These encounters have added new staples, such as asparagus and broccoli, to the Cantonese larder, and have also led to some inspired moments at the wok.

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"He actually eats pancakes without syrup, " said Louisville forward Zach Price, who is fond of broccoli and asparagus.

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And while Apple employees eat healthy, Jobs takes it to an extreme, one employee says, eating dark green vegetables such as broccoli and asparagus, grilled or steamed.

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For dinner, she prepares a piece of protein, like unseasoned chicken oven-baked without oil, accompanied by a serving of steamed veggies such as broccoli, squash or asparagus.

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We could gripe that the broccoli was overdone in the broccoli, shallot and ginger salad and the asparagus we were served was a bit woody, but the quality of the cooking was generally good - the high minded ethos of the restaurant was matched by the attention to detail in the menu.

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