expand, just a week after opening its doors.

The take-out and mini-bistro located in the Bermudiana Arcade at the site of the former Taste of India take-away -- combines the influences of California, the Mediterranean, the US and the Caribbean with those of India, China and Japan.

The interesting combination provides a take-away menu unlike any other in Bermuda, with an eclectic mixture of wraps, sandwiches (the bread is imported daily from Philadelphia), salads and hot meals.

The take-out, which has seating for 14 diners inside, is a joint venture between Sharmila Gonsalves, who owned Taste of India, and American chef Ian Friedman.

And already the partners are talking about opening a martini/champagne bar with a tapas menu (a Spanish snack) in Hamilton.

Mr. Friedman would not reveal any details of the planned venture as negotiations to open the up-market bar and restaurant are in the early stages.

"Our plan is to expand and open up a martini and champagne bar with a tapas menu in Hamilton,'' he said.

"It will be a kind of Asia to Cuba idea.'' He added that if the other scheme does come off, the Bermudiana Arcade site may become just take-out.

Mr. Friedman came to Bermuda when his wife got a job with a leading insurance company on the Island.

The chef met up with Mrs. Gonsalves after becoming a regular customer at Taste of India, and the two hatched a plot to go into business together on the site.

The new restaurant opened a week ago after undergoing extensive renovations which have taken the premises up market, with burnt ochre walls and stainless steel cabinets.

"We are delighted,'' said Mr. Friedman yesterday. "We have been overwhelmed by the interest in East Meets West.'' The business not only offers an extensive take-out menu -- which also includes most Taste of India dishes -- but also makes up picnic baskets from $28 right up to $140 a shot, provides corporate hospitality, as well as offering a service to cook dinner for private parties at customers' homes.

Mr. Friedman is a graduate from one of the world's top cookery schools, the Culinary Institute of America in New York.

He is working with the chefs from Taste of India as well as bringing in another chef from the United States.

East Meets West is open from 7.30 a.m. until 10 p.m.