The French Laundry in Napa - What it's like to Dine at the Famous Restaurant

[@Sr19769p]

To be fair, $370 is pretty reasonable for a magical, once-in-a-lifetime culinary experience of that standard. Happy Anniversary, guys!

[@dcarr-kr7hk]

👎

[@stellaproductions1493]

TBH I thought that meal would run you $500.

[@ditto1051]

When I lived n Napa, I knew friends who paid 1,200.00/PP for a tasting menu, beverages not included.

[@stardustgirl2904]

My only concern is out of all the bites you get maybe two are your favorite

[@zes7215]

wrgg

[@cmanhold]

I really appreciate the video and the extra details you added. I’ve heard about the restaurant but now this will be on my bucket list. Thank you for sharing. Keep the videos coming. Happy anniversary!

[@Dharmabum2000]

What an amazing experience and I for one appreciate the fact that you both are aware of how fortunate you are to get to dine at such a fine restaurant. This place is on my bucket list.

[@kenuber4014]

Isn't this the place where Gavin Newsom got busted for being out in public without a mask?! Lol

[@gracegrace2107]

He wasn't "busted" beyond us knowing about it. They are fascists.

[@orlandoalessandrini2505]

Yes this is the place.

[@1957DLT]

A bucket list item getting the tick is a big deal. Congrats and thanks for sharing it with us.

[@dorothyreid3607]

My husband and I also had the pleasure of dining at the French Laundry back in the 90's , several times, what can I say, the food and presentation is beyond fabulous. I don't know if you ever review places on the east coast but if you do you must try the Inn at Little Washington it gives the French Laundry a run for the money I would have to say the food and presentation there is superb. It's in a tiny town in Virginia called Little Washington it's truly worth the trip. They also have beautiful guest rooms so there is no rush to return to reality. Happy Anniversary.

[@terryholland2526]

First off, Happy Anniversary!!!! I'm so glad you guys had a great experience there. The food looked so good too. I loved going to Napa when my husband and my friends went there for a vacay. Second, thank you for sharing other options b/c IDK if I could spend that much for a dinner experience that is for sure. Maybe next time when we are in Napa we can go to the other place you mentioned. Thank you for sharing your experience with us.

[@kellycarroll6829]

a lovely experience! blessings! 🌟

[@sarahko2014]

Happy 10th Anniversary!! That's worth celebrating, and it was fun to see your extravagant date at such a gourmet restaurant! May your marriage be blessed with many more happy years together~

[@meliss36]

❤ Wow, this place looks absolutely gorgeous! Thank you for sharing, happy you both got to go and experience this magical place. Happy Anniversary ❤

[@dalehoward3704]

Looks Wonderful ❤❤❤❤❤ Happy Anniversary Beautiful Couple 💗

[@steveschwartz6138]

Very cool. Happy Anniversary!

[@nancycamaquin6648]

I have driven past this restaurant so many times but knew it was expensive. Thank you for showing us what it is like on the inside. Happy Anniversary! Our Anniversary is also in October so now my husband is notified to save his money for our 40th in seven years. LOL!!! Also enjoyed the tips at the end as well. ❤

[@californiathroughmylens]

haha it is worth planning that far in advance for :)

[@jimdellavecchia4594]

California governor Newsom knows this place well. He dined there during Covid when he forced every other business to close

[@prowrestlingisart6742]

This is as close as I ever will get to dining there so thank you for taking us along. Even though the price is extremely high, the service, ambiance, presentation, and quality seem to match

[@californiathroughmylens]

Yea, I agree. It was super expensive but it was one of those times where I felt like the experience was as worth it as it could be

[@annaminman]

Very cool!! Congratulations on your anniversary and having an amazing experience! And thank you for such a thoughtful detailed video for the rest of us to enjoy!! ❤

[@JuliaBEngstrom]

We had an almost identical experience.. Magic is right. Don’t need to do it twice, but was very exciting

[@williamputnam281]

You guys nailed this video, very enjoyable and I think the format is something you can expand upon. I just hope you took some time between shooting to enjoy yourselves!

[@furuba28]

Happy anniversary!! Thanks so much for sharing! 🎉🥂

[@RosaLopez-zw2ff]

Thank you for sharing your experience of The French Laundry in Napa Valley. You both truly deserved to celebrate your 10th Anniversary at one of the best restaurants. Thank you for being real about the costs, so others get a before hand knowledge and start saving as you both did. Happy Anniversary!

[@richardpcrowe]

Happy anniversary and many more to come! I ate at the French Laundry quite a few years ago and was totally unimpressed. I'd never return!

