The last corner of dark chocolate pudding sat in a puddle of molten white chocolate sauce. It was begging to be eaten and my lunch guest, Hannah Guthrie, obliged. Normally, I would have experienced a moment's anguish at such a missed opportunity but all I felt was a warm feeling of vicarious enjoyment.
My guest at the Grand Hyatt's Italian restaurant, Grissini, is area manager and a lecturer with Weight Watchers, the international support group that helps its members lose weight, and maintain weight loss, through a sensible and medically approved diet.
All Weight Watchers representatives are required to be ex-members so they know the hardships of losing weight from personal experience.
Mrs Guthrie is an ideal role model - she lost almost seven kilos to reach her goal weight, which she is determined to stick to, chocolate puddings permitting. 'The secret to eating out is to plan ahead. I knew I was coming out to lunch today so I had a light breakfast and I will have a bowl of vegetable soup and fruit this evening. It is a matter of deciding you want to lose weight and sticking to that decision: after all, who is holding the fork?' she said.
Grissini specialises in northern Italian food, with the accent on fresh ingredients. Dishes are light and refined but portions generous, though the olive oil is dispensed with a heavy hand.
The restaurant tempts the diner even before he or she is seated. The moment you step out of the lift on the second floor, the smell of fresh-baked bread assaults you.