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The French Laundry
Categories: Restaurants French Restaurants American (New) French, American (New) [Edit]
6640 Washington StYountville, CA 94599
(707) 944-2380
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 5:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Fri-Sun 11 am - 1 pm
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Formal (Jacket Required)
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Price Range:
-
$$$$
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- No
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Quiet
- Ambience:
- Romantic, Classy, Intimate
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
1067 reviews for The French Laundry
Review Highlights
"My favorite course was the oysters and pearls."
(in 135 reviews)
"Foie gras - Amazingly rich, creamy, delectable."
(in 204 reviews)
"I've always been protective of Sir Thomas Keller."
(in 122 reviews)
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1067 reviews in English
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Review from Caye Q.
San Francisco, CA
2/5/2012
THE FRENCH LAUNDRY - CHEF THOMAS KELLER need I say more???
I can't even describe to you the anticipation and excitement we felt in coming to dine here. It was an experience of a lifetime. We hyped and built momentum for our lunch here and it DID NOT disappoint, not one bit.
The AMBIANCE is simply beautiful. A charming garden with ingredients they use and a lovely patio where you can sit and talk about how awesome your meal was. The SERVICE is incredible. Everyone was extremely friendly and courteous. The FOOD...wow, the FOOD. I have no words to describe. It's literally indescribable. The taste - how each ingredient compliments itself, the textures - how everything just melts in your mouth, the presentation - how its feels like your digesting art is simply magical. Chef Keller transforms your culinary experience into a trip into another world. He turns a 4 HOUR - 12 course meal into a dining masterpiece. I've only started becoming a foodie and haven't been to too many restaurants but NOTHING compares to The French Laundry and probably nothing ever will...... -
Review from LeeLee C.
Milpitas, CA
2/4/2012 30 photos
4 star for food and 5 star for service.
After spending 3.5 hours in the French Laundry, I feel like spending another 30mins on them, at least virtually. Afterall, it's quite an experience that is worth documenting.
We arrived promptly at 5.30am for our reservation. The establishment is a small low profile house with a chic courtyard. Had it not for the sign of "French Laundry parking lot", we weren't quite sure this was it. Of course, once we drove into the small parking lot and saw the brand name cars, we felt reassured.
The restaurant itself was 2 stories, not big at all with a small den at the front for guests waiting to be seated. It didn't feel as grand as other restaurants but seeing the amount of staff on site made me felt well taken care of.
We opted for the Chef's Tasting Menu and our server, whom has been with the French Laundry from the very beginning, was helpful in explaining the menu. We found the sake menu an interesting insertion and he suggested to pair with the oyster and pearl.
The menu was long and I had to say although each dish seemed to be in small amount, I walked out feeling bloatingly full. In fact, we had to slow down during mid way to take a break. Their wine menu is now on ipad, rather convenient to browse through than the 100 page thick book.
Overall, the food is not bad, but I have to say that compared to Baume, the creativity level is lower and they tend to play safe too much. Because of the lengthy offering of dishes, there are some not so common found items such as rabbit shoulder that I like, but the dishes don't appeal to all senses as achieving as Baume did. Below is a recap on things we eat:
Salmon tartare in sesame cone: The salmon was OK but the cone seemed to be the highlight. I could taste the freshness of it and the sesame flavor. To put them into the mouth in one bite brought out the sesame's aroma. A nice combination.
Oyster and Pearl: I felt like the oyster can be served on its own, a very creamy dish overall and the cream and caviar did a very excellent job of contrasting each other and yet highlighted the savory flavor of the caviar with a smooth polish. I don't think pairing it with sake did any uplifting to either the wine or the dish though.
Salad of Little Farms Potato: The garden tarragon sauce was nice, otherwise, it's just fried potatos.
Moulard Duck Foie Gras au Torchon: $30 supplemental charge. The foie gras itself was silky smooth, but it wasn't quite strong in flavor. On the other hand, the pairing thick toast bread was very nice in texture. What I like about this dish is that we had 3 kinds of salt placed in front for us to sample taste with the foie gras. I love the mint flavored salt, very refreshing and interesting.
Alaskan King Crab: I like the presentation of it in a clear plastic bowl instead of white china. Butter poached crab meat, good flavor and texture. I like the side dishes more as those little beans brought out my curiousities.
Sauteed fillet of Mediterranean Lubina: Love the chorizo infusion at first bite as the flavor clearly declares its presence. The fish seemed slightly overcooked although it didn't destroy the taste.
Georges Bank Sea Scallops Poelees: I really really think the scallops were overcooked. Although the waiter explained that it's seared on one side only, I didn't find the seared side crispy, but the whole scallop texture was harder than normal.
Salmon Creek Farm Pork Belly: A very disappointing dish, or maybe I didn't expect it right. The belly itself was a bacon cut, but it wasn't fat enough. Unlike the usual pork belly where they offer crispy skin and fattening meat, this felt like it was a piece of semi-dried ham. The texture was consistent, but not fat enough to give that rich smooth feeling. The pairing kumquat on the other hand, was too stand out on its flavor. If it was toned down 20%, it would be nice.
Devil's Gulch Ranch Epaule de Lapin: The rabbit shoulder. Boy it was delicious! Excellent sauce and excellent meat texture, juicy, fresh, bouncy meat texture that gave out the pride of the chef doing everything right. Bravo!
Garnet Yam Tortellini: $50 supplement. I got greedy and went after the winter black truffle, which was a good decision. The shaved black truffle was fresh, beautiful and delicioius. Not wanting me to eat alone, the chef offered my hubby steamed egg with truffle oil and it was creamy and delish!
Snake River Farms Calotte de Boeuf Grillee: Simply put, a steak. The bone marrow sauce smelled great but the steak itself, mm, just a steak. A safe dish.
Jasper Hill Farm Habison: The cheese dish. The cheese is cows milk from Vermont, good stuff, don't like the fig and walnut pairing though, esp the fig.
The desserts were even less impressive, grapefruit sorbet, chocolate mousse, funnel cake with baked apple. All in all, I was wowed by the excellent service, and a nice kitchen tour. -
Review from Cassandra E.
San Mateo, CA
Okay-- So here it goes! Three months of anticipation certainly deserves a review!
My foodie friend and I finally made it the the French Laundry for the first time ever.
He did the regular Chef's Selection. I, the vegetarian menu.
Here's my ratings:
Service: 5 Best service I've ever experienced in my life! I got cold and one of the waiters brought a shaw to wrap over my shoulders! Another example, when I went to the restroom, my friend was not served absolutely anything until I returned to the table!
