~700x40, exclusively on asphalt roads ... Assuming you don't need to worry about frosty morning surfaces and much more than a bit of occasional rain, perhaps consider the ReneHerse tires.

I've got the ReneHerse Rat Rap Pass 26x2.3" and love them. At 500g each, they're light and fairly fast. At 2.3" width, they're give a cushy and smooth ride. RH makes 700c variations on the theme: click. Perhaps the Hatcher Pass in 700x48, Snoqualmie Pass in 700x44, or Barlow Pass in 700x38. Nice tires. Somewhat expensive, but you'll love how they ride. Good enough grip for rougher roads, even mild gravel and hard-packed dirt. I wouldn't prefer them for an icy, frosty morning, or during heavy rains; for that, my own preference would be for something with a bit of "rain" type tread and something known to handle colder weather. But the RH tires are stellar. About the only downside is that the lightness has only mild anti-puncture guards. Though you get a fast, comfortable, tough tire that's got far more grip than it looks like it might offer.

I've used the Vittoria Randonneur tire (here, and here). It's a pretty good one. Mild tread, for a bit of water and rougher roads and highways. 800g each. Isn't a speed demon, but it rolls well and handles most any city street.

I've also used the Continental Ride Tour tire. It's a good tire with decent puncture protection and a bit more grip for varying conditions. Comes in 700x45 (47-622), 700x40 (42-622), and 700x35 (37-622). They've also got the Continental Contact, which is similar to the Ride Tour with a similar build but with slightly less, faster tread. Good, grippy tires for basic urban and highway surfaces.

I would recommend any of these.