Thomas Keller’s Caviar Lounge Simply Reopened as RO Restaurant & Lounge

Thomas Keller’s Yountville caviar lounge has entered its second act.

RO Restaurant & Lounge, previously the Regiis Ova Caviar & Champagne Lounge, reopened on Wednesday as a complete new eating spot. Alongside chef de delicacies Jeffery Hayashi, Keller has created a recent menu with a deal with Asian-inspired delicacies, in addition to wine, cocktails, and—sure—a big number of Champagne and glowing.

“We’ve listened to our friends searching for a neighborhood spot that highlights among the greatest Asian flavors,” Keller stated in a press release. “Chef Hayashi will proceed evolving the menu, and we’re excited to see the place he takes it.”

Lots of the plates are impressed by Hayashi’s upbringing in Hawaii, with Keller’s quintessential emphasis on California’s bountiful produce thrown in. Small bites and snacks embody Hokkaido uni toast, artichoke custard infused with almond wood-smoked pork stomach and fennel, and hen liver with springy accompaniments like cherry blossoms, strawberries, and rhubarb. A number of of the beginning dishes might be enhanced with uni or caviar, naturally.

On the bigger aspect, there’s BBQ quail that’s dried for 4 days earlier than being skewered and grilled yakitori-style. A black-truffle egg-salad sando can turn into much more luxe with the addition of Ossetra. And two bowls—bigeye tuna and ora king salmon chirashi or ribeye—provide a little bit of a high-low second. For dessert, Hayashi has created a play on his childhood favourite shave ice, right here infused with house-made huckleberry and dried hibiscus syrup.

The drinks, in the meantime proceed the legacy of the unique Yountville spot, with an overflowing checklist of bubblies to pair with caviar or a bigger meal. New additions to the cocktail menu embody a tackle Keller’s iconic “Oysters and Pearls” dish on the French Laundry. In drink kind, three grams of Royal caviar are served with butter-washed vodka and roasted-oyster-shell-infused dry vermouth. In the event you’re extra of a classicist, the restaurant can also be serving up gin Martinis, Paper Planes, and Sazeracs.

The Ken Fulk–designed house—with backyard seating, hints of inexperienced, and leather-based and wooden accents—is the best California-cool setting for imbibing. And on Friday and Saturday nights, your meal will likely be accompanied by reside music carried out by native musicians. With fine-dining touches however a extra laidback environment, RO Restaurant & Lounge hits each notes simply as effectively.

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