Cochon Volant to become Il Fuoco

Rob Larman, creator of Cochon Volant, is migrating from that concept to Il Fuoco (The Fire), an artisan wood-burning and handmade pizza restaurant and venue.

Out goes the smoke and holding ovens, and in comes an Italian Forno Bravo pizza oven — made in the artichoke capital of Castroville, California.

Artisan baker Mike the Bejkr of Sonoma is developing the pizza dough with all-organic flour coming from Central Milling in Petaluma.

Watch for a variety of interesting pizzas appealing to both vegetarians and carnivores, as well as unusual antipasti, a Guy Fieri-blessed WTF Burger, and desserts to include Grand Marnier chocolate mousse, Rob’s High Pies and Lizzy’s huge cookies.

In Sonoma, Larman first had Rob’s Rib Shack on Arnold Drive for several years, and then La Poste French restaurant with François de Tessan near the post office on Broadway, now occupied by Williams Sonoma’s flagship store where Chuck Williams opened his first shop.

Next came Cochon Volant, and Larman says he is happy to move on to a new and healthy concept.

Cochon Volant will close on Oct. 10 for construction. Nora Russo, who created the authentic Parisian bistro décor at La Poste, has designed Il Fuoco’s new look.

Rib and brisket fans might want to hustle down to Cochon Volant for their faves and watch for Saturday barbecue pop-ups in the restaurant’s back parking lot.

Il Fuoco will officially open for service to the public on Oct. 28 and will be open from 4 to 9 p.m. Thursdays through Monday. 18350 Sonoma Highway, Sonoma. Call 522-7778 for details.