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White truffle is considered to be a precious and the best specimens emerge in October and November.
This prized ingredient is being enjoyed at the Italian signature restaurant Primavera at The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain Hotel & Spa.
Executive Chef David Gache showcases the white truffle's unique flavour in a variety of specially prepared dishes.
He said: "The white truffle is an important product that is unique in the gourmet world. Its explosive flavour and exceptional fragrance is a joy to work with."
The white truffle menu offers delicacies such as pan-fried duck liver on foccasia bread served with balsamic reduction or Wagyu beef Bresaola served with Rucola and white truffle dressing; homemade pasta such as Tagliolini with green asparagus and parmesan cheese or Saffron Boston lobster risotto; as well as roasted lamb loin with baby artichoke Barigoule, creamed polenta and Marsala wine sauce or grilled Wagyu beef tenderloin with truffle mashed potatoes, root vegetable and Barolo sauce. To wrap up this indulgence a green almond Crme Brulee with truffle scented ice cream is offered as well.
At Primavera, intricate marble mosaic flooring sets the stage for a dramatic and unforgettable encounter with the finest Italian truffle cuisine. Authentic flavours burst through risottos and homemade pasta. The air is scented with fresh breads and dinner is complemented by the breathtaking view over the lagoon.
The white truffle menu is available until Friday from 7pm to 11.30pm. The menu items are priced individually, plus 15 per cent service charge and five per cent government levy.
For further information or reservations, contact 17586499.
FACT FILE
The white truffle or Alba truffle (Tuber magnatum) comes from the Langhe area of the Piedmont region in northern Italy and, most famously, in the countryside around the city of Alba. It is also found in Croatia, on the Istria peninsula in the Motovun forest alongside Mirna river.
Growing symbiotically with oak, hazel, poplar and beech and fruiting in autumn, they can reach 12cm diameter and 500g, though are usually much smaller. The flesh is pale cream or brown with white marbling. Like the French black truffles, Italian white truffles are very highly esteemed.
The white truffle market in Alba is busiest in the months of October and November. The Tuber magnatum truffles sell between Û2,000 and Û4,000 per kg ($1,350 - $2,700 per pound). Truffle hogs have been used historically in Europe to help find truffles. However, more recently, dogs have become preferred for truffle hunting since they can be trained to just find the truffles whereas sows eat the truffles as soon as they find them.
Giancarlo Zigante and his dog Diana found one of the largest truffles in the world near Buje, Croatia. The truffle weighed 1.31kg and has entered the Guinness Book of World Records.
