Review of The USA's MOST FAMOUS Fine Dining Restaurant

It’s our last stop in this five part series, discovering the best 3 Michelin star restaurants in California.
We started with Atelier Crenn, checked out Single Thread, went to Quince and Benu and now, we are here to visit the most famous fine dining restaurant in the USA, The French Laundry.
This is a Thomas Keller restaurant. Chef Keller is the first and only American-born chef to hold multiple 3 star ratings in the Michelin Guide.
---------------------------------------------------------------
Do you want more content from the world's top restaurants?
Instagram - / alexandertheguest
My name is Alexander. I’m the co-owner of a ONE Michelin star restaurant, and I’m on a mission - to find inspiration in gastronomy. I love fine dining, good wine and sharing what I know with other people.
Check out my restaurant:
/ 42restaurant

[@valeriegowan1098]

I have spent many hours watching your channel and today my heart was swelled with joy. In my late 20’s, shortly after Don and Sally sold the French Laundry, I started working for Sally’s son in Boonville California. I had a long beautiful friendship with both Sally and Don, attending their wonderful, cooking classes and harvest parties as our properties were directly across the road from each other. I love that you told Sally’s story as well for there would be no French laundry without her. Literally brought me to tears.

[@mabikas8216]

I didn’t know about Sally and Don before this.

[@raymondmartinez4409]

The Gowan farm stand is my favorite farm stand in the Anderson valley :)

[@dougfrederick3283]

Comparing FL and Per Se is apples and oranges…I think you appreciate and love PerSe more IF you’ve eaten at PerSe first…either way Kelley’s genius is on display at both in different ways

[@sanj1982]

I love this reply. As an obsessed foodie, I thought I knew quite a bit about the French Laundry but sadly did not know the history. I was happy to learn about it.

[@valeriegowan1098]

@@sanj1982 , You should check out her cookbook, which is also an autobiography called Six California Kitchens.

[@USMCRonin]

This channel deserves 3 Michelin stars. Really appreciate the story telling and the recognition of staff you did in this episode.

[@stop736]

Totally agree Devil…I love watching this channel and seeing things that I will never get to experience. I am jealous of him or anyone that is fortunate enough to have food and services like the restaurants this channel shows! But I wonder if this food is as good as what we’d get at Horno or Margarita (53 and 33 area at Camp Pendleton)…😅 That chow hall food was gourmet back then. But now I think my taste buds have changed! 🤣🤣. In the end, I’ll take almost anything over having another day of the same MRE’s. 😅

[@snagod]

Just wait. He is not chasing sensations (as in drama) so channel growth is slower than wanted, but just you wait, this will blow up.

[@finbarshields]

This

[@dontsleephungry716]

if exaggeration was a person, smh.

[@AlexanderKhaminets]

nobody cares. it's all about money..

[@robdielemans9189]

Love how you pick out excellence in servers and put them in the spotlight. It's such a tricky profession and finding gems are rare, but also frequent.

[@karthikkonath3255]

My favorite part of this episode, beyond just the incredible display and review of the food and wine, without a doubt, was the focus you put on highlighting *individual* members of the staff that made it such a special experience for you! Kudos!

[@1OwenGoodwin]

Could not agree more!

[@ishanmartins1539]

Isn't this gentleman the greatest storyteller??? He gives credit, where credit is due.. He teaches us, where teaching is necessary and he gives us an experience to feel it together.

[@stellaproductions1493]

PLUS the videography is gorgeous. Kudos to whomever is filming /editing.

[@MikeGowan-xo9yv]

Holy cow Sally speaking made me cry. That was the most genuine, “I just want to cook”…

[@dougcargill6730]

Back in the ‘90s I was able to enjoy the French Laundry under both Sally and Thomas. Two of the culinary highlights of my life.

[@zes7215]

wrr

[@GracieBarraCT72]

Hope that server gets to hear the compliment you give him. Knowing someone who travels and experiencing the best of the best gave you such praise. Well deserved.

