Cheesemonger and I had agreed in advance that he would order the chef’s tasting menu, and I would order the tasting of vegetables. The laundry theme is beautifully carried throughout the restaurant in the lampshades and that ubiquitous clothespin logo. At each seat, a large, loosely folded napkin bore a clothespin declaring The French Laundry.

The numerous wait staff, all wearing crisp, tailored suits, were like a silent, choreographed murmuration of starlings that elegantly congregated and dispersed to serve various tables, and guide befuddled guests around the space. The restaurant’s signature blue is featured in the carpet, drapes, menu, and custom Limoges plates. When we finally were able to enter the French Laundryverse be seated, we took in the sights-the space is rather small, not unlike a French country restaurant would be with narrow windows, narrow passageways, and low-ish ceilings. Showing some pimento cheese love (bottom right). So much for being stealthy! These French Laundry folks are observant, something I quickly learned during the course of our meal. Later, at the end of the meal, he shared with amusement that he had seen me at 3:30 running around the garden in my nice orange dress. I told him about Miss Cheesemonger, especially since he noticed my clunky camera. Alex, the service manager, came out to greet us and chat. We drove right past without even noticing it was there!īecause we had arrived so early, when our reservation time did come up, we were the first ones there. I recommend arriving early to explore it.

The grounds are beautifully arranged in a grid there are chickens and a beehive on top of produce. Cheesemonger cut me loose to explore the garden. Cheesemonger and I strolled around downtown a bit, and then M. Luckily, the town of Yountville is charming, and the restaurant’s culinary garden is just across the street from the diminutive front of the French Laundry itself. I’m telling you, the area traffic can take you by surprise, and I absolutely wanted to be ready for this dinner! Apparently, the restaurant is quite strict with reservations, so I wanted to make sure we got there extra early! As in, at 3:30pm, for a 5pm reservation. Except, this time, it was happening!Īfter deciding what to wear, debating which camera to bring, and doing a double workout the morning of our reservation (I would leave NO CRUMBS BEHIND), we were ready.

I liken the thought of dining at the French Laundry to snagging front row tickets to a David Bowie concert (sigh, I am still sad he’s gone)-a nice idea, but unlikely to happen. Even though you can expect to spend upwards of $500+ per person for a tasting menu, with wine, reservations are quickly snatched up as they become available. It’s no joke getting a table at the French Laundry, the famed Michelin three-star restaurant owned by renowned Chef Thomas Keller widely considered one of the best in the world. Cheesemonger to tell him to drop everything because we were going to the French Laundry the following week. yes,” I thought! Beside myself with glee, I messaged M. One couple had cancelled, and would we be interested in joining them? “Yes. It was a Friday and, my friend Amy from Lemonbird Preserves messaged me saying that Anita, our food styling, ice cream-making friend, had gotten reservations at the French Laundry for 6 people the following Tuesday.

French laundry price