Duffy's Deli is big on vegetarian and lower-calorie food. But meat eaters and fans of gourmet desserts will find plenty to appeal to them too, say Cathy and Nick.

The emphasis on vegetarian eating comes from the couple's own preference -- neither eat red meat -- and a belief that there is a growing market for such choices in the Island.

It is proclaimed in the deli's sign, which is decorated with pictures of fruit.

Cathy follows dietary guidelines in the book Fit for Life, which stresses certain combinations of food. Some of the deli's dishes are inspired by such thinking, and are specially designed to be easier to digest.

"A lot of people are watching their fat content, so we're trying to appeal to them,'' said Cathy.

"We want to allow vegetarians more of a choice because a lot of times they have to eat things like lettuce and tomato sandwiches because that's all they can find.

"I'm not really a vegetarian, I'm in-between because I eat chicken and fish.

If I had my way I would just eat pure vegetarian food, but that's very hard to do in Bermuda.

"We're not going to be anti-meat because we understand that people do eat it and our deli is based on the theme that we do what the customer wants. But there is a vegetarian choice as well.

"It's for people who don't want to eat the everyday deli stuff -- we offer an alternative.

"We have had some complaints from meat-eaters saying our sandwiches are too small, so we're going to introduce something called the Collosal Sandwich, where we will provide a quarter of a pound of meat for $4 with lettuce and tomato.'' In keeping with their philosophy of choice, daily hot specials come in vegetarian or regular options.

The couple want customers to come forward with suggestions and criticisms, they say.

"We'll take any criticism, good or bad,'' said Nick. "If anybody doesn't like something, please tell us and we'll change it, or whatever.'' Apart from bigger meat sandwiches, the deli has responded to customer feeling by changing its coffee-making method to improve the taste. Another customer suggestion on the menu board is a bagel with smoked salmon and cream cheese.

Feedback so far, said Cathy, is that customers like the Duffy's fish chowder (there's a soup every day) and also the crabmeat salads and sandwiches.

The couple are also proud of their breakfast selection and their secret recipe sauces, which garnish their veggie sandwiches.

DELI QUEEN AND KING -- Cathy and Nick Duffy stand proudly outside their feast-filled eatery on the corner of Wesley Street and Park Road in Hamilton.

MMMMM . . . -- Sandwich preparer Angela Frith has more goodies available.

SERVE YOURSELF -- Pantry worker Kim Lindo sets up the innovative salad bar.

FRESH DAILY -- Cashier Tina Vincent lends a hand in dishing out a hot soup favourite.

HEALTHY CHOICES -- Manager Angelique Allen prepares a pita bread sandwiches -- a deli speciality.