For seven years, Michael DeLuca made a name for himself in Margate by providing great-tasting, quality food at reasonable prices. Now, the former owner of DeLuca's Diner is hoping to replicate that success with The Somers Point Caf�, a new 31-seat eatery in the former Emma's Rotisserie across the street from the ShopRite Shopping Center in Somers Point.

One look at the menu, and DeLuca Diner lovers will certainly be encouraged to make the trip over the Longport Bridge. Not only are DeLuca's staples intact - including breakfast all day, fresh salads and sandwiches for lunch and Italian specialties for dinner - they are less expensive in the new location.

"With the economy, I just wanted to go back to basics," DeLuca says.

"I've been thinking like that for a while now. People don't want the $14 and $15 entrees. They've got to eat, and they are willing to spend money if they can get quality food at a decent price. And that's what we offer."

DeLuca isn't kidding. The highest priced menu item is $10.95 for his popular shrimp scampi, and it comes with a large house salad.

"The idea is you can come in here and get a pasta dinner - with salad and Italian bread - for 10 bucks," DeLuca says. "You can't beat that."

For breakfast, you can get an egg sandwich for just $2.50 or opt for Jack's Breakfast Wrap ($6.75) with scrambled eggs, choice of meat and homefries on the side. For lunch, DeLuca's steak sandwiches, particularly Barb's Beast ($7.25) with mushrooms, roasted peppers, caramelized onions, sauce and mozzarella cheese, and the wraps more than satisfy midday hunger. And dinner ranges from DeLuca's homemade lasagna ($9.95) to homemade meatloaf with mashed potatoes and veggies ($8.95), which is comfort food at its best.

DeLuca, who gave up his Margate restaurant because he was having problem with the building, opened The Somers Point Caf� quicker than he expected.

"I live in Somers Point and we really wanted to do something year round, as opposed to Margate, which we had to close four months a year," says DeLuca. "So, we were coming back from Disney World and saw the 'For Sale' sign on the door. I made a left instead of going straight, and a month-and-a-half later, I was open. My wife said, 'Are you sure you want to do this again?' And I told her I did because it was easier to control at 31 seats instead of the 140 we had in Margate. And it was the right decision. We're happy."

Downsizing is something DeLuca may be grateful for very soon. He and his wife Barbara, who have a 10-year-old son, are expecting another child in fall.

"It's perfect for us right now," DeLuca says. "People are wishing us a lot of luck and tell us we're going to be fine because we are good business people. We believe the experience starts as soon as you walk in the door. If there's a problem, we fix it right away. We want people walking out happy."

The Somers Point Caf�

WHERE: 581 Ocean Heights Ave., Somers Point

WHEN: Open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.

HOW MUCH: Breakfast ranges from $1.95 to $7.25; wraps, sandwiches, burgers and subs $5 to $7.25; sides $1.75 to $3; appetizers $5.95 to $9.50; soups $2.75 to $3.75; salads $2.75 to $7.75; entrees $6 to $10.95; kids' menu $3.99.

SERVICES: Major credit cards accepted. No liquor license. BYOB. Disabled access via ramp. Eat in. Take out. Delivery. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner.

MORE INFO: Call 609-788-8115.

BETWEEN YOU AND ME: For a real bargain, check out the specials board. For $14.95, you can get items like shrimp scampi or shrimp Fra Diavalo, veal parmesan or chicken Francaise with a salad, bread, beverage and dessert.