or two above the rest.

The most obvious innovation is a self-serve salad section, where customers can spoon as much they like and design their own combinations.

"The difference about us is the vegetarian appeal and the self-serve salad bar,'' said Cathy.

"We're the only self-serve salad bar in a deli in Hamilton. Customers get a tray and then they can select anything that they want. They can take out as much as they want and it's weighed.

"We have more of a selection. The way it's normally done you have to buy two or three salads, and they're going to cost you about $3 each when here you can mix and match your salads they way you want them.

"A lot of times you might want a lettuce and tomato salad with maybe a bit of meat with it, but you can't really get it anywhere else unless you got to a supermarket.'' Other goodies are on their way too. Soon, an "eat free for a month'' draw will be held monthly. If a customer's name is picked out, they can eat a free $5 lunch every day for a month.

And for the summer there'll be soft frozen yoghurt, an alternative to ice cream.

Some items on the menu board have their calorie counts displayed, and there are regular and lower-fat options. Mayonnaise, that great love of Bermudians, is one item available in a lower fat version.

Reduced-fat mayonnaise is used in the crabmeat, chicken and tuna salads, and it is available for sandwiches.

The Duffys are also proud of their emphasis on pita bread. "It's the thing that vegetarians like to eat,'' said Cathy.

Tabouleh -- a spicy, cracked-wheat dish, is another specialty.

And avocado plays a major role on the menu board. Said Cathy: "I don't think a lot of deli's have it, but a lot of people love it. It's so refreshing, a lot of customers come and get it.'' The deli takes fax orders, and is planning to provide in-house lunches. Picnic baskets for guest houses are another sideline the Duffys want to get into.