3 Vino's reactivates historic building for Pan-Latin restaurant

By Amanda Baumfeld, Staff Writer
The San Gabriel Valley Tribune
Posted: 11/18/2009 08:33:20 PM PST

3 Vino's proprietor Raul Trevino at his Latin cuisine restaurant on Citrus Avenue in downtown Covina Nov. 18, 2009. (SGVN/Staff photo by Leo Jarzomb)

COVINA - Newly opened 3 Vino's restaurant is spicing up the night life in downtown Covina.

Complete with Latin cuisine and European flair the restaurant boasts live entertainment and a full bar, making it a new hot spot among San Gabriel Valley locals.

"You don't have to drive to Hollywood or West Los Angeles, we have a really unique place right here in Covina," Mayor Walt Allen said.

Located at the corner of College Avenue and Citrus Street, the restaurant features an illuminated wraparound bar, a lounge-type area with leather couches, a rustic brick interior and a dance area.

"It brings variety to the downtown area and brings folks downtown after hours," Allen said. "Yet another flavor to the restaurant scene downtown."

The menu boasts Cuban, Peruvian, Argentinian and Spanish dishes. Owner Raul Trevino found inspiration for the restaurant throughout his travels to other countries.

"I have learned to appreciate that we all have several things in common, great food, tasteful drinks and an inviting ambiance," Trevino said. "That is why I felt motivated and inspired to bring a touch of these wonderful countries to Covina."

The more than 100-year-old building, which took two years to retrofit and reconstruct, is among the oldest in the Valley, officials said.

"They did a great job of maintaining the historic flavor of the downtown area and the exterior of the building," Allen said.

The Covina Redevelopment Agency Board approved a $75,000 Facade Preservation Grant and the City Council approved the use of $100,000 in Community Development Block Grant. Under the Job Creation Grant, 3 Vino's hired qualified, low-income persons to fill four full-time equivalent positions.

On Friday and Saturday nights, when live entertainment is offered, a line of people can be seen waiting to get inside.

"The response has been overwhelming," Trevino said. "I thought I would add some fun to the downtown."

Meanwhile, city officials are hopeful that 3 Vino's new clientele will be beneficial to surrounding businesses.

"The idea is to create a magnet that not only brings people into 3 Vino's but that might spill over to other businesses," said City Manager Daryl Parrish. "It's the vitality that we are looking for."

amanda.baumfeld@sgvn.com

(626) 962-8811, Ext. 2108