Ambiance: 5 Beautiful, simple, elegant interior. Adorably, quaint exterior. Loved the gardens across the street and the brick courtyard towards the right of entrance.
Food: 4 1/2 The dishes were not creative or amazing. One of the vegetarian courses was yogurt and granola as an appetizer...and it did not really go well with the other dishes or feel like it went with the rest of the meals; I didn't get that dish. Another course was vegetarian for the Chef's and better than mine, yet I didn't understand why we both didn't get the same thing? I wasn't the only one that felt this way though, my meat eatin' counterpart felt the same way; the way he put it was that, overall, the whole food selection didn't exactly "wow" him.
Overall rating of the French Laundry: 4 3/4 Honestly, I've had a better ;-) -
Review from Mylea C.
San Francisco, CA
1/20/2012
To the diner that was upset about the loaner jacket: Read the website.... this is the best restaurant in the world - you might want to "dress for dinner". Other diners are paying for their meal but also the experience which is meant to be elegant so yes a jacket and no jeans. I am sorry but did you hear yourself whining that you had to 'dress up' for a 1,000 dollar meal? Seriously, who is totally spoiled and entitled? Pardon my rant but am tired of spoiled people (anyone that can afford to dine here is by definition privileged in this world - self included) complaining about nonsense stuff when there are real problems in this world - real humiliations - and wearing a loaner jacket when you are too stupid to check the dress code is not at the top of my list.
Now - about the place.....
We have been twice - going back March 4 this year (just booked today for 10 people) and every time it has been all that the hype has built it up to be.
Last time we had a 16 course private meal. We are booked in the private dining room again and already salivating at the prospect of foie gras and well...really anything on the menu that day. The salts with the foie gras alone made it perhaps my favorite course. Oysters with pearls are a classic but last time it was the lamb that stole the show. If you eat say seafood or poultry but not red meat they will customize the tasting menu for you...you don't have to do the pure veggie tasting option. I have always enjoyed the cheese course as well and the little chocolates brought with coffee at the end of the meal.
The best thing about the private dining option is that there is one seating per meal (lunch or dinner) so you are at your leisure. We were becoming full so took a "break" and sat on the terrace with our wine enjoying the lovely late summer evening for perhaps 30 minutes or more. The staff were extremely attentive and when we were ready to resume our meal picked up like we had never left.
Everything was simply perfection: food, service, wine, atmosphere, - every little detail down to the place cards with our names in calligraphy.
We will keep going back as long as they are open. -
Review from Jeff P.
Hermosa Beach, CA
2/7/2012
It doesn't seem quite fair to give The French Laundry a rating of ONLY five stars. I would give it 10 stars or more, if I could. The entire experience was an unforgettable adventure in excellence. A few years ago, I enjoyed dinner at a well known restaurant in New York. Somehow, the server and I got involved in a discussion about The French Laundry. He said that he had recently made a trip to Napa and dined at this restaurant. The experience changed his life and inspired him to pursue a career in uncompromising excellence! I don't think I would go quite that far, in part because I made that commitment long ago, but I will say that dining at The French Laundry will probably impact my schedule for years to come, because I plan to return to this restaurant at every possible opportunity.
My wife and I ordered from the Chef's Tasting Menu, in celebration of our February birthdays. We arranged our selections so that we could try each of two options, when available. Each of the nine courses was an adventure in itself, with distinctive and marvelous flavor at every twist of the tongue. We relied on the sommelier to select an appropriate wine for each course. The pairings were perfect and enhanced the flavors consistently throughout. Given the unfailing excellence in all of the courses, it is difficult to pick out ones that are worthy of special note. However, I will say that for me the Moulard Duck "Foie Gras au Torchon" and the Georges Bank Sea Scallops "Poelees" stood out. The 1996 Karthauserhof Riesling "Eitelsbacher Karthauserhofberg" Spatlese from Mosel pairing with the scallops (and with the sauteed lubina) produced an amazing resonance in flavor.
The service could not have been better. Every member of the staff was delightful and informative. Timing for all transitions was perfect.
One note of caution: excellence comes with a certain price. For me, that price is absolutely worth it. However, if you or your possible dining companions are easily distracted by what you or they are paying for the experience, I would give special consideration to whether The French Laundry is the right place for you. My advice is to enjoy a day of heaven at The French Laundry and use that experience to enrich your life and not worry about the price in mere currency. -
Review from MICHAEL P.
Houston, TX
2/6/2012
Incredible from every angle you analyze it. Taste, presentation, service, ambience...
Money well spent in my opinion. Three Michelin stars... world-class food... one of the best meals you'll ever have... It sounds crazy spending hundreds of dollars on a single meal, but if you think of it in terms of a one-of-a-kind, once-in-a-lifetime (at least for me) event like your high-school prom, it makes sense. I mean, is it wise to spend lots of money on a dress/suit/limo/flowers for a glorified high school dance? Well, I thought so... it's an experience... and it's one-of-a-kind. People who don't care for food like a foodie does, might not be able to comprehend The French Laundry and its gastronomical significance. But it's a definite admission to the world that you're a connoisseur of fine flavors when you commit to fighting for a reservation 2 months in advance... and journeying out to Yountville.
There's not a single flaw in my experience there.
If you consider yourself a foodie, and you've got the means to make a trip to Yountville, you got to do it once. -
Review from Grant T.
1/27/2012
We've been to this spectacular restaurant twice now, and the second time was even better than the first time we went.
What I love about The French Laundry is that even though it's a three Michelin star restaurant, I didn't feel out of place walking in. The staff made us all feel welcome and invited, like we were dining at someone's house.
The service is impeccable! The food was good both times, and it's the first place I've been that I got to try veal brains, so that is definitely a plus in my book.
We've been in the winter and in the summer. To be honest, if you can go in the summer, I feel it's a much better dining experience. As they love to use local, seasonal produce, it gives a much better selection of ingredients to work with in the summer than the winter. The winter did give us duck with truffles, but the summer, there was just not a faulty course.
I can't recommend this place highly enough. It was my first three Michelin star experience, and still one of the best. -
Review from Cindy C.
1/18/2012 1 Check-in Here
Never wrote a review for The French Laundry? Well, what can I add that everyone else didn't already write anyway?
We came here to celebrate my birthday a few years ago, back when I felt flushed with cash (ok, that was never, but we decided to splurge anyway)... OMG, I still can taste the deliciousness after all those years!
