open to them.

They can eat at one of the two top-class hotel restaurants -- or they can opt to head for a unique eating place which, although it is right on the Elbow Beach property, is run completely separately. On the beach front, the Cafe Lido has a Mediterranean style and flavour all its own, and occupies what must be one of the most beautiful restaurant locations in Bermuda.

The management contract for the restaurant was awarded to the Little Venice Group, with part-owner Mr. Gioacchino (Jackie) DiMeglio as full-time restaurant manager. For Bermuda, it is an unusual relationship in hotel operations.

"It's a new concept, the restaurant being independent from the hotel, and creating an identity separate from the other hotel restaurants,'' said Mr.

DiMeglio, "But it's happening quite often in big hotels in New York and other large cities.'' A key element in the Cafe Lido deal was that the Little Venice Group, as the business owner, take a hands-on management approach to the restaurant, which suits Mr. DiMeglio just fine. He has spent 32 years in the industry, the last 22 with the Little Venice Group, and enjoys working in the restaurant's front line.

"I love being around people, and working with them,'' he said.

They have done extensive renovations to the existing beach front facility, which has never before been run as a full-time restaurant.

"We did mostly cosmetic work inside, to give it more of the look of a beach front lido-style restaurant. It is casual but smart at the same time -- there's a relaxed atmosphere, and a jacket and tie are not necessary, but the service and food are up to top restaurant standards.'' The work of local artists is on display throughout the restaurant, and it is all on sale -- a way to feature the artistic talents of Bermudians and ensure a constantly changing look for the establishment.

The Cafe Lido hopes to attract both a local and tourist clientele, and during its first month of operation, Mr. DiMeglio reports, business has been brisk, thanks in part to the large following enjoyed by the other Little Venice Group restaurants.

He stresses, however, that the Cafe Lido has its own character and its own menu, with an emphasis on seafood. Diners can enjoy such delicacies as Salmon Lasagne, Peppercorn Scallops and Shrimp Malaga, as well as other pasta dishes and entrees featuring lamb, beef, chicken and veal. The dinner menu will also include ten to 15 weekly specials.

"It's a very beautiful combination of new items you don't find at many other restaurants on the Island,'' said Mr. DiMeglio. Dinner is served from 6 p.m.

until 10 p.m., with happy hour from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

"We also intend to stay open until 1 a.m. to serve late snacks, Irish coffee and pastries,'' he added. And for the romantic couple, there is a very special feature. If you call ahead in the morning, Cafe Lido will prepare a late-night picnic basket for you complete with wine or champagne and delicious nibbles, perfect for a dreamy late-night snack on the beach watching the surf.

The lunch menu, served from noon until 4 p.m., features a fiesta of fun and tasty dishes ranging from a Frittata, or Mediterranean omelette, to pizza, to a delicious fresh fruit salad.

The Cafe Lido prides itself on its spectacular pastry desserts that include Lemon Tartlettes and the sinfully rich Grandmama's Torte, but the needs of diners watching their waistlines or their salt intake are also taken into consideration -- both menus highlight dishes which are low in fat and sodium.

They are also willing to cater to people with special dietary needs, and promise personalised attention to every diner.

Responsible for producing all these delicacies is head chef Serge Bottelli, who during his 12 years in Bermuda has also worked at the Tavern on the Green and Harbourfront Restaurants. He heads up a multi-national kitchen staff of ten, and the restaurant has a 20-member table and bar staff, most of whom are Bermudian.

The Cafe Lido has a capacity of 250, and is available to cater wedding receptions and other special occasions. They promise a distinctive location and atmosphere that will add a memorable touch to any event.

"The concept is to create a place in Bermuda that is close to the water, where you'll have the feeling of being pampered,'' said Mr. DiMeglio.

LUXURY ACCOMMODATION -- The newly-renovated Frithholme mansion is availabe for a private luxury holiday with access to all the hotel's ameneties.

ON THE BEACH -- Mediterranean-style cuisine is on the menu at the new Cafe Lido, a whole new concept in holiday dining.