[@anishiyer4936]

I live with him. Yes he did

[@Mac2095]

@@anishiyer4936Aww yes! Sweet sweet resolution 🤤 it tastes so good ahhh I fuckin love that shit. I live for this shit. Feel good story of the fuckin (week)* right there- the guy was great at his job, he got the recognition he deserved for it, then he SAW IT AND YOU TOLD US THAT HE SAW IT 🎊 🎉 💥 🤯 🍾 🥂 I’m gonna have a wet dream about this moment and the feeling it’s bringing me later tonight. 😎 *The Olympics are going on right now, so feel-good stories are in high supply- otherwise it would be maybe #1 of the month. But it’s a tough competition week for feel-good stories: The Olympics are like the Olympics of feel-good stories if ya know what I mean.

[@bbrruuccee2]

​@@anishiyer4936i didn't want to share him with the world: I just saw him last week after requesting him again. Tell him Bruce wholeheartedly agrees when you see him :)

[@im6870]

It's nice when you shout out exceptional waiters, sommeliers etc. Also love you sitting down and solo drinking $1500 of wine

[@shyeluk]

Luckily he got a $800 reduction hahah

[@jeffwei]

@@shyeluk that was for the food

[@yungcocoacrisp]

@@shyelukit says “received”. It was probably the amount charged for the deposit.

[@ziggymarlissa358]

I laughed so hard at the General Kenobi joke.

[@CG-hf2cd]

Same. If I ever have anybody say that to me that has to be my response from now on.

[@cwg73160]

ok

[@zes7215]

wrg, outx, can outx etc any nmw s perfx

[@trevortan1589]

whats the joke?

[@ziggymarlissa358]

@@trevortan1589 Go watch episode 3, Revenge of the Sith

[@snoopycs1102]

" Didn't want to change the world, just wanted to cook " ❤❤

[@ageoflove1980]

Sounds a bit like false modesty. I mean, sure he is a good cook but who ever brought up "changing the world" here when discussing preparing expensive food?

[@ferryfernandus1423]

@@ageoflove1980 a new flavor sensation, techniques and the way people think about what food can do, is an amazing and sometime, game changing mindset... some people even tried to do at least a bit of what they taste on some of these michelin star chefs.. since the food is either that good or intriguing them at most.. also expensive food, did you see how much it cost for their cost operations etc? remember noma why did they close? and some other 3 michelin star that ends up closing because its too expensive?

[@jjhaya]

@@ageoflove1980 Thomas Keller didn't say it; it was Sally.

[@highnoon2844]

​@@ageoflove1980I immediately thought the same too lol. No one even remotely mentioned her 'changing the world'. Where did that come from? 😂

[@nunyabusiness8000]

Made me tear up a bit tbh

[@k_meleon]

I couldn't even say for how long I've been waiting for this video! Thank you Alexander, your videos are always a treat.

[@zes7215]

wr

[@user-gt8xs5ty5l]

X employeee here in the comments. Just a small heads up your menu isn’t what every guest enjoys , the 4 cold snacks before hand coming from the canapé section means you were probably listed down as a Red VIP . So your menu is longer and has a lot more intricate bites and touches along the way . Still one of the best restaurants I’ve cooked at !

[@waltersoto4624]

Disagree, his menu is on par with what I’ve had, I am not a red VIP

[@A656ER5]

I had similar menu to Alex, pretty sure I'm not a "Red VIP"

[@bbrruuccee2]

i was there last Sunday and those were not part of either the vegetarian nor the regular menu.

[@Niorath]

A huge contributor to California's amazing restaurants is our proximity to where the produce is grown. Other regions do have seasonal local produce but California has access to local, fresh from the farm produce basically all year. The freshness just allows for a completly different style of cooking which is why many chefs from other regions have a more difficult time establishing themselves here.

[@CptShiba]

Dont forget the incredible bounty from the ocean!

[@kevincucumber1118]

Yea well in Ohio we have cows!!!

[@heyaisdabomb]

And produces in every direction. North, South, East, and... Well the ocean to the West! We're very lucky to have the quality of food we have here!