If you can get through their reservation system, get a table, plan out your evening... GO! It's expensive (I think it was slightly less when we were there, but their website now says $270/pp + supplements if you pick upgrades, $75/bottle corkage if you bring your own wine), but SO WORTH EVERY PENNY.
So what if you have to sell your first born to afford a dinner. It's the experience that everyone should have at least once in their life.
BTW, the menu changes seasonally -- which is a note to self to go during truffle season if I ever want the experience again. :) -
Review from Jeani L.
South San Francisco, CA
1/31/2012
If this isn't fine dining at its best, I don't know what is. Usually, when I say that I've been here to foodies, I can definitely see a reaction form in their eyes. Then the questions... there's a lot to say about this place, but I'll get right into it.
Keller takes you on a journey with his food. Each dish is thought out from beginning to end, and the flavors go so well together. I know I know, it's really cliche to say such things, but I don't know how else to describe it. The menu is revised constantly according to season, and FL grows every single produce ingredient right across the street in their organic farm. There are a couple options on the menu that you could choose for additional fees, and you should get ALL OF THEM. Any option that requires some extra cash is welllllll worth it.
Service was impeccable. Every time anyone left for the restroom, someone would pretty much escort you. Your napkins are changed, folded, and placed on the the table for when you come back. Every dish is served simultaneously to each of the diners. Meaning, if you have 4 people, they bring out 4 servers and place the food on the table at the exact same time.
If you love food, you HAVE TO try this place. Boys, jackets are required, so bring one unless you want to use one of the loaners they have (not cool). -
Review from Brandi H.
Austin, TX
1/25/2012
First of all, the customer service and ambiance are truly 5 star. I was sick when i came here and could barely taste anything so I cannot really speak for the food, so I won't! However, I could still see, so I will let you in on what to expect visually.
Fabulous presentation and timing is impeccable. It needs to be since there are about 9 courses and about 3 dishes per course. Its quite overwhelming but in a good way if you love food.
Now the only reason I didn't give it all 5 stars (again, other than the fact that I really could not taste what I was eating) is because I am from Texas, so I like really good hearty meals when I go to a restaurant and the food here was a bit more for a foodie (ie. julienne radish with a drizzle over it, just an example, we ate here back in October and its now January so I honestly don't recall exact dishes) If you are a foodie this is your kind of place.
I am HUGE on customer service and they were so good to us and I would go back many times over based on that alone. Also they have the most amazing wine list, it's so long that it s on a iPad :) And I love me some wine! -
Review from Jon G.
Beverly Hills, CA
2/2/2012
If unforgettable experiences and magical mouthfeel are your thing, then consider this legendary place for your next epicurean investment. $400 per, 4 hours, 12 courses later I was left Kellerized!
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Review from Erin P.
Oakland, CA
2/1/2012
When you are going to pay this much for a meal, it had better be worth it. And let me tell you, The French Laundry completely lived up to its hype.
We went to celebrate my birthday, and it was an incredible experience. From the moment we walked in the door, all of the staff wished me a happy birthday, and we felt right at home. It was a very comfortable experience, not stuffy or pretentious. We felt like we belonged there and were ready to experience an amazing dinner. 9 courses later...we did! We joked throughout the meal that because of the small portions, we'd be getting a cheeseburger on the way home, but once the desserts came out, we almost had to be rolled out of our chairs to leave the place! I think my favorite course was the veal, but I also really enjoyed the sweet butter poached Maine lobster. I also learned what might be one of my new favorite words: Mignardises. That's french for OMG DESSERTS. They brought out all kinds of things! Homemade chocolates (lemon, peanut butter and jelly, pumpkin, hazelnut, rum and ginger, and salted caramel), then cinnamon sugar donut holes and semifreddo in a small espresso cup, then macadamia nuts in chocolate and powdered sugar, and they even brought me a small vanilla citrus birthday cake with a candle! Truly exceptional.
And the service... what can I say - it was amazing. I sipped my water, and my glass was immediately refilled. I got up to go to the restroom, and I came back to a fresh, folded napkin at my seat. It was simply magical. The staff was so friendly and professional, but would even joke around with us to lighten the mood when we felt like we were out of our league in such a fancy place.
I highly, HIGHLY recommend this. It was an incredible experience, and one that I will not soon forget. -
Review from J B.
Redwood City, CA
12/18/2011 1 Check-in Here
This really was a "Meh. I've experienced better for $700 for two people with only ONE glass of wine" experience.
My husband and I went in November, and I can't shake the feeling of how disappointed I am. Of course the food was well-prepared and delicious, but it was completely uninspired. It was beef, and foie gras, and an oyster. For the price tag, I want to be moved, marvel at brilliance and yearn to return.
TFL has gone the way of Danko's - same food year over year. Uncreative. Unoriginal. I would much rather spend my money at the warm brilliance of Saison or the heart-melting Atelier Crenn. Sure they miss on some dishes every now and then, but Skenes and Crenn TRY. They pour heart into their food, and patrons can sense it.
Beyond the unoriginality, here are some specific disappointments:
- we arrived on time for our reservation, but we were left waiting for 30 minutes until we were seated. No one offered to take our coats or even get us a drink while we waited
- the one glass of Champagne I ordered (~$38 dollars) had to be returned because it was flat. Seriously flat.
- My husband didn't wear a jacket with his shirt and tie. Sure, our bad, but they gave him a loaner that was huge. He looked like David Byrne from the Talking Heads and stood out like a sore thumb in the restaurant. Really? The shirt and tie weren't enough? Way to embarrass a patron, TFL.
We don't need to go back. -
Review from Amanda N.
Redding, CA
1/31/2012
We went with some friends and everyone was extremely impressed with this restaurant. The wait staff is friendly and very knowledgable, as is the somonye (sp? Wine specialist).
The food is exceptional, very creative and many ingredients transformed in interesting ways. Every course was filled with oohs and ahhs at our table.
The way the staff is synchronized and the timing between meals, plate clearing, etc, is unsurpassed. I challenge you to find another restaurant with staff having better execution.
A fantastic experience you will remember for a lifetime. -
Review from Jack M.
Lake Oswego, OR
12/19/2011
Delicious. Simply delicious.
If you want to know how good this place is, just scroll down...... -
Review from Kevin K.
Arlington, VA
1/5/2012
Ok so I have eaten at the TFL 3 times now and I really do have an appreciation for the consistency of the brigade of chefs and servers here.
