was done in the very classic and traditional style, 3 big spears of tender poached asparagus lay on mousseline potato. Done to a tee, the naturally sweet flavour and lovely al dente texture pleased me a lot, especially with a glass of 2008 Prophets Rock Pinot Gris. The light bodied wine made from the variety commonly known as Pinot Grigio in Italy, complemented the herbaceousness of the asparagus with its pear flavours and crisp acids. Asparagus, I have been told by beautiful women in the past , always has that erotic quality, especially or perhaps because of its phallic shape. Surrounded as I was by nubile, attractive young women in surroundings with pink concealed lights that reminded me of that Austin Powers movie "Goldmember", I looked at the flushed faces of the young ladies, and I must say, they did look somewhat aroused. Ah, my God! asparagus does strange things to your libido.
Food lovers, please go to Supper Club to try the Prince of vegetables soon…and bring a young lady friend with you. You never know what might happen when you succumb to mania…Asparagus Mania! ENJOY!
By Dr. Michael Lim The irreverent Travelling Gourmet

PS When you dine at the Supper Club, you recline on comfy white BEDS like a decadent Roman Emperor. A very good place for an orgy, I have been told.
Food orgy, I mean! My goodness, what were you thinking of!
The Supper Club
#02-01 Odeon Towers
331 North Bridge Road
Singapore 188720
Tel 6334 4080
It is on the side of the Odeon Towers building in the alley way on the left of the main entrance.
Nearest MRT station is Raffles City.