Worst-kept secret: Caffe Positano gets makeover

Shhhh! We really aren’t supposed to be talking about this. But the truth is, just about everyone in Orlando is. Food Network celebrity chef Robert Irvine swooped back into Central Florida last week. This time it’s to give College Park’s Caffe Positano a 48-hour makeover.

When Irvine and the Food Network’s “Restaurant Impossible” crew drop into any city, the “Get Smart” cone of silence comes with them. Owners agree to keep mum until the show airs. For Caffe Positano/Tornatore’s Pizzeria, that will be May 5.

I visited Friday and was pleasantly surprised. Four new specials under the Tornatore’s Pizzeria name were offered on a separate menu from the regular Caffe Positano lineup. Of the new items, I sampled the ravioli — delicate pillows of pasta in a bright tomato sauce — and rigatoni Bolognese — a meaty dish with a mellow tomato sauce. I would order both again.

The restaurant had a steady crowd, and it was clear Denny Tornatore was pleased with the results of the renovation. He beamed when customers entered the small stripshopping-center eatery, welcoming longtime friends and making new ones who had heard about the Food Network crash.

Caffe Positano/Tornatore’s Pizzeria is at 3818 Edgewater Drive, across from Bishop Moore High School. The sign outside says Tornatore’s Pizzeria, but if you call 407-2922248 the person will likely answer Caffe Positano.

Irvine is no stranger to our area, previously visiting Cave Inn BBQ in Winter Garden, Soup to Nuts in Tavares and Bumbino’s Italian Ristorante in Orange City.