La Cucina at the Discovery Kartika Plaza Hotel

Italian influences are plentiful, from the mini leaning tower of Pisa perched precariously on the bar, to the Roman style busts, and Italian prints adorning the walls. Bright red cushions and equally bright serviettes folded into tall crowns contrast vividly with the understated cream wicker furniture. The menu is of a classic Italian persuasion, pasta, pizza, fish and meat dishes with a respectable wine list to match.

Tropical cocktails include Planters Punch, Caribbean Special and Tequila Sunrise. We are served Golden Angels as a welcome drink, a sweet creamy concoction with a taste not unlike a Pina Colada.

Oyster ala Forentine is the first of our appetisers, large poached oysters wrapped in spinach and a tasty mornay sauce, topped with a sprig of dill. The Cold Tomato Soup is tangy and fresh, with a dollop of cream cheese and a dash of pesto, while the Melanzane is a lovely golden and cheesy delight of rolled eggplant with a ricotta stuffing. An assortment of home baked bread accompanies, with crunchy sesame sticks, flat garlic bread and some exceptionally good bread rolls. Here at La Cucina, Executive Chef Werner Junker, faithfully recreates the flavours of Italy; I really enjoy the Gnocchi with Cream Cheese and Parmesan, and spot some authentic looking pizza being enjoyed by other guests. July and August will feature a Risotto promotion, look out for innovative delights such as Saffron Orange with Avocado and Parma Ham, and Zucchini Risotto with Oven Roasted Swordfish and Red Capsicum Sauce. Today we try the rich and creamy Seafood Risotto, classically prepared with white wine, a light tomato sauce, butter, parmesan and a good selection of seafood including squid, clams and fish. We follow with a succulent Oven Roasted Lamb Rack with Herbs, served with a hearty tomato, red wine and rosemary sauce, wilted spinach and buttery baby potatoes. We finish with a coffee flavoured Panna Cotta with Glazed Pineapple, the rich espresso infusion is all pervasive - a fabulous addition to a dessert that I usually find a little insipid.

It has been an extremely pleasant afternoon enjoying the gardens, fine food and the tranquil ambience of La Cucina. The lush green lawn that spreads before us is infinitely inviting, as is the thatched gazebo that is set on a small hill, its white drapes tied back with heavy pink ribbons – an idyllic spot for romantic candlelit dinners. AB