Peel potatoes and dice into 1/2 inch cubes. Transfer potatoes into a heavy saucepan and add garlic, onion, carrot, celery, leek, wine, consomme, thyme, and pepper. If potatoes are not covered completely with liquid, add water. Cover and gently cook until aretender and stew is thick, about 25 30 minutes. (If stew becomes too dry add consomme or water) Ideally, potato stew should be served as soon as it is ready. Serve it on a platter. Garnish with asparagus tips, shave truffles over the potatoes, and sprinkle with chives.