The food is impeccable! The menu has not changed much in the past few years since I have been there, but there is something to be said about he consistency of a perfected kitchen. The oysters and pearls dish is something I wish they could double up on the serving size. It something that I savor every single time I go back....and it's the first dish that comes always a great starting course.
The wine service can get a expensive but there are so many great choices that you would not be able to get anywhere else. Come on they have Cult wines like Harlan and Screaming Eagle, but once again you are eating at one of the premier restaurants in the world. Get ready for an amazing treat with the wine list.
Can't wait to return.
cheers and happy eats! -
Review from Shauna F.
Oakland, CA
12/8/2011
What can I say about French Laundry that hasn't already been said?
The food was incredible. Inventive, stunningly executed, indulgent and beautifully presented.
Our service was impeccable. Our servers were friendly, warm and informative. As non-drinkers, I was particularly impressed that our server was willing to do non-alcoholic "pairings" that were delicious and well-suited to our dishes.
The dining space is less assuming than some high-end dining rooms but this contributed to the warm, comfortable ambiance.
If you have the opportunity to do the white truffle supplement, don't pass it up.
Absolutely amazing and worth every hard-earned penny it costs to experience it. -
Review from Sandy V.
New Boston, NH
1/21/2012
There is only one word that can describe my experience at The French Laundry: Perfection.
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Review from Jason C.
Los Altos, CA
11/21/2011
Not being able to get reservations is completely overblown. I've been here 3 times in the last 3 weeks. I only started looking for reservations four weeks ago. Passed up a number of decent openings in the meantime. You just need to know how to look and be nimble.
I thought the lunch time slot was better than the dinner ones. Gave you the opportunity to walk in the garden between courses. It's a nice respite, walking through where your vegetables were growing not so long prior. The chickens are pretty darned adorable.
Had the vegetable tasting menu this last time around. Did not miss the meat in the Chef's Tasting Menu. Seems a shame many would never try this menu.
Do get the White Truffle preparation. I got all 3 for the table today. Thought the polenta and the tagliatelle were superior to the gnocchi.
First trip two and a half weeks ago, yes, got to admit, had a little of the expectations thing going on. Not a fan of tasting menus to be honest. Never have been. So not surprised when I left not "loving" the meal. I'm happiest when there's a massive double cut, two bones slab of prime rib put in front of me. Or a non-stop, two-of-each-piece pace of the best sushi Tokyo has to offer.
But still. Left thinking deep food thoughts, due to that first trip to The French Laundry.
Maybe food wasn't about that gut-level craving. That connection to your mom's cooking (I didn't grow up on this kind of food.)
Maybe there's an aspect of food I've been ignoring. Despite having eaten at some of the best restaurants in Tokyo, New York. Something about the craft, the ingredients.
I love the best pho in San Jose (Pho 54). The best burger in Manhattan (Shake Shack, sorry, that's where it's at.) The best Japanese food in the US. The best Mexican. The best hot pot.
But when I left The French Laundry that first time, can't help but recognize the quality of all that other food, not even close to the same league.
You don't have to love the food to recognize that it is better than anything else you've eaten.
Honestly, I thought all other food is garbage.
So I had to think harder, about those meals at Jean George's Matsugen (no, does not compare). The Gotham Grill. Rowes Wharf in Boston. Todd English's Olives (some of my favorite meals).
No, still don't compare. Quality just isn't there.
Pretty stunning statement I think.
So I had to go back a second time.
And a third.
And each time, it is a surprisingly stunning statement. But it comes back to me. Consistently.
Random - but important and reoccurring thought each time - one of the things The French Laundry does absolutely right is salt. If you don't like salt, don't come.
So I sit here. Yet again, with those glorious shortcake cookies.
Honestly, The French Laundry, with a 2 hour drive up, 4 hour meal, 2 hour drive back - it's just too much in one day just for an amazing meal. It's not the money. Honestly, $270 (well, more like $500 when you add in the foie gras and the Truffles), isn't that much money for dinner for me. Guess I've had too many meals at Sushi Azabu, lol.
So what can I say. The food really is that good. But at the same time, is this kind of food really what you crave or want to be eating? It's been an interesting and enlightening experience for me. I'm sure I'll be back sooner or later. Though it's more likely later than sooner. Guess after 3 times in such a short period, I kind of feel I know what I'd get here.
In the meantime I'm planning my next trip back to Tokyo and good sushi, dreading my next trip to NYC (it'll be this month), but at least I'll get some decent grub, and very much looking forward to my next bowl of Pho at Pho 54 which will be this week for sure.
And I'll be very happy with all those eating experiences. Despite them being lacking in some respects compared to the three meals I've had here. But I'll enjoy them more, to my core.
When I come back to The French Laundry, I'll most look forward to the macadamia nuts and donuts and coffee at the end. And those shortcake cookies. And that little salmon cone at the beginning. Oh My.
The rest will be superlative, for sure. But I guess that's a necessary but not sufficient thing for me.
Oh, I guess I'll stick in some more advice, at least based on my limited experience. If it's your first time, don't splurge on the caviar supplement. Stick to the oysters and pearls, it's a signature dish for a reason. Definitely get as many soup dishes as you can. I had two this last time, and wish I could have gotten more. I guess finally have fun. Maybe that's one of the best things about The French Laundry. So much of the food is fun and delightful in a wonderfully childish Winnie the Pooh kind of way. Despite being also technically brilliant. -
Review from Steve M.
Atlanta, GA
12/13/2011
L and I had 4 bottles of wine amongst the two of us. We brought a 1982 Penfolds Grange which was the wine of the year by someone. French Laundry would not let us open the wine, as they had the wine on the list for $5000. I protested as at the time the corkage was $75. So, end result, we were not allowed to open the wine. No worries we brought 6 bottles with us as back up. Our favorite wine other than the Reverie 2001 special reserve was the 1989 Domaine Dujac Chambertin Charmes. We also had a 99 Mouton de Rothschild. It was pretty funny, since we own a winery, we wanted the wine bottles to face their custimers. Then, the waitstaff would turn the label back to face us. We wanted people spending $1000 for dinner to see our wineries label.
I think the lowest priced wine was a Chardonnay for $250. May be, they have a Sauvignon Blanc for $130. This is several years ago. What I love about the French Laundry is how each server is so knowledgeable. You do not have one server, but 20. L was amazed how they can have so much flavor in small bites. Anyone who says that they do not get full at the French Laundry is crazy. You may be starving if you do not eat before, but you get so full at the end.
Some people get mad at the long wait. Hello! That is part of going to the best restaurant, It's a marathon not a sprint.
