【明報專訊】White truffle (白松露), nicknamed "white diamond", is a rare and expensive delicacy. Pat and Bill set off their flavour journey in the White Truffle Fair in Italy.

“ Pat: I wish I could have a luxurious white truffle meal. ”

“ Bill: White truffles are way too pricey for us to buy. ”

“ Eason: Wanna try our quality and value-for-money white truffle dishes? ”

“ Pat: Wow! The white truffles are sliced like snowflakes! ”

“ Eason: You want more pretty snowflakes? ”

■English highway﹕I wish I could...

We use past tense modals "would" and "could" to talk about wishes for the future.

e.g. I wish the disturbing noise upstairs would stop.

■Culture tips

The White Truffle Fair

The White Truffle Fair in Alba (阿爾巴) is one of the largest truffle festivals in Italy held from October to November. The festival's highlights include a world market displaying and selling thousands of freshly-picked truffles. There is also a series of gourmet events including guided tastings and cooking shows by local and international chefs. White truffles cannot be cultivated, and this makes them very precious. They are available for only a couple of months every year. It should always be eaten raw, never cooked. (See photo C)

■Glossary

pricey (adj) 昂貴的

slice (v) 把……切片

cultivate (v) 種植

raw (adj) 未熟的

[Smarties' Power English 第197期]