[@fredsanford2589]

california is the agricultural crown jewel of the planet you can do multiple harvests of the same crops some species that only bloom once a year will do so 2x here

[@benlevin7296]

I really enjoyed your California series. French Laundry was my first foray into the world of Michelin 3-stars back in 2007 (under chef Corey Lee at the time) and it was a very special memory. Thank you for giving this place the attention it deserves.

[@zes7215]

wrr

[@uncle_gazpacho]

Junmai is not a sake producing company. Junmai refers to the style of brewing sake - without the need to add additional alcohol. In sake production it is common to add alcohol to get to the anticipated alcohol content , while in junmai sake, the whole alcohol content of the sake arises from the brewing process!

[@SubSovereign]

Thank you for pointing this out. Sincerely, your local sake brewer.

[@wildmaximilian]

Came here to say junmai wasn't a place but a method of sake production! Even with that misunderstanding, he still sold me on wanting to try this particular one 🍶😋

[@scottsudo-nim9629]

@uncle_gazpacho Yep, was SMDH at that gaffe. You were a lot more gracious in your comments than the thoughts racing through my head.

[@gstanley75]

I am laughing while this video is interrupted by a Taco Bell ad. 😂

[@kdeeznuttz]

Bring the enchirito back😂

[@Goldendoodledaddy]

California is larger than most countries. There are 40 million residents and they have the world’s fifth largest economy only behind the USA, China, Germany and Japan. Of course they are going to have some outstanding restaurants. Love your videos. Thanks for sharing with us.

[@debradiblasi4275]

CALIFORNIA was a terrific series. I look forward to more regional series - and individual locales, as always. Thank you!

[@13_13k]

Being born and raised in Los Angeles but also living in Marin County(between San Francisco,Sonoma, and Napa) for 16 years from 30 yrs old until 46 yrs old and being a very good home cook and baker, from a family of cooks and bakers, I've eaten some of the best food and drank some of the best wines in the world from Michelin rated restaurants to family dinners that compare to the best restaurants, having lunch at the incredible wineries every month or so, having memberships to wineries like Domaine Carneros, Viansa, Nicholson Ranch and of course going to so many other wineries for tastings, lunches, etc... we Californians are so lucky to have the farms and the wineries that allow us to have the world's best food and drink from fresh seafood from the Pacific Ocean to freshwater rivers for fish that run wild, premium creameries for fresh cheeses to the most incredible fresh fruits and produce as well as all varieties of top grade meats. My family members have been to The French Laundry but I still have not been. I've eaten at a handful of Michelin one, and two star restaurants in San Francisco and Los Angeles and am fortunate for that. I've enjoyed your videos and glad you had great experiences in California despite all the craziness going on these days. It still is the jewel of the States.

[@axe2grind244]

Unfortunately many of the places in this country with some of the best food are in places most people do not want to live. LA, San Fran, Seattle, Chicago, NYC etc

[@xsrxd3vlstheory]

@@axe2grind244 Nah, I love living here. One of the best places in the world

[@Wagner555]

@@xsrxd3vlstheory nah its a shitshow and you know it.

[@CrowsofAcheron]

​@@axe2grind244 California is overcrowded, the most populous state in the union. Literally the opposite of what you state. Or is everyone trapped there?😂

[@brozors]

Just an fyi, this isn’t the typical French Laundry experience. This looks more elevated than the meals I’ve experience twice. But honestly, it’s great to see what the service looks like when they’re at the top of their game, especially with the content this channel provides.

[@creeperzoid2639]

they are obviously aware that this is going on youtube

[@mickeyreilley3474]

Ate there in April 2024 and this totally in-line with what we were served. Same waiter and sommelier too.

[@bbrruuccee2]

​@@mickeyreilley3474i was there last Sunday and also had Brighton, but the dishes were not from either regular menu.

[@noelveigacoutinho]

" I didn't want to change the world , I just wanted to cook" that line just hits home! It is sentimentally moving!!!! Thank you once again for this review. As always , your content is capturing and so interesting.

[@ian3314]

Wow this looked so awesome. That fish course with the colors on the fish looked amazing. Thank you for letting us experience these places with you.

