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Il Covo Closing to Make Room For A.O.C.’s Move

Soon to be A.O.C.
Soon to be A.O.C. Photo: Il Covo

Il Covo opened in the old Orso space in March 2011. The Sean MacPherson-helmed Italian restaurant may have been overshadowed by its ravishingly romantic space, as reps for Suzanne Goin and Caroline Styne announce Il Covo’s expected closure at the end of the year. MacPherson’s loss will be A.O.C.’s gain, however, as the duo’s small plates wine bar will be leaving its current home, further west on Third Street, to take over this storied location, which has served multiple generations of L.A. movers and shakers. For small plates-pioneers, Goin and Styne have a lot on their plate, with plans to open a restaurant next year in Montecito and The Larder on Burton Way, plus an AOC cookbook in production, and the unveiling of this new A.O.C. in the early part of 2013 to celebrate the restaurant’s tenth anniversary.

In addition to an expanded, more enchanting space, the AOC team, including chef de cuisine Lauren Herman, is looking forward to having a full bar for farm-to-glass cocktails under bartender Christiaan Rollich, and utilizing the wood-burning oven for family-style dishes and recently introduced specials like paella and foccacia nights, in addition to A.O.C.’s same small plates selection. Lunch and brunch will also be added, with private events accommodated on the second floor.

Il Covo Closing to Make Room For A.O.C.’s Move