In a city known for its vibrant nightlife, the closure of yet another iconic venue comes as a blow. Lavo, an upscale Italian eatery and nightclub located in Midtown Manhattan, will be bidding farewell to its East 58th Street location on January 23rd. The final dance will be held on Saturday, followed by the official closure of the restaurant on Tuesday. The news of Lavo’s closure was confirmed by Noah Tepperberg, a partner at TAO Group, who expressed both sadness and excitement for the future.
Lavo has enjoyed 13 prosperous years in the heart of New York City. Founded in 2010 by Tepperberg and his partners Jason Strauss, Marc Packer, and Rich Wolf, the venue quickly became a go-to spot for both dining and clubbing. The restaurant’s founding partner, chef Ralph Scamardella, contributed to its early success. Before other establishments like Carbone gained fame for their culinary offerings, Lavo was the place to be. Its star-studded guest list included A-list celebrities such as Beyoncé, Mariah Carey, Kim Kardashian, and Leonardo DiCaprio.
Lavo holds countless memories for both its patrons and staff. Rising stars The Chainsmokers performed as the opening act for Steve Aoki before their own meteoric rise to fame. Legendary DJs Calvin Harris, Tiesto, and Avicii regularly graced the turntables, ensuring unforgettable nights for partygoers. The venue even played host to Hollywood celebrities like Rihanna, Paris Hilton, and Heidi Klum. Notably, “Orange Is the New Black” star Jackie Cruz worked at Lavo before finding fame, and the late Rocco Ancarola hosted an iconic Sunday night dinner party for years.
While the closure of Lavo’s New York location may bring an end to an era, it also sparks hope for the future. Tepperberg assured loyal patrons that the kitchen team would remain intact, focusing on opening a catering and delivery-only business for those who still crave Lavo’s cuisine. Furthermore, plans are already underway to open a new restaurant in Mexico City in the coming months. Although the club itself will not be reopening, Tepperberg hinted at the possibility of a future relaunch in New York, this time as a purely culinary establishment.
As Lavo bids farewell to its location in Midtown, the city of New York loses another iconic piece of its nightlife history. No longer will East 58th Street be pulsating with the energy and excitement that only a genuine nightclub can provide. While the TAO restaurant mothership stands across the street, the absence of Lavo will undoubtedly leave a void in the hearts of its loyal patrons and party enthusiasts alike. Tepperberg’s promise to personally dine at the restaurant every night until its closure speaks volumes about the significance of this establishment and the indelible mark it has left on New York City’s nightlife scene.
The closure of Lavo marks the end of an era for New York City and its vibrant nightlife. With countless memorable moments, celebrity appearances, and a star-studded guest list, the venue has undoubtedly solidified its place in the city’s history. While the physical space may be gone, the legacy of Lavo lives on through its loyal patrons and the future ventures it has yet to embark upon. As one chapter closes, another begins with the promise of new beginnings and culinary delights awaiting fans of this beloved establishment. Farewell, Lavo, you will truly be missed.
Leave a Reply