L and I had a passionate kiss on the balcony in between meals. I loved it. We saw David Caruso from CSI who used to be on Nypd Blue,walking in as we were on the balcony. He aid hi guys as he was walking in. I say he was saying hi to me. L says it was her. It is recommended in the book 1001 things to do before you die, is go to Fl. 1000 things left. -
Review from Gina H.
San Francisco, CA
12/30/2011 55 photos
It was an absolute treat to eat here. Quite an experience, I have never had better service anywhere else. My water glass was filled everytime i drank it, the silverware was changed with each course, after 2 minutes they bought me a fresh baked warm broiche for my foie gras PURE LUXURY DINING at its best. the albalone spoon OMG! if only we have been able to keep them lol love the old fashion clothe pins we got though. we skipped the caviar supplement since it was our first time dining at the french laundry and we wanted to try the original menu first. Sadly after an entire day of drinking we didnt get to try anything from their extensive wine collection. Hopefully there will be a next time!
Oysters & Pearls - one of my favorites of the night, definitely something you can only get at a top notch restaurant such as french laundry!
Veloute of Savay Cabbage - another highlight dish of the night. although the hubby supplemented for the foie gras, i chose the soup and it was definitely a good choice on my part cuz im a brussel sprout nut! lol being a true foodie i of course stole some foie gras from the hubby
Moulard Duck Foie Gras Au Torchon - it was good! but ive had better from alexanders steakhouse and the hubby agreed. OMG Shaved foie gras is so amazing! see alexander review for details!
Sauteed Fillet of Pacific Suzuki -My mother and father in law had the fish and they gave us a bite to try but it was not really memorable.
Nantucket Bay Scallops - The hubby and I had the scallops, it was scallops like from anywhere else, which was kind of a let down since we are paying 300 a person.
Sweet Butter-Poached Maine Lobster Fricassee - OMG this was to die for! the uni was so fresh you could taste the fresh sea water it came from. this dish was absolutely nirvana. Of Course when you have fresh live lobsters delivered every morning.
LIberty Farm Pekin Duck - it was good but again not too memorable but again it was really hard to follow after having such an amazing dish like lobster. SHOULD had serve the venison instead!
Elysian Fields Farm Lamb Rack - best lamb dish anywhere hands down!
Broken Arrow Ranch Venison - OMG it was like pure foodgasm in my mouth when i ate this which only made it sadder when i had to pick between the lamb and vension and i chose the lamb since our server recommended that over the venison. The meal would of been EVEN better if i didnt have to pick between the two and since the hubby got the venison i was able to try it! THANK GOODNESS! lol
Soumaintrain - this dish really rained on my parade, and everyone else in my party agree also, definitely a dish that i could have done without. much rather just get rid of this and serve the Venison and lamb as two courses rather than making the diner pick one.
Sour Cherry Sorbet - good palate cleanser. great balance dish. would have like to actually taste the vanilla soda foam because it really didnt taste like anything, dont mention it on the menu if its going to be a let down
Alpaco Mousse Au Chocolat - it was okay it was like any other chocolate dish gotta say ive had better dessert from elsewhere. nothing too special
Pommes Anna - tried some from my mother in law, i made the right choice by picking the mousse lol
OVERALL - it was a great meal, like all meals there will be superstar dishes and there will be some that just missed the ball park. Total for 4 people: $1300 -
Review from Jeff R.
1/2/2012 1 Check-in Here
Finally, after two years of getting into the "foodie" world as a blogger, I made my pilgrimage to The French Laundry to help celebrate brother Anthony's big 4-0. We only were in town for two nights, but when one of them is in Yountville, it's bound to be a great trip. Honestly, my expectations were not through the roof even though everything I had ever read about FL would seem to place it one elevator stop short of heaven. But even if I did expect the world they would have delivered. I've recently become much more aware of how significant the company you dine with influences your overall dining experience. Our group would have had a fun and amazing time if we were eating at McDonald's or In-N-Out but the magical setting and cuisine only added to everyone's joy. It was a five hour meal with delicious course after delicious course arriving with perfect service and delicious wine pairings. There's something different and special when each course arrives perfectly cooked with flavors balanced to perfection. The French Laundry is definitely where cooks go to learn how to make the classic food amazing. It's the base foundation that allows every chef to creatively transform the classics into modern fare (see: Achatz, Grant). Finally, FL is also a required experience for any food lover and anyone that enjoys special restaurant experiences. I'm lucky to have had that experience and continue to expand my palate of comparable experiences. Now all I need is to save up for my next trip to Yountville, CA
Our favorite courses were the lamb, all of the mini starters, and an unexpected gnocchi truffle dish. Anthony was overwhelmed with his pasta and shaved white truffle addition and nearly brought to tears. Everyone agrees: the food is truly special. I can honestly say this was the best food experience of my life (so far) and worth every dollar. I look forward to returning or where ever I can have another special meal. -
Review from Marcella T.
Sunnyvale, CA
12/14/2011
Is it necessary to make you read repetitive comments?
I loved it. Every time. -
Review from Karolina P.
Palo Alto, CA
1/22/2012
WOW I loved it. Perfect service, food and interior design. The wine was nice, too. We had an exciting overall experience. We're picky cause we are used to very good french food since we lived in Paris for a long time. So t's not the best restaurant in the world, but you really get what you've paid for expensively. They are very well trained to give you that sweet feeling of being privileged to have dinner there. In french we say : à faire. You should definitely try it if you have some $400 per person ...
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Review from Brian A.
San Bruno, CA
12/6/2011
We went here for our good friend's 30th birthday in November. I have to say I had reservations about how good this meal could be. Could such an expensive meal ever live up to expectations? I almost set myself up for some type of disappointment, but I left this place with the following thoughts:
"Damn, that was the best meal I've ever had!"
"I wish I was rich, so I could go here every weekend!"
Attentive service, meticulous presentation, robust and fresh flavors... I could go on and on... this place is that damn good! -
Review from Dan D.
Jersey City, NJ
1/5/2012
After prolonging the writing of this review, here we go -
First off, if you're reading this review because you were lucky enough to get a reservation, let me congratulate you. You don't really need my recommendation or critique of TFL to know this is a once in a lifetime(or a few more after you get in the door once).
I won't rehash my menu or wine choices(wine list on iPad nice touch), cause honestly......why the hell do you care what I ate.....you'll get to experience each dish(most prepared uniquely each day) in your own way and unless you're a snob or quite picky, the dish will speak for itself.
