Savor the bites of spring

Braised bighead carp fillet with garlic and ginger at Country Kitchen.[Photo provided to China Daily]

Chef Aniello Turco and his team are getting creative with what has been rated the world's best ham.

Through April 30, you can enjoy the taste of Joselito ham on a set menu at Mio (1,888 yuan per person), featuring dishes such as toro tuna belly and Joselito, Joselito risotto and brown sugar cake and Joselito crumble. Joselito Lab first started as a collaboration between Ferran Adria, the father of molecular cuisine, and the ham company, with the results served at the renowned elBulli in Spain. Mio is the first restaurant in Asia to showcase the results of a Joselito Lab experiment.

3/F, Four Seasons Hotel Beijing, 48 Liangmaqiao Road, Chaoyang district, 010-5695-8522.

New tastes of Spain

There are so many authentic goodies to choose from the new Spanish-themed menu here, that we nearly passed on the Iberico ham starter. What were we thinking? Luckily our waiter steered us to this carefully sourced appetizer (380 yuan for 80 grams), which chef Maiker Valdivia presents on a big puff of toasted fresh bread. Diners can break the dough shell and eat bread and meat together with a light tomato relish, or take the bread as decoration and simply lift off the delicate ham slices to enjoy the rich, flavorful smoked meat on its own. Other items not to be missed: the seafood paella and the grilled octopus leg.

Aria, China World Hotel, 1 Jianguomenwai Dajie, Chaoyang district; 010-6505-2266, Ext 36.