Beijing

White asparagus

In China, it is considered one of the most nutritious vegetables, as mentioned in An Outline Treatise of Medical Herbs. In Europe, white asparagus is a springtime treat that no one wants to miss. Look for it in many top Western-style restaurants this month, including Cepe, where chefs are preparing a refreshing five-course set menu, featuring the mild and sometimes nutty delicacy prepared with scampi, langoustine, soup with marinated salmon, pan-seared monkfish. Save room for dessert: a textured sorbet with vanilla and white asparagus. The five-course set menu is 888 yuan ($143) per person plus service charge: dishes are also available on the a la carte menu.

Cepe at the Ritz-Carlton Beijing Financial Street, 1 Jin Cheng Fang Street East, Xicheng district. 010-6601-6666.

Quick quality lunch

Grill 79, the famous steakhouse with its 79th-floor view of China's capital, now offers special lunches for customers who do not want to compromise dining satisfaction because of busy schedules. Diners need only 45 minutes to have a healthy lunch out of four menu sets. They can pick a set lunch that has two choices for appetizers, main courses and desserts, or a new signature lunch set with four dishes. A selection of beverages includes juices, soft drinks, wine, tea and coffee. An upgraded Wagyu steak set with a starter, grilled entree and a dessert is also available.

Grill 79 on the 79th floor of China World Summit Wing 1, Jianguomenwai Avenue, Dongcheng district. 010-6505-2299.