THIS is like a gourmet version of Aladdin's cave.

It's as if you are stepping on to another shore, as your eyes feast on array of continental delicacies and your nose takes in the aroma of foreign lands.

My colleague Caroline and I decided to try out the delicatessen as something different - and both of us will be going back.

Chilli Lime has a variety of cheeses and cold meats for a lunchtime treat, be it in a salad box or on a pannini, ciabatta, baguette or crusty bread.

With advice on which tastes go best together, buying your lunch suddenly becomes an occasion.

We both opted for panninis with chilli jam accompaniment, but where Caroline went for Italian salami, with fennel, and a mature Cheddar, parma ham from the shoulder and a delicate Spanish "queso" suited my palate more.

Also on the menu were Indian dahl soup, vegetable burritos and Greek salad - and there's a whole freezer of Mrs Dowson's ice cream.

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Chilli Lime Deli is on Fleming Square, Blackburn.