[@dau2473]

Whats incredible is that this content isn't new, it's just told in a different way. Very similar to dining experiences. Anthony Bourdain did an episode on The French Laundry and it was phenomenal... 4 grown men had trouble completing all the courses. This review is refreshing and excellent, and a great tribute to one of the best food critics.

[@Dee0336]

They were served 4 different tasting menus and every course the restaurant had to offer that were not available to non chef customers, including all dessert courses.

[@djdksf1]

Thanks to some 'insider trading' from my in-laws at the time, we were able to book the small banquet room for 6 at French Laundry for my ex's birthday back in the mid-aughts. To this day, the most memorable dining experience of my life. Since we were separate from the rest of the very cozy restaurant and were there with some culinary and wine industry friends, we literally had our own wine program (we brought a couple special bottles that were very thoughtfully worked in) and the menu was customized specifically for us, with the usual classics from the prix-fixe included, of course. Literally a new bread from Bouchon and very localized butter for each course, which was insane. Every single element of this afternoon and evening was like something out of a dream. Nearly 6 hours of pure heaven, and a lot of fun too! This was during the reign of Corey Lee, who would go on to open Per Se a couple years later, which I was also very privileged to try, and in October, just after they'd received their allotment of Alba white truffles. That was the only time I've ever had that incredible and rare ingredient and it was truly mind-blowing.

[@bruceharlick3322]

My first visit to the French Laundry remains my favorite dining experience in America. Loved your review and it reminds me that I need to bring my wife (who's never been) there for an occasion soon. (My second favorite dining experience in America was at the old Cyrus in Healdsburg. Fantastic! I highly recommend that you visit the new Cyrus in Geyserville if you return to Northern California. Chef Douglas Keane is doing amazing things with a great concept and while the place "only" has 1 star now [awarded mere months after opening], we really expect that to go up in the nearish future.) Thanks for the great series of reviews of places in my hometown area.

[@nathaneastmure]

I absolutely loved this episode. Highlighting the work of the staff, especially Brighton, (hope I spelled his name right) was very touching. Such an amazing compliment and beautifully said. The guy is clearly a rockstar in his field. So many great comments to read as well. Not gonna lie I had tears in my eyes by the end of this one.

[@finbarshields]

Love the history/attention to the place and setting, the reverence you show these parts of the world and the people behind the place by including this in your video. Makes for a really wholesome and culturing viewing experience.

[@FireCracker3240]

The famed French Laundry. A destination I have always dreamed of but never imagine I'll have the honor of visiting. I'm so pleased to have had this inside look at this legendary culinary locale. I can tell that the service is second to none, with a well tended to staff that's honored to be there. And, of course, the artistry of the dishes was absolutely mind blowing. The wines look about as impressive as the food. Restaurants like this don't exist by accident. It's hard work, talent, dedication to the craft and single minded focus of making a truly one-of-a-kind place thrive in a cut-throat industry. I'm grateful for the review, Alexander. I'm a new subscriber, enthusiastically.

[@robb7148]

Love the format! The history, the food, and the way you highlighted the staff. So good.

[@geoffroyraby8896]

Bravo Alexander. Another great video. I moved from France to SF 24 years ago and owned my restaurant here for 12 years. I loved how you show your experience. Thank you for your channel and the great work you do. Next time you come, I’ll take for a drink.

[@MarioGarcia-qw6dd]

My wife and I went there for her birthday 2 years ago and Brighton who you mentioned at the end picked us up to go to the restaurant as part of their service. I would agree with everything you said about him.

[@sam-to1mw]

It would seem then, that the only thing Alexandre the Guest can't do, is miss. Another very watchable, entertaining and instructive video; definitely one of my favourite channels on here.

[@zes7215]

wr

[@83jcarrillo]

Alexander please keep making these amazing videos! Always a treat to keep learning from these amazing restaurants and their Sommeliers! Thank you

[@NoahfromEarth]

Alexander it is honestly a pleasure to see your channel grow.. you truly make great videos. i'm really truly happy for you

[@TimK2646]

Here we go on another Euros 2,000 Gourmet Journey. To be fair, you are the best and thank you.

