French Laundry Restaurant   

6640 Washington St
Yountville, CA 94599
707-944-2380
www.frenchlaundry.com

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Few restaurants achieve the kind of international acclaim the French Laundry has received, but in the case of Thomas Keller's culinary monument, it's best to suspend cynicism. The French Laundry receives 400 calls for reservations a day, a remarkable number given that reservations must be made exactly two months in advance -- not a day more or less. If you're visiting from Europe, know that your meal will be a Guide Michelin 3-star affair. Such fame is based not on a formula of flash or hyper-designed plates, but Keller's unquestioned commitment to his craft. Keller's plates rely on the freshest, simplest ingredients (produce plucked from the vegetable garden just across the street), all elevated with artful expression. Known for his sense of humor, Keller names dishes playfully. Buttery beef cheeks and slices of veal tongue become "Tongue in Cheek" and an espresso mousse circled in flaky puff pastry is simply "Coffee and a Doughnut." The menu changes daily though, so don't come with expectations for a particular dish. You may choose a nine-course chef's tasting menu (selections are the same for both lunch and dinner) and you'll also be offered a vegetarian tasting menu. Plan to spend many hours and lots of money for an experience you're not likely to forget.