Former screen siren SHARON STONE has been causing a new sensation in Hollywood - over her increasing weight. The Basic Instinct (1992) star, 43, who has fully recovered from the brain aneurysm she suffered in September (2001), has piled on the pounds (kilos) - due partly to an ongoing love affair she has with swanky Beverly Hills eatery IL Pastato.

The restaurant's executive chef Giacomino Drago says, "I cook special for her, whatever her mood is. " On 29 January (2002), Stone fancied a chopped Creole vegetable salad with grilled shrimp, an entre of pumpkin ravioli and an apple tart a la mode - all of which she consumed during a three-hour lunch with a female friend.

A fellow diner remarks, "She appears to have gained weight. Her breasts were bigger than usual. " But, luckily, for Stone, her latest project won't require her to show off her new, fuller curves, to the camera: She's the narrator of the animated televised version of the classic children's book, Harold And The Purple Crayon.

Source: WENN