UPDATE: I went by at 10:45 today (Tuesday) and owner Nick Colaku said they are open for business. They actually opened up on a very soft basis Monday afternoon. They don't have a sign up right now, but it's the location with the yellow awning. Remember, it's order-at-the-counter at lunch and table service at dinner.
I stopped in the new Portofino location on Austin Avenue this morning and it looks fantastic. I would imagine it resembles the image in Billy Joel's head from his song "Scenes from an Italian Restaurant."
They have redone the entire space that was formerly occupied by Legacy Cafe & Art Gallery. The quaint coffee shop was cool, but the space is now perfect for a downtown Italian eatery.
Owner Nick Colaku told me he's going to offer order-at-the-counter lunches and then table service at dinner. To me, this is a perfect fit for the ever-evolving downtown area.
As for the when, well, soon. I can't say how soon because Colaku didn't want to jump the gun. But soon. So soon that you should probably keep checking this blog over the weekend and early next week.
In case you haven't noticed, the Portofino sign is gone from the former Lake Shore Drive Location. It's closed.
One more bite: The new Portofino will be next door to Muddle, which has a lineup of live entertainment this weekend. Tonight Kirk Baxley will perform and they will have Piano Bar on Saturday. Muddle's Facebook page announced this week that they're starting No Cover Summer.
