For us living in Jayanagar, you need a really good reason to go all the way to Mövenpick; and some impeccable timing to beat traffic, both of which don't usually come together. But when you hear that Chef Armando has some new things cooking in his kitchen, you make the effort to pick a day and make the time for an interesting lunch. The stars, oh wait, the Sun seemed to be shining just right on us that day and we did not spend too much of time getting to Mövenpick, which was a great start for us.

Once settled at the restaurant on the first floor, we naturally left things in Chef Armando's hands and sat back to enjoy a  leisurely meal. We were to have the pleasure of Chef dining at the table with us, and after a volley of orders being placed in the kitchen, he settled down with us, after ensuring we had a glass of wine - after all "what is an Italian meal without some good wine" he says!. We began the meal with the Australian brand Hardy's Chardonnay and moved to a favorite French brand St Cosme Little James Basket Merlot (if I remember right). The medium dry note perfect with the Saltimbocca that was part of main course.

While we waited for the first of our courses to arrive - all hands simultaneously went towards the platter of bread that arrived at the table. A little olive oil, some cherry tomatoes, and some pickled pumpkin with some dry Italian spices on a wooden spoon made up the platter, with the highlight being the pickled pumpkin. A bite into each of the long shavings gives you a firm crunch of sweet, quickly followed by the pungent notes of pickling spices.