Did you know that the area around the town of Bassano del Grappa in the province of Vicenza north of Padua and Venice is known for its white asparagus? Legend has it that Saint Anthony of Padua brought asparagus to the region when he visited the area to appease the tyrant Ezzelino da Romano. By tradition, traditional harvesting season ends on 13 June, the anniversary of the Saint’s death in Padua in 1231…..This coming week the restaurants of Bassano will be outdoing themselves during the annual Bassano White Asparagus Festival with menus celebrating the tender pinkish white Bassano asparagus, especially the “Chiaro” variety of Bassano, which holds a national P.D.O. [Protected Designation of Origin].