Covo La Jolla

Covo La Jolla: Prestige on Prospect

Posted on May 1, 2018

One of Prospect Street’s poshest locales has been given new life, going from a high-end dining palace to a multi-use venue designed to bring both luxury and utility to downtown La Jolla. That combo private-event space, lounge, and coffee shop goes by the handle Covo. It’s the brainchild of nightclub and hospitality vet Michael Viscuso (On Broadway, Red Circle Café, The Kress Hollywood).

In taking over the 10,000-square-foot space — which previously housed a coastal incarnation of Fairmont Grand Del Mar’s Amaya — Viscuso took care to preserve much of its old European appeal. Marble, rich woods, plush seating, coffered ceilings, and teardrop chandeliers remain, while contemporary, Mediterranean touches have been added, including a wall of verdant succulents in the foyer just beyond a cut-stone entryway. On Friday and Saturday evenings, that portal conveys the sounds of live music onto Prospect when Covo converts to a lounge, serving craft cocktails, boutique wines, and Champagnes, plus a variety of gourmet bar noshes and small plates from executive chef Augustin Saucedo, who returns to The Jewel, where he previously spent nearly a decade working for the La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club.

Come morning, Covo offers street-side coffee, pastries, and people-watching, but its raison d’être is hosting private functions. Recently, the venue presented last month’s La Jolla Concours d’Elegance Dapper & Delight Soirée and an impressive dinner built around wines from Oregon’s Irvine & Roberts Vineyards. From smaller gatherings to galas up to 400-strong, Viscuso and Saucedo offer adept technique and staff to fully customize experiences and maximize Covo’s luxe environs, putting the special in special occasion. 858.246.6721, covolajolla.com   Brandon Hernández

Photography by Vincent Knakal