Spring is right around the corner. And with it come peak-season vegetables like artichokes, peas and the subject of this post, asparagus. Not only is the delicately flavored garden vegetable delicious, it's an excellent source of vitamin B, calcium, magnesium, zinc, fiber and protein, among other good things.

Get rid of those winter blues by checking out these five asparagus dishes from some of Houston's best and brightest:

See also: 5 Standout Brussels Sprout Dishes to Try in Houston

1. Beer Battered Asparagus at Hearsay Gastro Lounge

With dark exposed brick walls and a gorgeous vintage crystal chandelier at its center, this cozy restaurant in Market Square Park is the perfect spot for a drink and a nosh. One of our favorite small plates remains the Saint-Arnold-battered asparagus ($6). The almost tempura-like beer batter coats the bright green spears just so, resulting in an incredibly crispy-but-not-greasy crunch. A light dusting of grated cheese brings a nutty and salty finish.

2. Asparagus Soup at Up Restaurant/Tan Tan

Head to the stunning Up Restaurant for Chef Joseph Macri's Italian take on the classically French asparagus soup. Smooth, thick and creamy, the luscious soup is elevated with jumbo asparagus spears, two-year-aged Parmigiano-Reggiano, toasted pine nuts, house-made foccacia croutons, and a light and airy limoncello foam. The result is bright, nutty and decadent all at once.

For a clean and balanced broth, try Tan Tan's silky crab asparagus soup, made with egg whites, white asparagus and chunks of crab meat. The dish seems light and simple, but the depth of flavor is quite complex.

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