The premises of the former Civil Service Sports Club in St Lucia Street, Valletta, has been transformed into a new restaurant and wine bar - Piazza Latina.

Proprietor Mario Genovese aims to present a Cuban feeling of relaxation, where one can truly break off from the hustle and bustle of the city. Mr Genovese got the idea when he initially took over the embellishment project of L'Hostel De Verdelin:

"I think Valletta needs a place like Piazza Latina, where one can transform a business encounter into a pleasurable one," he said.

The house was once the residence of Fra Jean Jacques de Verdelin, nephew of the Grand Master Hugues Loubenx de Verdalle, and was aptly namely 'L'Hostel de Verdelin'.

Piazza Latina offers a wide selection no matter the time of day. For breakfast there are ciabattas, baquettes and Maltese ftiras. Lunch is a fusion of Italian, French and Caribbean cuisine, and great salads whereas, in the evening, the place turns more to a choice of platters, consisting of a range of 18 cheeses and may also be blended with cured meats, salami, chorizo, Jamon Serrano, hot brie, and a special Maltese platter.

Specialities are presented daily at lunchtime and in the evening, giving the wine lover more than just a nibble with pastas and meat dishes available daily.

The wine list includes 115 white and 212 red wines, each one selected by wine connoisseurs.

This month, Piazza Latina is open from 9.30 a.m. till late, from Monday to Saturday, including New Year's Eve Dinner, but excluding Christmas and New Year's days. Piazza Latina will be open for Panto lovers where one can enjoy a good glass of wine and lots of great food. For more information, call 2122-8500.