San Joaquin Magazine is excited to spearhead efforts in celebrating the Great Stockton Asparagus Dine Out from April 5th-20th. Ninety percent of the United States’ fresh asparagus production comes from California; most of that from the San Joaquin region. That fact alone leaves others green with envy! Although asparagus has been believed to do everything from easing hangovers to acting as an aphrodisiac, we’ll just stick with the facts that it’s green, healthy and delicious, and the San Joaquin region grows it better than anywhere else in the world.
Join us as we get in the spear-it of our favorite springtime flowering perennial by showcasing creative asparagus dishes orchestrated by the coolest restaurants in the Valley. Stop by these establishments and try these asparagus specialties during festival week!
ASPARAGUS BLOSSOM
Misaki rolled out an asparagus entrée that knows no rival. The Asparagus Blossom features tempura asparagus surrounded by cream cheese on the inside. To round out the decadence, the blossom is topped with salmon, avocado, tomatoes, bacon bits, scallions, tobiko and house-made specialty sauces. The entrée is garnished with tempura-battered asparagus spears, creating a visual masterpiece. Misaki features a vast menu with every kind of roll you could imagine, many of which use local produce.
Asparagus Blossom
at Misaki Sushi & Bar
222 N. El Dorado St., Suite M
Stockton, (209) 547-1288
THE SAN JOAQUIN MAGAZINE ASPARABURGER
Owner and Executive Chef at French 25, Keith Breedlove, created a signature entrée named for us! The San Joaquin Magazine Asparaburger features a ½ pound burger patty on a brioche bun with asparagus ketchup, raw asparagus slaw, sautéed, peppered asparagus and pickled asparagus. Specialty Beer-Battered Asparagus Po’ Boy and Asparagus Vegan Pasta will also grace the menu at this modern, bayou-style gem. Also check out the BBQ Shrimp and Grits and the French 25 Jambalaya.
The San Joaquin Magazine
Asparaburger at French 25
110 N. El Dorado St.
Stockton, (209) 451-0617
french-25.com
CRAB-ASPARAGUS
STUFFED FILLET OF SOLE
Papapavlo’s is showing asparagus heart and sole this year. Stop in for their Crab and Asparagus Stuffed Fillet of Sole. A delicious crab and asparagus mix is tucked inside the sole, baked and served with lemon caper buerre blanc sauce. When served at Papapavlo’s previously, it has been a huge hit. Seasoned and grilled asparagus will be available with any entrée at the restaurant. Get ready for the Macadamia-Crusted Alaskan Halibut… it’s almost in season!
Crab-Asparagus Stuffed
Fillet of Sole at
Papapavlo’s Bistro & Bar
501 N. Lincoln Center, Stockton
(209) 477-6133
papapavlos.com
ASPARAGUS PASTA
The asparagus pasta at Angelina’s Spaghetti House will have you cheering the tender and delicious asparagus served atop a bed of rotelle pasta. The combination of textures and flavors is a succulent and tantalizing dish. “Everybody loves asparagus,” raves owner Steve Copello. Don’t miss the Asparagus Ravioli, Grilled Asparagus and Fried Asparagus served with a honey mustard ranch sauce. Angelina’s is also world famous for their traditional Ravioli and Pesto featuring their own sweet basil.
Asparagus Pasta
at Angelina’s
Spaghetti House
1563 E. Fremont
Stockton, (209) 948-6609
angelinas.com
LEMON RISOTTO WITH PRAWNS, SCALLOPS & ASPARAGUS
This delicious dish is everything you love all in one entrée. The lemon risotto lends a hint of tang to the fresh prawns, scallops and asparagus to create a taste symphony that is a flavor homerun. Also, look for the Salmon with Asparagus topped with hollandaise sauce. The fresh fish selection at Bud’s Seafood Grille changes daily. Stop in to enjoy unique dishes and recipes with fresh sole, halibut, salmon, red snapper and more.
Lemon Risotto with Prawns, Scallops & Asparagus at Bud’s Seafood Grille
314 Lincoln Center, Stockton
(209) 956-0270
budsseafood.com