[@zes7215]

wrgg

[@paulmurphy8993]

I had the best meal of my life there fifteen years ago and I still relive it regularly in my dreams. I was so happy to see your experience was as good as mine. 🎉

[@Dutchbrother07]

Gavin Newsom loves this place so much, he couldn’t wear his face mask during his birthday party in the middle of the pandemic despite repeated stressing how important it is to stay away from public places and always wear a mask. What a great restaurant!

[@VijayARajendran]

Such heart and soul in this video. You bring your joy of food to this channel and also transmit what makes the special people at this and other restaurants so unique.

[@ganeshs1151]

The most underrated channel on YT 🔥

[@zes7215]

wr

[@nkiseki]

The French Laundry has such a special place in my heart! It was my first Michelin 3 star restaurant and my first foray into fine dining. I still remember the oysters and pearls being the star dish of the meal. But what really stood out to me was the warm hospitality and attentive service. I have been to many other top tier restaurants since then, but The French Laundry front-of-house team still sets the standard of excellent service for me. Their team made me realize that high end dining can be approachable for everyone.

[@acrophobe]

Your videos never disappoint. The expert reviews and commentary combined with the deep research and ultra high production values definitely put this in my top 5 foodtube channels.

[@zes7215]

wr

[@nm4698]

What a great review, Alexander. The French Laundry is the pinnacle of consistent excellence in American cuisine. I respect that your compliments go beyond the food. Your praise for the people who work there is a sign of awareness we don't see much in restaurant videos.

[@slimerone]

Thank you for shouting out the people of the restaurants and not just the food

[@BrienBellJTS]

So glad you were able to experience the California 3-Stars, but it’s too bad you couldn’t have visited a few years earlier when we were the crown of US Michelin with 8 3-star restaurants at once, and 9 in total over a few years time. Saison is still around & maintains 2 stars, while Coi, Manresa, and most tragically The Restaurant at Meadowood have all closed. Meadowood, especially, is heartbreaking as it was lost during the Glass Fire of 2020. My wife and I got engaged there, and it was an incredible evening. Hoping that Chef Kostow will reopen eventually…

[@westlylewis1]

I feel spoilt just watching your content. As a creative myself, I am tickled pink by your excellent production value, effortless writing style and delivery. What a joy this episode was. Truly inspirational and aspirational. Keep 'em coming...❤

[@shashiprakash-vm5ub]

Really appreciate the gesture to highlight the service ⭐️

[@two20john]

In another life I'll come back a foodie, in the meantime, I'll get my pleasure watching you review these fantastic places. To be honest I could make do with the wines:)

[@Niggoification]

your videos are incredible and besides the amazing shots, storytelling, etc - I LOVE the fact that you give such as big shoutout to the impressive service individuals! absolute class and incredible and potentially career changing feedback for them

[@mathieuferlandkozicz1335]

If ever you go back to California go to Somni is Los Angeles when it opens back up, best restaurant I’ve been to in the USA (have been to EMP, Alinéa, FL, etc)

[@bgood8225]

I could listen to him talk all day he has such a calm and nice voice

[@toughlikerocks]

The French Laundry is an amazing example of how set and setting can affect the dining experience. I've eaten at TFL and Per Se, and honestly found the food to be fairly similar (I think TFL has a slight edge). But while my experience at Per Se was somewhat underwhelming, dinner at The French Laundry was one of the best dining experiences of my life. The history, the sense of place, the sheer monumentality of the restaurant, combined with absolutely perfect service-it was divine. Even when a couple of the courses fell a little flat (this is relative of course, a 7/10 Thomas Keller dish is still pretty damn good) it didnt matter, it somehow didn't deteact at all from the overall experience. It was a meal I'll remember for the rest of my life. Glad to see TFL is still going strong after all these years.

[@zes7215]

wr

[@LngemerBenedicy]

Life is a gift, and it offers us the privilege, opportunity, and responsibility to give something back by becoming more

[@douglasjames6697]

You are the best in the game Alex..wonderful production from your team.

