Edna Elaine Kaufman February 10, 1929 - May 3 December, 2010 was a restaurateur who's iconic restaurant Elaine's attracted a following among prominent actors and other celebrities. Portofino was visited by people in the center of the publishing industry and Off-Broadway theater.
Over the years, Kaufman bought the building that housed the restaurant and next door. Rental income subsidized restaurant in lean years. Kaufman was designated a living landmark by the New York Landmarks game reserve in 2003.