[@jimklemens5018]

Why were you unimpressed?

[@richardpcrowe]

One reason is that there was only one entree item available - on that day it was lamb and I don't like lamb one bit. Why didn't I find out what the item of the day was? Because I was invited to the restaurant and had no input as to what was being served than night, Perhaps this single item menus might have been modified (I ate there in the eary 1990's). But, I have no reason to try this crapshoot again@@jimklemens5018

[@JacobLife95]

I appreciate you supporting California and beyond i love ur vids so much 😅

[@reneejones7807]

Happy anniversary you two! I’ll take my McDonald’s money and start saving it for French Laundry!

[@leslievalenciano-lopez8887]

Isn't this the restaurant that hosted Newsom and friends for dinner while we were all sheltered in place?!!! California was on lockdown and he and others dined at The French Laundry!!!

[@mistawonkypants1569]

It is. Never forget. Never let them forget.

[@mistawonkypants1569]

Newsom and The French Laundry also kept their money at Silicon Valley Bank which we taxpayers bailed out.

[@greatlifemore879]

Chef Bruno at the Anaheim Whitehouse is a friend of ours. Each time you dine there is a new experience.

[@sandrabrown6326]

WOW! I would love to go there someday. It sure sounds wonderful.

[@californiathroughmylens]

It really is!

[@jwebbw]

Well, they don't call it the laundry for nothing, because you get taken to the cleaners.

[@ssquared2321]

HA HA HA 👏🏻👍🏻

[@alexserrano5367]

Fun fact this place is so good during COVID Gavin Newsom closed down other restaurants denied people on lockdown and went with his family and influential people to have himself a fine meal .

[@frauwolftherehorse]

I remember that News(om) story.

[@craigcampbell1843]

Fun fact. The lockdowns in California were done on a county by county basis. Counties with the lowest numbers reopened faster than others. Counties with the highest numbers (typically the ones with the most people whining and refusing to follow the guidelines) ironically had to stay shut down the longest for public safety. This is why the French Laundry was allowed to be open while some other restaurants in the state were still closed. Because it is in a county full of people who took the guidelines seriously and got their numbers down quickly instead of just whining and pretending to be martyrs for being asked to do simple things that literally everyone in the world was being asked to do at that time like wearing masks in public. The only mistake the governor made was visiting the county and the restaurant with members of other households, which he apologized for later. If you’re criticizing the governor that must mean you were taking the guidelines seriously and refusing to socialize with members of other households. Thanks for caring about other people and not just yourself. I live in Fresno county. Half of this county just whined and refused to follow the guidelines. We could have reopened much sooner than we did but we wound up being one of the last counties in the state that got to reopen because of their ignorance and selfishness and recklessness. Not because of the governor.

[@user-gq2vn1xj2r]

You forgot the part about where he was discouraging families from gathering during the holidays two hours before partying with his lobbyist friends here . Even he admitted it was a stupid move. No need to fall all over yourself defending him.

[@craigcampbell1843]

@@user-gq2vn1xj2r if you’re responding to me, I wasn’t falling over myself defending him. I didn’t say what he did was ok. He did make mistakes and I’m sure you followed all the guidelines to a T. I was only pointing out that he didn’t just arbitrarily close some restaurants and open others like the original comment implied. It was based on numbers by county. He was not to blame for some restaurants being open and some being closed. The people in those counties who wouldn’t follow the guidelines for public safety were to blame for that. You know. The same people who say personal responsibility is so important and then just blame other people for everything when they don’t get their way. The same people who act like they were being treated unfairly when all the rest of the world was being asked to do the same things. The people who just whined about the guidelines and refused to follow them were to blame for those restaurants remaining closed. Not the governor. He just made the guidelines. It was up to all of us to choose whether we followed them or not. You can blame him all you want but he didn’t decide when certain counties should reopen and when they shouldn’t. The people in those counties decided and the ones who refused to follow the guidelines were the last to reopen. That’s just a fact. Not because Newsom didn’t like them but because their numbers of cases were still too high. Because they were being a bunch of babies instead of just following the restrictions like the rest of the state and caring about others instead of just themselves. If they had been willing to act like adults about it instead of throwing temper tantrums their counties would have been open too.

[@johnbrown7911]

​@@craigcampbell1843so the least populated counties opened first? Following "guidelines" did nothing hence why Newsome had a private business dinner here. Homelessness, suicide, violet crime all increased during his time in office but yeah he cares so much. Moron

[@mikemclane8821]

Happy Anniversary, Great experiences are memorable and worth sharing with the one you love most.

