Because of their shape, bananas and cucumbers are a favorite among sensuality-minded chefs. Pomegranate, basil and honey are other ingredients often used to boost the libido. The man behind the research is Michael Bombard, director of beverages for E-Brands, the company that owns The Samba Room. And he has concocted drinks shaken and stirred to be the ultimate aphrodisiacs.

For a light drink that's sure to whet the appetite, try the Samba Sangria Blanco. Sauvignon Blanc combined with six different fruit juices make this drink a blushing delight. For a traditional champagne cocktail, indulge in The Champagne Mojito. Like all quality mojitos, there are lots of mint leaves and lime juice, but the true excitement comes from the tiny tongue-tickling bubbles when the glass is topped with champagne. Simply concupiscent.

If the beverage menu doesn't get your blood pumping enough, the Latin-derived food menu certainly will. The ingredients in each recipe have been specially designed to make even the shyest of lovers sizzle.

Take the gazpacho, for instance. The cold soup is served in a bowl on a tray of ice, making the presentation interesting from the moment the server places it on the table. Its passionate red color and spicy heat, cooled by a dollop of sour cream, is the ideal start to the amorous menu.

For the next course, Tandoori veal and spiced shrimp are skewered and served on a smoking grill — a taste-tempting and artfully presented entree. The creations are piping hot and perfectly portioned for feeding each other. And both meats are so tender you may have to wrestle — lovingly, of course — for the last morsel.

How about finishing off your meal with a whole pineapple filled with warmed tapioca pudding? That's how the steamy evening ends at The Samba Room. The aphrodisiac menu is about the flavor — and the fantasy.

The Samba Room | 7468 W. Sand Lake Road | 407-226-8178 | www.sambaroom.net

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-- Michelle Yoffee-Beard