Barnyard Venice Closes Door on Chef Larry Monaco Just Weeks After Reopening

Well that didn’t take long. Less than three weeks after reopening with a new, casual interior and menu to match, it seems that Barnyard Venice is once again in need of an executive chef.

A tipster sends along details on the sudden departure of chef Larry Monaco, who was brought in sometime in mid-May to turn the seemingly listless place around after Jesse Barber decamped for all things Dudley Market-related. Monaco installed a much more downmarket menu full of casual favorites like bone-in short ribs and an 8-ounce burger, but that apparently wasn’t what the clientele (and the ownership) ultimately wanted.

A statement from the restaurant confirms the vacancy, saying:

Regretfully, Barnyard Venice has parted company with Chef Larry Monaco.  Menu selections will be in place soon that reflect the dining experience and the commitment to sourcing of local farmers and artisan purveyors that the Barnyard diner has come to enjoy and expect. This personnel transition is effective immediately; the Barnyard menu will transition over the coming days.

So once again there’s a leadership hole in the kitchen, which ownership hopes to plug as soon as possible. In the meantime, Barnyard Venice is still open for dinner, 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. nightly.