[@kayleebeare]

Happy anniversary to you both!! Thanks for taking us along!! Love your dress Aimee

[@kellyjohnson3617]

There is a restaurant in Ventura that is an experience and their food is phenomenal. Not quite like French laundry but they endeavor to give you a very personal experience. Taj in Ventura. They always serve you a surprise dish you didn’t order. All their food is quality. The waiters keep an eye on your table and in the end you always get at bare minimum their house dessert. I love their mint iced tea with sweet cream, a Korma or coconut curry, their dal(yum), aloo gobi, samosas, garlic naan, and their chutneys. Their lunch buffet is bomb 💣 and an affordable way to sample much of their great food. But not as personalized service. I love getting a seat at the window. They know me and if it’s available they remember to put me there. That’s why I love them. They see thousands of customers but they remember their regulars

[@californiathroughmylens]

Sounds amazing, I will have to try it!

[@rainbocatz6376]

I ALWAYS get "an experience" at Taco Bell, especially afterwards!

[@MJH7777]

Ustedes son muy bellos. Gracias!!❤

[@charleshamilton9274]

What a memorable meal. And hats off to the staff for providing a VIP experience!

[@zes7215]

wrg,idts

[@OKZK_Bros]

oh this is the resturant that is covid proof right? haha cool vid

[@evemarkus]

Congratulations on your anniversary!

[@californiathroughmylens]

Thank you so much 😀

[@daviotkelly1267]

Magical indeed. Happy anniversary you guys🍾

[@californiathroughmylens]

Thank you so much!!

[@AngelBomb5000]

Went there in 2010. Spent over $1500 on lunch for 3 people. Yes, it was amazing, but the day before we were stepping over homeless people in San Francisco. Hard to justify that, no matter how fantastic the food was.

[@elizabethheyenga9277]

and it goes right down the toilet like In N Out. I get fine dining but am quite over it, besides which kitchens are weird stressful places. I'm as happy with super top level street food, about flavor more than fancy presentation to me. Never been a foam fan.

[@JacobLife95]

Happy anniversary 🥳😅

[@grif13]

Nice vid. You know it's good when it makes me hungry and damn the prices. Happy Anniversary. Seriously, this is California and you can spend more and get less service. Thanks for sharing and look forward to your next vid. Cheers.

[@chanel2018-k3z]

We’ve lived 1/2 hour from the FLaundry….our whole life. Never went for the mere fact that I hate being too full. I would feel so sick after 9 courses. Plus…..shame on Gavin Newsom….there during COVID. 😮

[@craigc3259]

My wife and I went for our 25th anniversary and I can only say it boarders on a religious experience. Honestly we knew I was going to be great but it was so much more. The service is just spot on and they go that extra mile without you asking. You can’t complain about the cost as it is worth every penny.

[@doughuffman5790]

For the presentation and the cost, consider Joel Palmer House in Dayton, Oregon, specializing in mushroom based dishes, wild and cultivated, and a fine wine cellar.

[@ruthiemay423]

No dress code? Your white t-shirt showing is really tacky... 🙄😵‍💫😬

[@suljo00]

Well done guys, professionally done and all the best for your Anniversary. But this palava with Michelin stars restaurants is yet another con for middle class wanabees or noveau rich to spend their money. It's an insult to such variety of incredibly tasty foods around the world. To pay $1000 for bite size meals borders with insanity but than again not for the ones who indulge in this ridiculous scheme...

[@brandonjimenez902]

Great video 🎉🎉🎉

[@jphan21]

Oooo thanks for the anniversary idea!!!

[@markvandermolen7181]

We stumbled upon Julian by accident 2 years ago during Thanksgiving and it became our cosy place on the other side of the world. There were hardly any rooms or AirBnB’s available anymore, so we went to the only that had some rooms left and it turned out to be a yoga retreat hahaha. Oops. Luckily there were no forced or mandatory activities and we got to watch the Thanksgiving day parade on tv from our hot tub. Julian also had a great book store and the fall colours were awe inspiring. This video was a great trip down memory lane for us. Thank you!

[@dcarr-kr7hk]

👎

[@paanne1013]

@@dcarr-kr7hk - BOT or you are just a Jerk

[@paultucker1272]

Firstly, a belated Happy Anniversary to you both! Secondly (and please don't take offense!) Amie was/is looking gorgeous!!! Thirdly, that looked an incredible experience......I'm more a burger and fries type, but those dishes looked like works of art!

