David and Susan Le'Strange of Curzon Restaurants Ltd. are promising The Waterside Inn will be no ordinary dining establishment.

The new venture will take over the building that housed the Blue Oyster Restaurant, which closed abruptly last September when owners Bill and Wendy Meade left the Island leaving behind an estimated $250,000 in debts.

But the Le'Stranges are positive any stigma left by the "unfortunate'' Blue Oyster incident will be quickly forgotten once their establishment opens in mid-March.

"I think there's great potential in Dockyard,'' Mr. Le'Strange said last week. "If I had the same opportunity to open a place in Hamilton, I wouldn't do it. The City is already saturated with restaurants.'' Mr. Le'Strange, a 20-year veteran of the hospitality industry and the former general manager of Fourways Inn, will manage the restaurant's day-to-day operations. Waterside Inn's sales, marketing and administration will be coordinated by Mrs. Le'Strange, who plans to continue working as Lady Waddington's secretary at Government House.

"The ambiance of The Waterside Inn will be completely different,'' said Mrs.

Le'Strange, explaining that the planned colour scheme, with dark wood and brass accents, will create a "warmer atmosphere''.

The couple said the unique, moderately priced menu will include a varied selection of dishes and beverages.

"The emphasis will be on healthy, innovative foods,'' Mr. Le'Strange said.

"We will offer lots of fresh fish, interesting meat dishes and vegetarian plates that won't be boring.'' In keeping with today's healthier lifestyles, the dinner menu will also include a special section offering a variety of meals which are low in sodium and cholesterol.

The restaurant's terrace area will be used throughout the year, and the Le'Stranges intend to stage regular barbecue evenings.

Unlike most restaurants in the Island, The Waterside Inn will be open seven days per week, and include a breakfast menu.

Mr. Le'Strange said light, continental-style breakfasts will be available from 9.30 a.m. -- when the first ferry of the day arrives in Dockyard -- until 11 a.m., when lunch begins.

Although there will be a break between lunch and dinner, the Le'Stranges said no-one will be turned away. Snacks, soups and salads will be available while the restaurant is being readied for the evening.

Staffing The Waterside Inn is a top priority, and the couple are hoping to attract employees with "a warm and friendly disposition'' who will act as "sales reps'' for Dockyard as well.

"We are looking for a young brigade that will grow and develop with us,'' said Mr. Le'Strange, adding that a schedule of monthly training sessions will be set up for the staff.