The French Laundry with Chef Thomas Keller, an American Dream

From failure to the best in the world

Yountville, California: We spent a day at the French Laundry with Chef Thomas Keller to try to learn his secrets. We think we distilled a few of them here for you, but like any true artist, there is still mystery around a man who is so respected by employees, customers, and chefs.  The reservationist told us, "Food is transformed when it goes through Chef Keller's hands." 

Located in the world famous Napa Valley, this is the place from which Chef Keller gained great fame. He now also owns Per Se in New York City, and Bouchon in Yountville and in Las Vegas.  To accomplish this growth, he has recruited, hired and trained some of the best chefs and service people in the country.

Writer Irvine Welsh had this to say about dining at The French Laundry:  "...we received 19 courses and 15 different types of accompanying wine... From the opening glasses of Krug Grand Cuvée Champagne and our crisp and tasty cornets of marinated Atlantic Salmon with Red Onion Crème Fraîche to the 'Mignardises' washed down with Barbeito Sercial Madeira 1910 Vintage Port, some four hours later, this was a gastronomic assault course. I have neither the time nor the space to go into what we received in between all this, so I'll just highlight some personal favourites. The Cauliflower 'Panna Cotta' with Point Reyes Oyster Glaze and Iranian Osetra Caviar was a magnificent canapé.

...my taste buds went into overdrive with the Salad of Marinated Jacobsen's Farm Figs with Caramelised Fennel Bulb, Roasted Garden Peppers, Shaved Fennel and Fennel Bulb Vinaigrette, and gastronomic orgasm was achieved with the Sweet Butter Poached Maine Lobster with first-of-season Chestnuts, Granny Smith's Apples and a Hydromel Sauce.

... the waiters just keep coming with more dishes, unfailingly polite and informative as ever.

...obviously, the title of 'best restaurant in the world' is subjective to the point of lunacy. Having said that, I doubt it would be possible for The French Laundry to be equaled.

...Thomas Keller is a true giant among chefs, coming over as a genuinely inspirational figure, and to see him in action in his kitchen is pure joy."

More video with restaurant owners...
More stories about the arts, beverages, and agriculture...