Asparagus really is the KING of Vegetable. It has such a short season, is so flavourful and healthy, and best of all, requires the very barest of intervention to make it taste good.
If you're interested, the restaurant where Simon had the best asparagus of his life is St Peter in Paddington, Sydney, and it's extraordinary by all accounts!
But to make Simon's King Asparagus Salad, do this:
Find the freshest asparagus you can.
Trim the ends, then slice 3 bunches into tiny coins.
Dress with the juice of a lemon, salt and pepper, and a generous drizzle of your best olive oil.
Arrange on a beautiful, showoffy platter and top with shavings of parmesan.
Serve as part of a lunch spread with crusty bread and smashed minty broad beans.