The French Laundry

After eating at The French Laundry, you know you'll never have such a meal again in your life. Its a treat, a very rare treat that is only appreciated by those few who truly enjoy food. Chef Thomas Keller is a miracle-maker.















Its been over two years since I ate there, but I remember it like it was yesterday. We arrived at noon, 15 minutes early for our reservation. The reservation, btw, was taken 8 months prior. That is the scheduled waiting time they had given us. Needless to say, the lunch was much-awaited. While we sat outside enjoying the weather in Yountville, we sipped Champagne and made ourselves comfortable in the rustic cottage-like setting.



We then proceeded to the dining room, where we went on to sample the chef's tasting menu. Each morsel of food dazzled not only the palate, but the scent as well. I can still remember the aroma when a server grated fresh trufffles over our risottos. Now everyone has heard of Keller's "icecream cone" of salmon tartare and his other signature dishes, but when you actually see it and taste it, they elicit surprise and delight.

Being vegetarian was not a handicap here. Every course was so cleverly executed that you could not decide whether to be excited about the next one or disappointed that this one was over. It was a marvelous experience. Four hours later, we were finished with the meal, but two years or so later, and I still remember every bit of it.

French Laundry was by far the most expensive restaurant I have been to. But would I go there again? In a heartbeat.