[@kma3647]

I really appreciate the well rounded review here. I'm no fine dining connoisseur by any means, but what I can appreciate is that at this level, it's about a total experience from first contact (you had a nightmare trying to book a table!) to the moment you walk out the door. It's an experience delivered by both the front of the house and the back, by the artists in the kitchen and the business folks who make sure the dollars and cents work. Recognizing the waiter, the talent of the staff in general, the wine selection, the setting, and all the rest is important. There was art and beauty in every aspect of that experience, from the tributes to the original restaurant to the latest innovations, and back to the roots of French desserts with the macaroons. I appreciated the commentary from the chef. If you're going to pay for such a meal, you almost feel like he should come out and explain his vision a bit and see if you found it compelling. I'm glad you had a great experience. You certainly communicated that it's something anyone would want to put on their bucket list! Bravo

[@Yotam1703]

An extravagant dinner demands extravagant peaked lapels haha. I’m sure we would love an episode dedicated to your wardrobe.

[@guywheeler4225]

Damn, those compliments for Brighton gave me the chills. Beautiful video, and now I'm gonna need to try to get in there. Cheeers!

[@cliffordnorton2674]

Great review and nice to praise the waiter Brighton 👍👍👍

[@zes7215]

wrrr

[@bbrruuccee2]

he is insanely good at his job. i request him whenever i go, and saw him last week. he's a rockstar!

[@tonyrodriguez4943]

I love watching Alexander’s videos and appreciate that he gave my home state of California a try. I also love that I watch his videos right before I watch Are You Garbage? That’s a collaboration that would be amazing.

[@kentkachigian7035]

I met Thomas when he was guest Chef & I was painting portraits of LA Chefs, to help me meet other Chefs he invited me to Mondavi’s 80th, he said I’m done with LA I’m headed north, he’s a perfectionist out of respect, to understand him read the portion of his 1st book where his uncles sends him out to kill the rabbit in order to cook it, so happy for his success

[@KontarAlt]

can we talk about that incredible plate that caviar dish came in? i want one of those

[@Streetmandiscovery]

this incredible edit..... KISS YOUR FILMMAKING TEAM FROM ME

[@2525warren]

I love that you highlighted the service staff.

[@noewantstosleep]

I've lived in the Bay Area all of my life, and it wasn't until I skipped town that I realized just how lucky and spoiled I've been to have access to such delicious food! Even outside of fine dining, there is a plethora of excellent farm-to-table restaurants right around the corner. I couldn't be more grateful when I visit home now.

[@Wrecktoid]

The French Laundry is incredible, I was blown away by the service, food and hospitality! Also, their garden across the street is amazing as well!

[@moonbalancedd]

Finally french laundry. I'm happy to see all the classics. Coffee and donuts, cornets, oysters and pearls. Sad you didn't get to meet Keller.

[@neonomad1939]

What an amazing series it's been.. Loved this last one especially...

[@westlarper]

loved the cali series, glad to see you got to try the french laundry, keep up the good work man

[@yoochoob]

I celebrated my birthday at TFL many moons ago. It is the best of the best. I will never forget the food, service and the whole experience. Food, wine and great company. Cheers and thank you for the excellent content.

[@zes7215]

wr

[@conrad_yt]

We were there last year and I totally agree about Brighton! So much grace and charisma. Thank you French Laundry for an amazing experience.

[@AlexandriaDC]

French Laundry and her sister restaurant across the street are wonderful. Especially if take time to walk the gardens 💙

[@bourbontraveler]

Have had several friends that have dined here Their reviews have been that it didn’t meet expectations Glad you enjoyed the experience

[@Just-MyOpinion]

Kedves Sándor! Első kommentelő. Első generációs Amerikai Magyar vagyok, aki az USAi Nyugatitenger partján élek. Majdnem hanyatt estem, amikor ráakadtam a csodálatos étteremkritikus csatornádra !!! Véleményem szerint te vagy a legjobb az egész KZbin-on. Hol tanultál ilyen jól Angolul beszélni? A sikereidet leíró Magyar nyelvű videóid is elsőrangúak. Kár, hogy nem lettek szinkronizálva az Angol nyelvre, mivel annyira tanulságosak, hogy szerintem világszerte sok ember sok betekintést nyert volna. Sok sok sikert kívánok neked Sándor. Hajrá a Magyarok a vilag körül....

