a famous Flatts eatery says new owner Odilio Angeli.

Known for years as the Halfway House the restaurant floundered in its up-market incarnation as Bouquet Garni and closed after less than eight months in business in November.

However Mr. Angeli said the key to bringing in customers is a more earthy approach to an eatery he will call Rusticio.

He said: "We will make it casual, the way it used to be. The other people had a different way but it didn't work.

"We will upgrade it a little bit and put in a bit of the Italian influence with pizza and pasta,'' says Mr. Angeli who also runs Ristorante Primavera.

Burgers and kids' menus are part of a plan to bring in tourists hungry after visiting the nearby Aquarium.

But Mr. Angeli says he is not going for a cheap and cheerful approach and will use fish caught that day by local fishermen.

"People in Bermuda don't mind paying a few extra dollars if they get the quality and good service.

"We might do breakfast for people going into town but we are not planning that right away.'' Live music is also a possibility said Mr. Angeli but he refused to speculate on why Bouquet Garni had failed on a site which has featured a restaurant for more than 50 years. He said: "I wouldn't want to comment on why it failed just recently, but some people say it was a little bit too sophisticated for Flatts.'' A liquor licence has been obtained and local staff have been recruited and should be augmented by ex-pats once work permits are in place.

Mr. Angeli said: "My idea was to open as soon as possible.

"The only reason we are not open now is that we are waiting for table tops, silverware and restaurant menus.

"There is room for 35 to 40 people to dine outside and Belco have offered us space nearby. It's something to consider for the summer.'' BUSINESS BUC