We all know that truffles are an expensive commodity. But white truffles are something really special. They are so special that Dong Zhenxiang, the founder and owner of Da Dong Roast Duck, was willing to pay a whopping RMB772,000 (USD112,000) for a giant white truffle at an Italian auction last month, NPR reports.
That’s a lot of scratch for an oversized bulb of fungus.
But considering how rare they are, perhaps the high price tag is justified. The prized truffles only grow during a few months out of the year and are mainly found in a small area in Italy. Because they grow underground, around the roots of trees, and aren't able to be harvested, they must be hunted in the wild by trained pigs or dogs.
Suffice it to say, white truffles are rare. Which is why chefs from around the world were willing to pay top dollar for them at last month's joint auction.
The 17th Annual World Alba White Truffle Charity Auction was held simultaneously in the US and Italy earlier this month, during the height of truffle season. The truffles available for auction ranged from roughly half a pound to one and a third pounds. However, the coveted prize of the event was the Grande Truffle – and enormous bulb that weighed in at a hefty two and a half pounds. Auction-goers raised tens of thousands of dollars in an attempt to place the winning bid, but in the end Dong was the victor.
If you’re wondering whether or not he plans to share the wealth at one of his China-based restaurants. The answer is no. The top-rated chef planned to eat the coveted white truffle himself.
Dong opened his first roast duck restaurant in Beijing in 1985. Since then he has opened up numerous chains in Beijing and two in Shanghai. Both Shanghai branches recently received a prestigious Michelin star in the first-ever Shanghai Michelin Guide.
0 User Comments