What I can offer in this review is a vote of confidence for some of the "normal" people who are planning to make the pilgrimage to this culinary mecca. I am by no means a snob but at the same time have dined at my fair share of Michelin 2/3 Star restaurants and what I can tell you is that the staff here warms up to the vibe of the table as well as any of those other upper echelon establishments. Monty(Head waiter) was a class act and provided helpful suggestions along the journey of the evening while at the same time offering to take our table back to meet Tim Hollingsworth. Tim exuded a warmth that you do not typically find with many top tier chefs(at least in Manhattan) and it may have been our beautiful dates, but he stopped preparing the menu for the following night to allow for our homage and a bit of story telling on his part. A couple signed menus and a bit of a goody bag from the chef himself and that was our evening.......3-4 hours later.
It's an experience, not a meal and if you're able to get in the door you can still let your hair down and relax because remember, YOU'RE PAYING FOR IT. No request is too grand or miniscule so get ready for the marathon and enjoy.
***Wheelchair accessible and very accommodating*** -
Review from Dennis V.
Santa Rosa, CA
12/3/2011
Quite simply, the best meal we have ever had.
Given the hype and price, we were prepared to be disappointed. We were not. The food, service, atmosphere, and wine were all beyond our expectations.
This really introduced us to the idea that the right wine can actually make the food taste better. Not just "go" with a food. The food actually tasted different. Better with the wine and vice versa.
Reservations are quite simply a bitch to get. Each year around our anniversary date I would start war-dialing to try to get a reservation for that particular weekend. I finally got it on the third year.
This has been our yardstick for fine dining ever since. We have eaten at a lot of highly rated (Michelin and otherwise)restaurants and nothing else has measured up.
The French Laundry was also the most expensive meal we have ever had. We splurged for a special occasion, and in our opinion it was well worth it.Listed in: Michelin Starred Restaurants
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Review from Janetto L.
San Francisco, CA
My 100th review is dedicated to none other than The French Laundry.
By far, the BEST dining experience I have ever encountered. French Laundry is definitely a restaurant in it's own league. Mr. Keller pays close attention to all the little details and that is something him and staff should be commended for. Talk about making a girl feel extra special on her birthday, they did just that and much more! From the moment we opened the door, hubby and I were greeted by multiple wait staff with a "Happy Birthday" and a genuinely smile. Everyone, including the server who poured me my water to the server that I passed by on the way to the bathroom all wished me a Happy Birthday. When we were handed our menus, it had a nice surprise inside. At the top of the two chef's tasting menus, it said "Happy Birthday" with my name and the date on it. Our amazing server later gave us the menus as souvenirs to take home, with Mr. Keller's personalized birthday message to me! I seriously felt like VIP that night, I couldn't have asked for a more memorable birthday than this!
Not only was the service exceptional, the food was like magic in my mouth. Every dish was carefully prepared with great details and well executed. Some we liked more than others, especially the rib eye which was cooked to perfection. Probably one of the best cuts of meat we have ever tasted, comparable to the higher grades of Kobe beef we have had in Japan. The freshness in all their ingredients, every bite was filled with love! Not only did we have different choices of bread, but we also had various selections of butter and salt to pair it with. Among the few was the Jurassic salt and Japanese salt (reminded me of fluffy snow), both unique and different in their own ways. Since I'm not much of a wine drinker, our server carefully paired each of my meals with different dry-aged sodas which made every dish even more pleasing. Forgot to mention, their drink menus are also on ipads too, very tech savvy.
As if I didn't feel important enough, I was brought out my very own birthday cake on top of all the other great desserts we had that night! The chef's special creation on a banana cake, delicious! Hubby is not even a banana fan and he loved it also. I was also given a goodie bag of various chocolates and shortbread as a souvenir to take home.
Overall, I cannot stress how special and loved TFL made me feel, it was just an amazing experience! We were so pleased with everything that we gave additional gratuity on top of the $270 per person price that already included their service. Yes, hubby had a hard time getting us reservation (he first tried in the Summer, hoping to get us something for our 1-year wedding anniversary, but that failed). However, with some persistent and luck, it can happen!
Thank you TFL for making my birthday this year feel over the top! We cannot wait to dine here again! -
Review from ERICA B.
San Francisco, CA
1/13/2012
There is fine dining experience and there is the French Laundry Experience. This over the top where you feel you can have anything you want experience. (Except for the blonde b*tch hostess who greeted us at the front door, man was she rude.) The food isn't creative, playful, or exciting, but you can taste their execution skill and the quality of the product. You come here not to eat, but to experience. It is the complete package. Before I wanted juice, they already had a juice paired with the next dish. Before I asked to visit the kitchen the waiter already offered to take us to visit the kitchen. I can go on and on on how FL made our evening amazing, but I won't. I'll just end the review with FL IS AMAZING.
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Review from Kim L.
Oakland, CA
11/9/2011
Don't believe the hype. If I were to sum French Laundry up in one word, it would be "OVERRATED."
This review has been a long time coming. My friends from New York came and made a case to me about how their experience at Per Se was so ridiculously amazing that French Laundry would totally be worth it. Ok, lets give it a try.
I remember being so underwhelmed. The Salmon Croquettes were good, the Famous Pearl Oysters and Caviar was too salty for my taste. The Lobster and Beets was nice. The Pork 4 ways was cute. My honest favorite thing from French Laundry was the House-Roasted Macadamia Nuts that came at the end - you read that right. Their coffee and donuts were good as well and the Truffles were a nice surprise. I don't drink, so I was excited when our nice waiter offered to create something special for me to drink. I guess pure pomegranate juice is super special, because that's all I got. It was super tart and again, nothing special.
I don't know what people are talking about being stuffed after all their courses. My best friend and I all left completely disappointed and still hungry. I remember the apologies that came from him afterwards telling me that their experience at Per Se was phenomenal that he thought this should've been the same. NOPE.
Overall, the ambiance, plating and service were nice. But unfortunately, the food was just mediocre, there was nothing I found particularly special about the dishes and I had to pay a fortune to eat mediocre food and not be full, that pisses me off. If I'm going to pay that kind of money for the food or the "experience," I expect not to leave the place saying, "that's it?" -
Review from PJ H.
10/28/2011
Six stars if it were possible. This was probably the most anticpation I have ever had for something as commonplace as food. But this was not food. It was edible art, and every part of it was amazing (except the cheese course) but still it was the best meal of my life.
