imaginative new menu and enhanced Roman decor coupled with a new attitude brings about the change the company was looking for, according to manager, Mr.

Costanzo DiMeglio.

More than two years ago when Mr. DiMeglio became manager, he stressed the need to change the restaurant's attitude.

"I was excited about it,'' he said. "But I knew we had to upgrade the Little Venice to become `the' Italian restaurant of Bermuda.

"I thought the restaurant was becoming very average. And it was no longer the predominant Italian restaurant it used to be,'' he said.

In an effort to improve the Little Venice, the company first looked to rebuild the staff.

"Our chef, Mr. Antonino Astarita, is one of the best around,'' said Mr.

DiMeglio. "He is world-class. But we needed to find the right people to suit the restaurant and assist him.

"We scouted around for new employees and finally hired someone to organise the kitchen,'' he said.

The Little Venice also hired a cast of young waiters who are willing to learn and become more knowledgeable in the food industry.

"I just don't want the Little Venice to be an average restaurant anymore,'' said Mr. DiMeglio. "Bermudians appreciate good food. They travel and have been exposed to a lot of different restaurants -- they've seen different cultures and have eaten different foods.

"Bermudians want a change. And we're offering more than the general lasagna, pizza and cannelloni -- we're taking it a step further,'' he said.

But aside from the new staff and innovative meals, the Little Venice restaurant has enhanced the decor.

The walls were painted in a faux finish with contrasting Roman colours of maroon and yellow. More banquettes upholstered in an elegant tapestry have been installed to match the rich-red velvet chairs. And the kitchen has been revamped and equipped with new fixtures.

"But the main difference in the restaurant,'' said Mr. DiMeglio, "is the change of attitude. In the 1970s, we were full of energy and appreciated what we had discovered in a restaurant. We want to get that back,'' he said.

Mr. Emilio Barbieri and Mr. Franco Bottelli built the Little Venice restaurant in 1971. When Mr. Bottelli left in 1978, Mr. Jacky DiMeglio became a partner in the business. And his brother, Mr. Costanzo DiMeglio became part of the Little Venice Group in 1986 when he managed the Tavern on the Green.

The Little Venice company has recently combined the nightclub with the restaurant under one management and called it Little Venice Club. And Mr.

Costanzo DiMeglio together with Mr. Thomas Mayer head up the newly renovated premises.

NOW THAT'S ITALIAN! The improved Little Venice restaurant on Bermudiana Road.

Mr. Thomas Mayer (left) and Mr. Costanzo DiMeglio.

Mr. Emilio Barbieri.

BUSINESS BUC