Thomas Keller has opened Regiis Ova Lounge, a pop-up Champagne and caviar lounge located in the heart of California wine country. The French Laundry and Per Se chef teamed up with caviar expert Shaoching Bishop for the new high-end drink and eatery, which sits in Napa County’s idyllic Yountville.
Keller and Bishop currently help caviar purveyor Regiis Ova (“royal egg” in Latin) and the new lounge will showcase the brand’s most prized varieties, alongside some of the world’s finest Champagne.
“We’re introducing something that hasn’t been seen in Yountville before; we’re creating a vibrant lounge with champagne, caviar and live music where our neighbors, friends and visitors can relax, gather and celebrate together,” said Keller.
It’s not just bubbles and salt-cured roe, the pop-up also offers small plates and snacks along with more substantial fare. Menu highlights include Daniel Boulud Smoked Salmon with Meyer lemon schmear and bagel wafers, and Hass Avocado Toast, a slice of toasted Bouchon Bakery Pain de Campagne with a Hass avocado purée topped with thinly sliced radish, chopped egg and toasted Sicilian pistachio.
As for the caviar, Guests are encouraged to order it and roe by the gram or tin to enjoy alongside their dishes. Servers help to curate the experience, suggesting caviar pairings based on flavor, texture, and value.
“Caviar can be an everyday luxury,” explains Bishop. “With the lounge, we now have the opportunity to demystify caviar and invite guests to learn about our featured varieties and sustainable sourcing practices.”
Michel Couvreux (beverage director for Per Se and The Surf Club) and Andrew Adelson (head sommelier at The French Laundry) curated the Champagne list, which sees big names like Dom Pérignon, Krug and Ruinart alongside less well-known sparkling wine producers from across California and Europe.
Regiis Ova Lounge was created in collaboration with fellow Northern California native and noted designer Ken Fulk. The Thomas Keller team designed the space with a curated assortment of RH furnishings, conceived as a romantic feast for the senses, where exquisite dishes are presented in a lush garden setting or within a series of elegant lounge spaces enveloped in a palette of deep sea greens, rich organic textures and luxe sink-in seating. Diners and drinkers can expect a mix of luxe materials, including Italian artisan leather, Libeco Belgian linen, Grey Marquina marble, hand-forged iron and teak that render the space at once classic and modern.
An impressive roster of Bay Area musicians performing nightly, while a DJ will spin soulful tunes that run the gamut from Aretha Franklin to Amy Winehouse.
The Regiis Ova Lounge is open Thursday through Sunday and is likely to continue through fall.
To make a reservation or to learn more about the lounge, head over to its official website.