[@jasonkrick1614]

I think The French Laundry was the first Michelin starred restaurant I dined at many many years ago. I have to admire, I was pretty impressed. While waiting for my reservation, I stood outside a window and watched the kitchen. Even the amount of time, effort and procedure in just filling the butter dish for the guests table was really involved. It was late fall when I went. And I noticed the cooks going into the field across the restaurant with flashlights to pick things off the ground for, what I guessed, was for dinner that night I didn’t know what farm to table was until I saw that. I didn’t even know the name of that movement yet. The food. Well, of course it was excellent. Again, it was the first Michelin starred restaurant I dined at. I’ve never tasted food like that before. And the presentation was also incredible. This was before social media and people taking pictures of their food with every sitting. All I remember was it was the first time I had truffles…black truffles. Before that, I thought truffles was just round chocolates. The one dish I thought was excellent was the beef tongue. But. This is where your mind tells you that it’s ’beef tongue’. And though it was delicious. The thought of ‘beef tongue’ took away a few percentage points of enjoyment. If I thought it was just ‘beef’. It would have been a 12/10. Don’t remember the wine. I didn’t drink wine that much back then. I ‘maybe’ had a glass of red. The one embarrassing thing though was the French Laundry philosophy of the tasting menu price was that it included the gratuity. And I did just that. I paid my bill in full without any extra added. At the time, I was on a very tight budget. But, looking back I could have plunked down another $40 to be just a little nicer. I still carry that guilt with me to this day.

[@MokusGreen]

The Guys from Zen Singapore are the best :-) Great Shoutout

[@Battle_Beard]

I’m rewatching the whole California series. This channel is outstanding.

[@jonblock1871]

I very much enjoyed your series on SF Bay Area 3-star establishments. Long time SF resident here -- I've been to all these restaurants and numerous others over the decades. That said, I've only done the French Laundry once, was terribly disappointed and never returned. In fact, our party was so unsatisfied that we stopped at Oakville Grocery afterward for provisions. My problem with all these 3-star restaurants is the multi-course set menu. This means the kitchen is never challenged with different orders coming in randomly. Instead they pump out course after course like automatons -- e.g., the oyster and pearls dish has been on the FL menu for so long they can probably execute it with their eyes closed, and it's become stale and rote. I also find it's difficult to maintain continuity within these long multi-course menus -- some dishes simply "don't go" with other dishes creating an unpleasant controversy of tastes. Lastly, some courses I simply don't like and would never order if given the choice. For example, I detest smoked salmon and would have left your first course untouched. The a la carte menu is more difficult to provision for and execute at the same level of sophistication, so I feel it is a bit of a "cop out" that 3-star establishments generally only put out one set menu per night, take it or leave it.

[@nickdillings8009]

Thank you very much for these. It'll be a blast to visit one day... If you can get a reservation

[@Paradise-on-Earth]

It is SUCH a joy to watch your clips! Each one is a piece of Art... in so many ways! I adore how you appreciate the people, the story and the small things. Wonderful! Thank you!!!

[@shopwithaaron]

Service at that level should always be excellent and IS! The call out is surely deserved! Thank you

[@redsoxboi1]

I’ve been to the French laundry! It’s absolutely divine and unreal!! Love living in the Bay Area! So many great restaurants ❤❤❤❤❤

[@giovannamoro8564]

Such a great pleasure to watch your videos . They perfecltly match the styles of the beautiful restaurants we get to see through your experienced eye . Thank you !

[@scottulrich2725]

I went to the French Laundry the year it opened before they were awarded the stars. To this day -- the best meal of my life.

[@Bragglord]

Fantastic vid as always, really enjoyed this one. TFL and Single Thread get my vote for top 2 in America.

