The lease for the 10,000-square-foot restaurant and venue at 1205 Prospect St. was signed by Mike Viscuso last year. Formerly Amaya, owned by Doug Manchester, Viscuso has a new vision for this gem of a location, Covo. Currently in its “soft opening” stage, Covo will ultimately serve as a European-style coffeehouse, community meeting place and the perfect late-night entertainment locale.
“There’s been a demand for an event space for quite some time,” said Viscuso, managing owner of Covo. “We underwent a $6 million renovation, and established a relationship with Peter Lik to utilize some of his photography, entitled ‘Tuscany Collection.’ Basically, we view it as an extension of his gallery.”
Covo has also partnered with Bird Rock Coffee Roasters, which is currently being served in the lounge area daily.
“Next month [June] we will begin offering our ‘fast casual’ breakfast and lunch,” said Viscuso. “Also, we’re available for off-premise catering – up to 800 people. We are really happy to have partnered with Bird Rock Coffee Roasters, a local company that makes amazing coffee.” The location boasts a full-size commercial kitchen, ideal for weddings, business conferences or other larger-crowd events. They also brought on chef Augie Saucido, well-known in La Jolla for working for Marine Room chef Bernard Guillas for the better part of a decade. Saucido will ultimately utilize his experience to wow massive throngs of guests, but also expand the lounge menu as well. One major aspect of Covo that will make up for something La Jolla is in desperate need of—late night entertainment. On Fridays and Saturday evenings, from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m., La Jolla staples will play, like Roman Palacios, as well as local acts Gene-O and The Lonny Tarr Quartet. It should also be duly noted that Covo has purchased Amaya’s liquor license, which allows them to serve alcohol until close. “One thing La Jolla is in no short supply of is restaurants,” said Viscuso. “Instead of just a restaurant, we wanted to open an event center where people can have business luncheons, meetings and conferences. On June 7, we have a huge conference of meeting planners, concierges, wedding planners, etc. Also, we are accepting bookings for weddings, birthdays, winemaking dinners and holiday parties.”
Catty-corner in proximity to major La Jolla restaurants on Prospect Street, Covo seemingly could also become a cornerstone of hospitality workers of the area. After all, they are the ones who keep locals bellies’ full, so they deserve to cool down after a long shift as well. Ultimately, Covo will be a refreshingly new approach to a restaurant location that’s been around for years. Where: 1205 Prospect Street
When: Open Monday-Thursday, Sunday by appointment; 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. Fridays & Saturdays.
Contact: 858-246-6721 or email [email protected].