New menu at Stax

There’s something about Italian food and Italian men. Both are robust, with subtle nuances of culture and local flavour. And pair either with a good wine and you get the makings of an enchanting evening!

Stax at the Hyatt Regency, overlooking the swimming pool and landscaped garden, is the perfect setting for such pulse-racing moments, especially now that there’s the just-launched, brand new menu. Chef Giuseppe (who’s held my hand through my culinary journey for years now) brings his unique and imaginative touch to yet another spread of home-style cooking.

And although I was on a date with a certain signore, it was Giuseppe I kissed my fingers to when I spied the exciting range of appetisers — Broccoli Tart, Tuna Terrine with Cannellini Beans, Chick Pea Pastry, Shallot Truffle Pie and my absolute fave, the Cannellini Bean Cake. I was floored by the excellent entrees like Angel Hair Pasta with Braised Chicken and Black Olives and Oven-Baked Conchiglioni with Duck and Vegetable Filling, and I’d need both my hands to explain to you in true Italian style just how good his fragrant, seafood-rich Mussels, Squid, Salmon and Grouper Risotto with Marjoram and the simply superb Breadcrumb Pasta with Bean Sauce are.

After all that gorging and goggling at the gorgeous Italiano over my glass of Italian Grappasto wine from the newly refurbished cellar, I didn’t have room for the new specials. Home-made Beetroot Spaezle with Parmesan Cheese Fondue and Raspberry Coulis, Green Asparagus and Lobster Sauce and Cutlets of Australian Lamb with Carrot Mash, Blueberry Jam and Jus to name just a few. But I made sure to leave space for his phenomenal Tiramisu, one of the few things from the old menu that he’s retained. The signore and I fed each other sinful spoonful after spoonful.

I’m in love. Only I’m not sure if it’s with the smooth Italian dude or the fabulous Italian food.

Stax at the Hyatt Regency Mumbai, Sahar Airport Road, Andheri (E), Mumbai; Tel: +91 2266961627; Cost: Meal for two is approximately Rs 3,500 (with alcohol).