The service, starting with Patrick who was from Philly woop woop and Milton, were completely amazing. Very knowledgable and friendly without seeming pretentious or overwhelming. This was a five star experience that is second to none. Each dish was descrbied down to the technique, giving an explanation to the piece of art that was staring me in the face each course. I had 6 different types of salt, seconds and thirds of the homemade peanut butter and jelly chocolates. Overall, I could not have been more impressed with the service.
We also got the tour of the kitchen, since we were some of the last people in the place. We also met the Chef de Cuisine, who could not have been cooler. He signed our menus and sat and talked to us about the daily process of making the menu for about 10 minutes.
The food, was incredible. We ate there on 10/23/2011, and I dont feel like putting the whole menu up on here. Each plate was so carefully constructed and each ingredient was so delicious. The highlights for me were the Oysters and Pearls, with the biggest pile of caviar I ever had, the Lobster course, with veal jous, bone marrow, and potato glass, as well as the beef course, which was the most succuclent piece of meat I ever ate. The Ahi Tuna, which was cured in salt for 24 hours and served with a delcious 1000 Island gastrique and veggies was fantastic as well.
Worth every penny.
Thank you to the foh and boh staff for a fantastic experience, well worth the 3000 mile journey. -
Review from Aaron R.
Santa Clara, CA
This place is AMAZING a guaranteed panty dropper! Take your lady here and you are sure to get some crazy hot vacation sex after! Or so I hear... =)
Everything you've herd in about this place is true, its likely going to be the best meal you have ever had your entire life
I think everything that can be said about the service and the food has already been covered in the previous reviews... so instead I'm going to talk about how I somehow lucked my way into eating at this wonderful place.
As anyone who has tried getting reservations here knows, its a difficult quest to undertake. I've tried multiple times over the years to get a table here, usually while I am dating somebody... I always envisioned earning some serious boyfriend points for taking a girl here...
However all my attempts ended in failure... and this place fell off my radar and went onto my bucket list... fast forward to June of 2011 and my luck changed.
On a random Thursday I got a private message from a friends girlfriend... Inviting me to go to this awesome place with her... because she somehow was able to get a table for lunch on the upcoming Sunday...
Which was rather weird especially considering my friend (her boyfriend) was in Europe at the time.
Okay I may not be the sharpest tool in the shed, but even i could see that there maybe a potential conflict here so I declined... your boyfriend is out of town, and your inviting his best friend to super romantic restaurant... not cool.
Then on Friday I get a message from my buddy who is still in Europe, inviting me along, and explaining further that he will be back in town in time to attend, and they have a table for FOUR this was new information that I wasn't aware of before... so I was back in!
However that posed a new problem... who to invite along... a place this romantic should be shared with a special, but I wasn't seriously dating anyone at that moment... which posed a new problem.
I know it was going to be a long meal, and I know its going to be expensive, so I had to come up with a list of unattached female friends who wouldn't mind dropping that kind of coin and would be good company for 4hrs +
Lucky for me I know a lot of people, So I asked the first person on my list and she jumped at it... so that crisis was adverted... or so I thought.
Our table was for lunch on Sunday, and I agreed to touch base with my buddy on Saturday to workout the details.
That same Saturday there was a house party at a mutual friends place which we were both supposed to attend, so I figured we can connect there and figure out the carpooling etc... but she didn't show.... waaaah!
I tried calling and texting her, but didn't get a response, and I needed to find someone else to replace her ASAP! The restaurant will not seat us unless the full party of four is present and they will charge him a cancellation fee.
So its 11:30pm on a Saturday night and I'm freaking out.
I send out a text to another female friend who lives up in the city, and thank goodness she responds!
I explain the whole situation and she has concerns over dropping a major wad of cash on a meal, on such short notice... and this is where I ended up pissing her off.....
In a very playful, funny way, I responded that I was totally willing to pay for her meal, she just has to sleep with me... and I would be getting the better part of the deal...
Yea... that didn't go over so well... NOT at all... its smooth moves like that may give you insight to why i'm still single =p
She was PISSED at me for insinuating that she was a cheap floozy... so I quickly apologized and backtrack backtrack backtracked!
Yea lucky for me my friend is uber cool and decided to forgive my rude (yet humorous) implication that she would put out for an awesome meal =P
That's mark of a good friend really, she totally cancelled her previous Sunday plans, and filled in at the last moment...
Once all the roadblocks had been resolved we proceeded to have the best meal of our lives... the first girl did get back to me saying she wasn't going to flake, and she just passed out on Saturday night... guess it wasn't meant to be.
Oh as for how my buddy's girl scored our table, she didn't really elaborate, but it involved calling at the right time and asking about cancellations or something... yea for those of you out there looking for a cheat code to get a reservation, one does exist, but I have no clue on how to do it...
The meal was worth every penny, it was perfectly timed, and the quality of the food is something you should experience at least once in a lifetime.
i will totally comeback someday, but next time I resolve to do so with somebody that I'm dating... any takers? =P -
Review from kim n.
Updated - 10/25/2011
For all the folks that I've been able to get to know this year, you are stellar, and continue to set the bar for excellence in dining out. To Guillaume, Larry, Kevin, Aubrey, Shannon, Desi, Sophie, all the others whose names I've not yet learned/those who I've still not met; you make it pleasure to experience TFL. It is always exciting and fun just like it was the first time. Congrats on the continued track of 3 Michelin Stars for the 2012 guide. I suppose people have come to expect nothing less.
Two virgins and a veteran for this last time around. We are taken care of by Kevin Macway again, one of the longest standing Captains and TFL employees of all time. The one dubbed by Guillaume as "The Machine". There's a moment where the veteran gets so excited about the truffled custard in eggshell that he white knuckle grips the delicate presentation, trying to get the last bites. In doing so he also manages to obliterate it in hundreds of tiny fragments. In seeing this, we all laugh our asses off.
He then proceeds to ask Kevin, "How many people have broken an egg like this during the life of this restaurant?"
Kevin replies smoothly, "Well, there was this gentleman back in '93. Of course Thomas Keller didn't buy the restaurant until '94, so I guess technically in our incarnation you're the ONLY one."