[@rupman27isback]

Loved the video! And please do more restaurants.. fancy or not.. it's always great to have ideas and feedback from you guys. Happy 10 year!

[@gm3sf]

I’d love to see more videos like this showcasing restaurants. We travel and are usually staying off the grid, but a big part of our traveling is stopping and eating along the way. Could be a bbq, could be a nice restaurant. We just want to experience the standout places in the area.

[@brianshaw373]

Thanks for sharing your anniversary dinner with us. Wishing you many more!

[@toxikwastedump]

wow, they really pull out all the stops!

[@suzettecalleja3122]

Congratulations. I was always curious about this restaurant. Thank you.😊❤

[@californiathroughmylens]

Our pleasure!

[@nanettemiller4853]

It’s magical to eat at the French Laundry! It’s the experience, the ambiance, the hospitality and the food all together that makes it a memorable event in your life! My husband and I went there on our 10th and 30th wedding anniversaries! Cheers to more anniversaries!🥂🍾

[@dcarr-kr7hk]

👎

[@ponduforus]

Amy, you looked incredible in that dress! Happy Anniversary!! 💗

[@californiathroughmylens]

Kind of you to say, I will let her know!

[@channel4change430]

please make sure you go to all of the 5 Star restaurants, at least in the US.

[@robmagu65]

Did you see Governor Newsom there? I hear he likes that place

[@BillGreenAZ]

Thanks so much for posting this video! It looks wonderful. This is on my Bucket List so it's nice to get a better idea of what to expect.

[@californiathroughmylens]

You are so welcome! Glad you enjoyed it and I hope you make it there someday!

[@stereothrilla8374]

$915 for 2 seems very reasonable in comparison to other 3 Michelin star restaurants and Omakase experiences. A prix fixe at Alchemy can run you over 5 times as much.

[@rripley62]

Well done video and review, you two...and happy 10th anniversary! This brought back wonderful memories. My husband and I visited the French Laundry a few years ago and everything you said was spot on! It was such an incredible experience, nearly to the point of being "religious" as you mentioned. lol It is pricey, but IMHO so worth it. Congrats!

[@rickolson-51]

Question... Why did the FL agree to open up for the governor and his guests during covid while the rest of us were locked down? I'll stick with Burger King...

[@gracegrace2107]

Because we are serfs and they are royalty, didn't you understand that?

[@judyeaton1039]

I'd have to sell.my house to eat there unless Gavin picked up the tab.

[@neverhomepnw]

Ive been following you guys since the beginning and Im always impressed by your content no matter what it is its always great!

[@FlourishingLove]

Happy Anniversary! 🥰

[@manumehra929]

I wish to go someday 😍

[@MrfiX725]

The French Laundry is definitely on my bucket list.

[@essieessie5399]

Thanks for a very detailed video on The French Laundry. Personally, I think there were equally good restaurants in St. Helena. Unfortunately, Lissa Doumani and Hiro Sone's, TERRA Restaurant closed several years ago.

[@violetbf3773]

Josh!! You actually combed your hair 😳 just kidding just kidding 😅 Happy anniversary!! 🎉 Glad you got to celebrate in this fabulous restaurant 🙌🏽

[@fly1327]

Pretentious. Super structured. Ungodly expensive. My wife, myself, and 4 friends did it once so many years ago, only me protesting, knowing what we were in for. If you're in Napa, get a couple good bottles of wine, some charcuterie, find a nice spot under an oak and enjoy. Or go to Yountville and spend 10X more, at least. "Well, it's an experience you need to have!" Funny, that's said about having a colonoscopy. No? None of us ever desired going back to this day.

[@carlapires7732]

Thanks for another glimpse into your globetrotting experience. The name of the restaurant does not do it justice: trendy place, classy people & appetizing food!

[@ensunnlor7059]

WOW. I want to try the bakery. Bouchon, but I live too far in Northern VA. Thanks

[@willfitz777]

Too bad the owner is the biggest POS, I wouldn't go if they paid me, it is much like the 70s and 80s when the mafia ruled and owned the best restaurants.

[@katherinespencer2633]

Happiest anniversary 🎉

[@cookingwithwatches]

Great review, glad you enjoyed it. I am planning to take my mom there for her birthday. She is a retired chef with over 40 years of experience. It’s a very difficult to find the restaurant she would enjoy. I hope French Laundry won’t disappoint her.

[@billhansen2786]

The problem with expensive gourmet eating is that at some time tomorrow you are going to hungry again. On the other hand, the experience is something you can remember for a lifetime. Th complementary bottle of wine is a nice touch, but for a $1,000 meal, they can afford to be nice. Besides, it is good PR.

