A French-inspired sipping lounge and salon privé will soon call King Street home. Félix Landrum, who owns Félix Cocktails et Cuisine, is opening his second concept, La Cave, on Thursday, Oct. 17.

We caught up with Landrum for a preview of the new space.

What’s your vision for La Cave?
I want to create a destination for sipping wines, whiskies, and carefully crafted cocktails alongside small plates, perfect for sharing over conversation. I see La Cave as a natural extension of Félix, fostering a sense of community and connection that keeps guests coming back again and again.

Can you describe its vibe in one word?
It’s not one word, but a popular French phrase comes to mind, “La belle vie,” which translates to "the beautiful life.” It’s about savoring the moment and appreciating life’s pleasures.

The menu's small plates are meant to be paired with a wine, whisky, or cordial. | Photo by Andrew Cebulka

Can you give a sneak peek of what we can expect from the menu?
Inspired by traditional Provençal cuisine, the menu includes a curated list of petit plats driven by seasonality and fresh, simple preparations. Options will range from small bites to sizable dishes, all meant to be shared. I’m really excited about the Petite Bouillabaisse, which is a smaller, refined version of the traditional Provençal fish stew, served with a side of crusty bread for dipping. From the bar, our Martini de Luxe truly embodies La Cave. It’s made with fromage-washed vodka and served with a bump of caviar.

How do you envision the space in five years?
La Cave is a place where southern French cuisine, beverages, design, and sophistication come together. In five years, I see us as a cornerstone of Charleston’s culinary landscape — a must-visit spot that locals cherish and visitors rave about. We aim to enrich the city’s food scene by not only offering exceptional dining experiences but also by becoming a space to host special events and celebrations.

Just for fun — what are your favorite Charleston events and a restaurant you love (besides your own)?
Moving to Charleston from Michigan, I was worried that Christmas wouldn’t feel festive without snow, but it turned out to be my favorite time of year here. My family has made a tradition of visiting the Holiday Festival of Lights at James Island County Park every year. My favorite restaurant is Obstinate Daughter on Sullivan’s, no question.