The general manager of the popular restaurant said this week that the latest phase of expansion should be complete by December.

The 19-year-old Italian restaurant, located in the Hayward Building on Bermudiana Road, first expanded about two-and-a-half years ago into the building that used to house Strands beauty salon.

The new expansion, into the former International Sports Shop which has moved next door, will increase operations by about 1,000 square feet.

And more than 80 people will be able to sit down to eat in the restaurant which currently seats 70, according to maitre-d' Mr. Dino Valenghi.

Business is only expected to be interrupted for about three weeks in November because of the expansion, Mr. Valenghi added.

The expansion will feature a new pasta-making area where passers-by will be able to watch fresh pasta being made through the windows along Par-la-Ville Road.

"The open kitchen concept is a new concept. We want the area open so the public can see the pasta being made.

"Many times guests wish to thank the chef. This is all part of the open kitchen idea,'' said owner Mr. Caesar Maranzana, noting staff played a major role in discussing and reviewing concepts for the restaurant.

"Our main objective is to make the new pasta kitchen,'' said Mr. Valenghi. An existing wall, located to the right when patrons enter, will be knocked out and a new wall built about five feet away.

That level will be made more functional and more comfortable while the take-out pick-up area will be moved.

Some of the floor space will be used for a waiting area and the front will be give a uniform appearance.

"Our success is because we have expanded carefully. Our last expansion occurred at the height of the recession but it proved to be to our benefit,'' said Mr. Valenghi.

The first expansion was estimated to cost $350,000 while a similar amount will likely be spent on the current expansion, according to Mr. Valenghi.

PORTOFINO HAS BIG PLANS -- Maitre d' Dino Valenghi outside the popular restaurant which is expanding for the second time in less than three years.