[@kimyv7693]

Looks amazing ..

[@sierraseb3311]

Awesome! Great idea for a video. Please do more. Would love to see what a dining experience at Chez Panisse in Berkeley is like. Thanks

[@jimklemens5018]

Chez Panisse is pedestrian.

[@Cherryvanilla27]

Nobody can pronounce “Dom Perignon”. They have no clue .

[@trexinvert]

Congrats Josh n Amy happy anniv. Thanks for bringing us along with ur beautiful video work. I hope all our views n subs can support ur lifestyle n work You give us so much. Spirit of Huell Hauser, lives. Keep on.

[@californiathroughmylens]

Really appreciate that kind comment and so glad you like the videos. Huell Howser was the best!

[@andyleo8418]

Presentation looked incredible. Well worth the cost. I'll make it there some day.

[@eddicambio9072]

is this where Newsom went while the rest of us were told to stand down?

[@essieessie5399]

Yes, that's the one! Also, all our kids were forced to stay home for schooling, yet NewScum's kids continued their education at their private school

[@gracegrace2107]

He's better than you and has more rights.

[@eddicambio9072]

stfu nobody is better than anyone else@@gracegrace2107

[@clarkmyers6080]

Amazing video! One of the best dining experiences I’ve ever had as well!! Perfection is the word

[@jocalafarms4051]

$1000. For one meal is just stupid, that will feed my family for six months.

[@warren4261]

Happy Anniversary and God Bless !

[@jdbrandt2633]

I'm going!!!!

[@shamekiawalker6358]

What an incredible experience you both were fortunate to have had! Happy anniversary, and all the best!🎉

[@californiathroughmylens]

Thank you so much!! Glad you enjoyed it

[@topquarkbln]

👍

[@lorie31579]

Congratulations! Every foodies dream for sure! Thank you for sharing your amazing experience 😊

[@Jake-yx7ct]

What an experience. Ive read and seen a couple items about that eatery. Congrats to you both on your anniversary.

[@papagen00]

Having visited many so-called fine dining establishments (but not the French Laundry yet!) I woud say the $1000 cost was well worth it. Here in L.A., many uber fine dining/Michelin star places serve similarly artistic creations, but are completely lacking in posh classy ambience, for example many are located in sketchy neighborhoods that you wouild normally not go near in your elegant attire. The most I paid was $1050 at such a 'fine dining' place but wished I had gone to the French Laundry instead. Having said all that, if you are ever in L.A. check out Vespertine, a unique fine dining experience, both inside and out.

[@JB-pd3ir]

Thanks for mentioning this place because I am in Southern CA

[@Spoon819]

Let's ask Newsom, who loves to eat there. So much so that while he was commanding us all to sit home, he was out enjoying dinner there with his buds without a mask during the so-called pandemic. What a man he risked his own life and that of his friends to eat there!! How brave!

[@TurdFergusen]

never forget

[@doxieherblitz]

The Gov provided great advertising for French Laundry!

[@ozzy_fromhell]

Let’s never forget his bulls**t

[@ozzy_fromhell]

@Priyanka77574 and just because I can’t do “nothing” that means I’m not supposed to have a opinion and or dislike him?¿? You sound stupid asl 😂

[@jw3252]

Let it go.

[@suebowman7258]

I dined at this place in 2012 and it was ok.

[@rasmusrasmusson]

The only thing I remember from dining there, about 10 years ago, was how nice and relaxed the waiters were. I don't mean to say that the food wasn't great, but I think that was expected.

[@jimklemens5018]

You can take as many of the chocolates as you want.

[@CB-qb8hj]

Gavin Newsom highly recommends the place.

[@jackchen5290]

Pro tip: if going as a couple, one person gets the regular tasting menu, and the other get the vegetarian. You’ll get to try even more dishes!

[@jamespohl-md2eq]

That’s not a pro tip.

[@Chonchey]

jajajaja fr fr ong @@jamespohl-md2eq

[@MarkMclaughlin-qm8kq]

The mansion in Dallas is wonderful but very expensive 500 to 5000 a plate. U can order exotic food there like bear elk moose rabbit duck u name u can get u just have to call them before your reservation.

[@tipoomaster]

The chefs look way less sad than in The Bear

[@scottdunkirk8198]

Oh where newsom went without a mask when he locked down Calif.

[@kayokolindenberger3754]

What a fun experience and video. Happy anniversary!

[@magicaltripguy]

Great video!