[@meganhill3822]

I’m obsessed with this. Yummy. Such beautiful food. I’m confined to my bed and this was a dream of mine. Thank you

[@andydaniel2]

Many years ago my "foodie" cousin brought his wife to California for her 50th birthday and wanted to take her to the French Laundry. He needed a table for 2 but they only had a table for 4 available, and told him that they were available for parties of 3, but not 2. He grabbed it and asked my wife and I (we're about 2 hours drive from Yountville) to join us, offering to pick up the tab for one of us (so yes, French Laundry does have a 50% discount, if you have a cousin who really wants to make his wife happy :). There is no question that the restaurant was very very good. I did wrote an online review on another site, but in summary I would say that in large part it's "dinner theatre" as much as it is "dinner". Officially 9 courses, I think it was around 14 when you include the various amuse-bouche, pallet cleansers, and multiple desserts.I would say that all but maybe 2 were very good to excellent, a couple were less impressive. but certainly nothing was bad. One thing they pointed our was that no ingredient appears twice in the entire meal (I'm assuming that doesn't include salt or butter/oil). I had noticed that every course had different dishware. I don't mean clean plates for each course, I mean a different shape. I asked if I was imagining this and they said no, every single dish you see if also different during your meal. Service and the grounds were fantastic with the exception of the sommelier, who I felt was a little too "familiar", treating us like good friends visiting his house. That's not to say he was rude - but he should start more deferential and let the guest set the tone. In our case, we're all very informal people but I found it a little presumptions. Bottom line: a fantastic restaurant, but personally I would rather get 4 excellent meals for the price.It was $275/pp at the time (including service charge (ie. no tipping) but not wine or tax). Around that time, $75 would get you an excellent meal at a very good restaurant.

[@Captfuntastic]

I would love a dining experience like this, but my pockets would never allow! Thank you for this review. I could almost taste every dish and wine.

[@user-wd7tq3iz6j]

I just love this channel so much, thank you for doing what are you doing, I’ve watched each one of your videos and this one was by far my favorite.

[@austinmarino4996]

I thoroughly enjoyed your California series. I only wished you had come further south to LA/SD. I would honestly say restaurant Addison would easily compare to TFL. I went to Addison recently and even saw Chef TK there. I know you would have enjoyed it yourself!

[@benlevin7296]

Addison is great. For food and service precision I'd say it is indeed comparable. Ambiance goes to TFL though, hands down.

[@PeterCombs]

We have friends in Napa Abajo who've eaten there a number of times over the years...What they said about the place is "amazing food, perhaps the best they've ever had....but a few hours later you'll be hungry again..go for the flavors, excellent service, superb wine..but eat something before going if tiny portions aren't your thing"

[@MrMonkeysan]

its refeshing to see time being taken to recognise the staff, not just the famous name above the doors, of these restaurants - the industry needs more of this!

[@134josu]

I’m so glad I moved to the Bay Area recently. As an Australian chef, things going not so well Down Under and California remains in a culinary progression!

[@c_bass1971]

I appreciated the review of exceptional servers. Its usually “the service”, but they are people with passion for excellence as well.

[@pascoett]

Congratulations to Your cousin! He will always remember that wonderful day!

[@pennypenny376]

You're so awesome. I love the way you talk about people, such skill and care. I've never been so jealous of a child, lol. Your godson is so lucky.

[@andrewsharpe2587]

California is expensive, but paradise. I moved here nearly 50 years ago, and have no desire to leave. I will most likely never eat at these restaurants, but I will never leave. I can check out any time I want, of course. :)

[@tren-y2m]

I'm feel so lucky to have found your channel. Every video improves from the last, so much that I am shocked every time I accidentally look at the subscriber count😅

[@jackculbertson8937]

Awesome series in California. You should do the same thing in Chicago they have a great fine dining scene as well!

[@FishareFriendsNotFood972]

What a legendary place, and so happy this American classic is still hitting it out of the park! Good to know some things never change 🙂

[@JAG.65]

This was a GREAT episode! Thank you Alexander