Me: "Doh! You just got got verbally Pimp Slapped! hahaha! You're new nickname is the 'Huevos Crusher!' "
And to think they let people like us into their nice establishment :)
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"OYSTERS AND PEARLS"
"Sabayon" of Pearl Tapioca with Island Creek Oysters and White Sturgeon Caviar
ROYAL OSSETRA CAVIAR
Crème Fraîche "Panna Cotta," Grapes, Aloe, Sorrel
and Jacobsen's Farm Apple "Granité"
SALAD OF HAWAIIAN HEARTS OF PALM
French Laundry Garden Melons, Hass Avocado, Cilantro and Finger Lime-Yuzu Vinaigrette
MOULARD DUCK "FOIE GRAS EN TERRINE"
Silverado Trail Strawberries, Gros Michel Banana, Fennel, Walnuts and White Honey
ATLANTIC COD "CONFIT À LA MINUTE"
French Laundry Garden Cherry Tomatoes, Black Pepper "Sablé" and Beet Essence
GEODUCK CLAM "SMOKED CHOWDER"
Hobbs' Bacon, Brentwood Corn, Celery and Fingerling Potatoes
SWEET BUTTER-POACHED MAINE LOBSTER TAIL
Bone Marrow, Lobster Mushrooms, Nantes Carrots, Petite Onions and Tarragon
LIBERTY FARM PEKIN DUCK
Mountain Huckleberries, Tokyo Turnips, Watercress and Aged Balsamic Vinegar
ELYSIAN FIELDS FARM LAMB RIB-EYE
"Ribettes," Cous Cous, Cauliflower, Fairytale Eggplant, Jingle Bell Peppers, Arugula and Spanish Capers
MARCHO FARM "CÔTE DE VEAU"
"Ris de Veau," Summer Pole Beans, Swiss Chard and Dijon Mustard
"TOMME DE BREBIS"
White Peaches, Belgian Endive and Marcona Almonds
WHITE GRAPEFRUIT SORBET
Champagne "Gelée" and Vanilla-Grapefruit "Nuage"
CARAMELIZED WHITE CHOCOLATE "NAMELAKA"
Piedmont Hazelnuts, Toasted Oats and Black Mission Fig Sorbet
"NECTARINE MELBA"
Sicilian Pistachio "Pain de Gêne," Andante Dairy Yogurt, "Biscotti" and Raspberry Sorbet
MIGNARDISESListed in: Michelin Guide ala KQN
8 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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10/17/2011
I had brought three TFL virgins into the mix this time..As I mentioned in a previous review, one of… Read more »
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Review from Sh S.
Manhattan, NY
12/29/2011
Waiter spilled wine all over my tablecloth; same wine we ordered at Per Se in NYC was $100.00 MORE expensive at French Laundry.
I had asked for the meat to be well done, came to me very rare. I had to send it back for more fire. My date's meal sat there getting cold - they didn't offer to take it and keep it warm until mine came back out.
All in all, not a great experience at all.
Frankly, PER SE is a hell of a lot better in all aspects. -
Review from Alice L.
New York, NY
1/1/2012
Bottom line: fantastic food that lived up to expectations, but surprisingly poor service.
The food was definitely worth a visit to the French Laundry. Some of my favorites were the oyster, caviar, and tapioca dish, as well as the most amazing beef I've ever had--well-marbled, tasted like the toro equivalent of beef.
I was very surprised by how bad the service was, considering the steep prices, but perhaps the inclusion of the service fee in the prixe fixe price has something to do with this. We encountered a series of mistakes that typically never happen at restaurants of this caliber.
--No one came to take our wine order. We had to ask to place it
--Our primary server asked me whether I enjoyed my foie gras one course before I actually had it.
--We were given the wrong silverware for one of the courses (soup spoons for people not having soup), which had to be replaced.
--They prepared the wrong cheese course for my mother and had to replace
--We were celebrating my birthday, so my sister requested that a dessert with candle be brought to our table, but they gave it to my husband instead
--They served the tea I ordered to my mother, who ordered coffee
We still had a great time, considering the food, but I it's time for the French Laundry to re-evaluate the service they provide. -
Review from Priscilla L.
11/9/2011
I was lucky enough to get a reservation at the French Laundry a year and a half ago. The food and service is pretty amazing but I've only rated them 4 stars here due to value for money and availability. At 250/pp and an additional 250/pp for wine pairing made for an expensive lunch. On top it that it took me over a year of constant calling at the 2 month mark to get a reservation.... I expected a spectacular foodgasm experience for that kind of patience. I was tickled happy but nowhere close to a gasm.
We opted for 1 wine pairing to share between to people. The waiter was very very very generous with his pours. I was definitely a little giddy leaving the restaurant. We also added on a black truffle tagliatelle.... Now this dish was definitely a foodgasm... WOW. I will always remember that little brown Pandora's box that contained two large black truffles. The waiters are also very generous with their shavings - don't be shy to ask for a little more!
Other than the tagliatelle I cannot remember a single dish I had that afternoon. The service was attentive but no where as amazing as Danko's. The menu changes daily so you can request for a copy of the menu as a memento of your dining experience. The waiter also gave us a beautifully written list of the paired wines we drank that afternoon.
Overall it was a wonderful experience however I wouldn't bother to try to reserve again unless I suddenly started growing a money tree in my backyard. I'd save it to try other top 100 restos. -
Review from Mary S.
I tried getting in, I had no reservations and I tried to convince the maître d That I was the great grand daughter of King Stanislaw II (Count August Antoni Grabowski Poniatowski) of Poland. Yes "Polish Royalty" I even said in my fake polish accent, "How dew you sey ouhhm resawation
so when this did not work, I fell over saying I am having a diabetic attack and I need the cepes bordelaise with a glass of robust red wine. That got me nowhere. Next time I will just do my reservation a few months before hand so I can update this review
Bon appetit! -
Review from Jeffrey S.
San Francisco, CA
11/8/2011
This place is really, really good.
OR SO I'VE HEARD. -
Review from David L.
San Francisco, CA
11/30/2011
We waited 40 minutes for our last course, the cheese plate, while the waiter was yapping with the pretentious table next to us that ordered Beluga caviar and Grand Cru Champagne.
The regular prix-fixe course was a little underwhelming for how much it cost, but the Christmas white truffle special course was indeed divine. I would only go back for that.
Ah, and when we got home, we found out that the 35 year-old bottle of Mouton-Rothschild that we had kept as a souvenir had the cork inside the bottle -- what the heck?!
Vraiment très dommage. -
Review from Richard P.
Rancho Cucamonga, CA
1/6/2012 1 Check-in Here
Ok a little late, but I really couldn't think to add anything that was not already said... My wife was lucky enough to get through the res line and score a Sat lunch time res for my birthday, we had three different people all calling at the same time trying to get through and by the time we did all dinner was booked! BEST MEAL I HAVE EVERE HAD!!!! We were treated like a king and queen throughout the whole experience! We will return again soon some day, I hope.
