with a new name, interior and management.

The former Halfway House has been transformed into a bistro-style eatery called Bouquet Garni Cafe with outside seating and an extensive menu.

It opened last Tuesday and has proved so popular that management has been forced to turn diners away.

"We are delighted by the support of the residents of Flatts and friends and family,'' said Liz Schatz, who manages the restaurant with Zoe Mulholland.

"We have been full every night so far. The restaurant has a new look and focuses on wine and great food.'' The old interior of the Halfway House has been completely re-modelled and the take away counter removed.

There is space for 32 seated inside and 20 outside under new wooden umbrellas to keep both the sun and rain off.

Miss Schatz said: "There is still a take away facility, but the focus is now really on the restaurant.'' The restaurant has between eight and nine full time staff, and is open seven days a week.

The menu is Asian in orientation, with a catch of the day black board menu for lunch which is served between 11.30am and 2pm. Dinner, served from 6pm to 10pm, is a la carte and averages about $80 for two with two courses and wine.

On Saturday and Sunday the restaurant opens at 9.30 am for breakfast of codfish and potatoes -- which costs $14.50. The restaurant is closed on Sunday evenings.

Miss Schatz said: "The food is Asian in style -- which is really normal food but has different spices, for example we do fish in Thai green curry sauce.'' The popular restaurant then known as the Halfway House closed last October when manager Erroll Burgess hung up his apron and retired from the food world.

He had run the business and take away for six years. A food outlet of some sort has been on the site for 50 years. He said he was not renewing the lease because it was "time for me to take some time out''.

The sweet smell of success: The Bouquet Garni cafe is proving popular with diners island wide.

BUSINESS BUC