Part 2
Actually Getting Reservations

Just received a phone call from my Spouse, alerting me to the fact that The French Laundry (of Yountville, California) has deemed it tolerable to allow us the priviledge of spending money in their establishment late this January. Technically what I think that means is that we are allowed to show up on a Sunday at 9 p.m., stay within a block of the restaurant, and remain in our car while they bring all 9 courses of the degustation menu out to us. We are allowed to raise the bags over our heads just high enough to get the food into our mouths.

Then they let us know that if we blow them off - they will charge us $200.00.

Then they gave my Hubby an outline of what they would like him to wear.

All this to turn 40 with dignity! I will get to supp with the Buffys and the Muffys and the Skips - just this once. This fast food junkie chef will get to eat in the big fancy dining room we whisper about in reverenced terms when we talk about who we'd LIKE to be as professional cooks. This is sacred ground. We're pretty sure God lives there.

I'm still tempted to trade it all in for a pair of diamond earrings (hey, they'll last longer than one fabulous night of food) but, for the moment, I'm basking in the glow of Culinary Heaven.

Tony Bourdain.....you can still call me.

Dunno if you got in but I hope you do. It's one of my dreams to go eat there as well. The closest I got was a sunny afternoon walking around the restaurant grounds, peeking into the prep area and taking a few pictures. Maybe when I turn 40 i'll go back...if you're going to be in the valley, head on over and spend the day there drinking wine ! I love the Napa Valley...be sure to have lunch over at Guinni's in St. Helena. Probably my favorite sandwich shop in the world. Ask people on the street, they'll know where it is. It's pronounced "juney's" like the month.

Mac -

I will indeed be eating there on January 28th - and spending time in Napa....(eating and) drinking everything in site . I actually don't know what we'll be eating yet. They told us we'll know when we get there and we're eating whatever it is they're cooking for us!

Jennie C.

Napa is one of the most beautiful places Ive ever been, you are going to have a great Bday! Have a glass of V Satuii Reisling for me

I read in Soul of a Chef that Keller would automatically bump a solo diner to V.I.P. status. When I used to live in the Napa Valley I always wanted to call in and make a reservation for 2, but my girlfriend told me that if I went by myself without her she would kill me...V.I.P. treatment included automatically getting the full tasting. I regret it to this day...back then in the old college days the price for the prix fix was like $145

Dont go for the 9 course, Muffy, the lesser course menu lets you enjoy and taste what you are eating.see my review on www.gagit.net, and you will enjoy the experience even more, you might even get to kiss Keller, he is a bigger frog than Bourdain.

Doesn't Keller spend all his time in NY at Per Se now?

I'm pretty sure he does. That's okay - I'll gladly settle for his kitchen full of Keller-clones, doing their best imitation .

So Gagit - what's the cool thing for ladies to wear to the Laundry?? I want to look good. Any suggestions???

I just returned from Napa. I couldn't get into the French Laundry even though I did call two months ahead of time as the rules state.

Once you get to Napa, you won't care if your eating at the Laundry or not. It's that beatiful there. We at at http://www.bistrojeanty.com which I recoomend highly.

Wait wait wait - you had reservations and they still turned you down????

No no no - that can't happen. This is my one and only 40th bday and I won't take no for an answer.

If you have reservations you are all good.
I did not.

The French Laundry is absolutely the most overrated restaurant in the country. Thomas Kellar is a shoemaker and he could'nt pay me to eat there.

Oh now don't go spoiling my birthday before I've even had bite 1, dlt. A girl wants to feel special on her birthday.

I just wanted to pop in and say that I've been enjoying your tale immensely. I'm an SF girl, and I've heard many friends drool over the invite to the French Laundry--mecca for foodies from what I hear.

Of course, I have no possible chance of ever getting there. I'm a college student in the 2nd most expensive city in the US. So basically, the closest I get to Gary Danko's and Michael Minna's is going by the front door via the 30 Stockton on the way to work, sabe?

But your posts are making me almost pee myself. I do hope that your dinner is everything you always wanted it to be. I must admit that I am a bit jealous. I'm looking forward to many more posts, and detailed descriptions of your outing.

Happy Early 40th Birthday!!

THANKS, JEN!

And I will have a full report of my Laundry experience late next week, once I have returned.....and sobered up .

Jennie C.

chefdlt,

I don't know what kind of experience you've had to make your claims, but if anything, Thomas Keller is one of the most respected Chef's in the world. Not only that, he's American! Even the French give him props and if you're a "chef" you'll know that's not something that happens very often if at all.

Aside from not having attended culinary school, he is a true student of the art. Working his way up from small restaurants in the US to eventually making it to France and back again. Although most people might consider his methods extreme, he is the definition of French cooking. His onion soup recipe calls for the onions to be slowly sweated for something like 8 hours, his meats after being seared and brought to temp are not just rested on a plate near the stove but in liquid butter. Why? Because wants to make sure the natural juices remain in the meat, controlled temperature and it tastes good. Who does that? It's the little things that separate him from the others.

For the record, I'm sure that the "Shoemaker" could equally care less if you ate there or not. Wait, I take that back, regardless of your preconceived notions, he would ensure that your meal came out the same as anybody else's that is to say, perfect.

His dedication to perfection is the reason why so many people respect him. Tikkamasala, make sure you ignore this guy and enjoy yourself. From the first amuse bouche to the last sip of coffe and make sure you let us know how it was.

quote:

And I will have a full report of my Laundry experience late next week, once I have returned.....and sobered up

Drinking? Ah, now you are speaking my language.

And please don't think I'm a stalker, but I'm also a Jennie C. Same spelling even. A few years younger, but still the same way. Strange. Must mean we should drink more wine.

Oh gawd, I love French Onion Soup. I don't really have a palate for most French foods and such, but for some reason, French Onion Soup is a little slice of heaven. A place 4 blocks from me makes it pretty good. Serves until midnight. May have to take a walk.....

Tikka
I hope you have a incrediable meal at The French Laundry with the Hubby. Enjoy, have a wonderful Birthday.