Behind the scenes at The French Laundry | Secret Table

Host and editor Mary Beth Albright interviews chef Thomas Keller on the 25th anniversary of his iconic restaurant the French Laundry, with an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour. Subscribe to The Washington Post on KZbin: wapo.st/2QOdcqK
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[@gordoncrespo2045]

Actually Sally Schmidt opened the French Laundry many years before Thomas Keller. Thomas Keller bought the restaurant from her and then built upon what she started. Give the woman her due credit. That said, he quite clearly elevated the place to a much higher level of sophistication and deserves all the accolades he has received over the years.

[@zoekenny3619]

Yes I just watched that New York Times mini doco yesterday. Funny to get recommended this one the next day and see how they completely erased her and her family's role in establishing this restaurant. From what I saw, Sally Schmidt really had a strong vision and ethos and Thomas Keller was able to harness what she had already created. It's quite sad that that story could have been completely forgotten if not for the new doco.

[@joymcguire]

@@zoekenny3619 I agree- she deserved at least a mention. But - Sally wasn't able to take the restaurant to this level.

[@kimesser2318]

Yes I agree Tell the story from it origin of the French laundry.

[@morpheusjp]

Perfect!!

[@emilydeeren4946]

I was going to comment the exact same thing. It’s a beautiful story and ought to be told!

[@joeydoesthings4955]

This is amazing, awe inspiring, moving. Thomas Keller is my favorite chef, and I have never eaten at his restaurants. I have made recipes from his books though.

[@vitalik7844]

but you need to know that he bought the French Laundry, and without Sally Schmidt this place could have not become so popular.

[@marjoriejohnson6535]

Sounds like my kitchen, my goat barn, my garden, my orchard.....

[@johnnygoesfast9397]

Please please please give the reigns of the French Laundry to William Bradley when you retire Chef Keller...!!! Youre, friends with him, he has two Michelin stars, and he would definitely keep it top notch

[@Mentalsamurai28]

Who’s here after watching The Bear?

[@georgzwiebel9585]

if you want to understand the USA you have to see the french laundry, where people pay absurd amounts of money on wine and food while in the same state a family is not able to rent a partment near a city. i do love america as it is the country that was born out of a revolution and will end in the same way.

[@yuliyabryant4052]

I wonder when Newsome went to eat there during the pandemic did he also needed to answer sat questions to get reservation?

[@okiepita50t-town28]

Good luck getting a reservation if you’re not famous or some big shot politician or billionaire businessman.😊

[@BossHossStudios]

Thomas Keller did not “open the French laundry “ 25 years ago. He BOUGHT it from a couple who already had the restaurant. It was opened in the 70’s.

[@MothGirl007]

Yes - Sally Schmitt!

[@seanthadondontcom]

Quiet nerd

[@BossHossStudios]

@@seanthadondontcom truth is truth

[@kidkay2042]

Who came here after Gavin Newsom's hypocrisy?

[@beaubrks]

Keller: It's important to me that it's a truly American experience. Investor: What are you going to call it? Keller: The French Laundry.

[@hwanjung8230]

It was a French Laundry Cleaner before it was restaurant. Hence the name

[@master00booya]

Your ignorance is showing

[@crashyyy4116]

@@master00booya get a sense of humor

[@beaubrks]

@@master00booya Your lack of a sense of humor is showing. I'm surprised Florence puts up with it.

[@beaubrks]

@@hwanjung8230 Oh I didn't realize Napa was in France my bad Hwan

[@pippi7144]

Fantastic that’s all I can say.. Most people want to meet actors and athletes I hope one day I can meet Thomas Keller👍🏻

[@maniswolftoman]

Michael Fiducia I work with someone who’s met him, a fellow cook. So I’ve met him by proxy.

[@pippi7144]

Individual Two your lucky to have had the pleasure as I said I hope that day comes for me one day in the future

[@richardandres729]

Let’s make this happen Internet 💪🏽 👇🏽👍🏽

[@hydrozyk]

I did Garde manger there and it was tough(lots of pressure, 14 hour days). Met TK and know him personally. He could be very tough but he is a good person.

[@tnalala]

Me too :)

[@Porscheman1]

Having a dream is hard. Living it is harder.

[@heisenbergkierkegaard3982]

Sally Schmidt, not Thomas Keller. She's the one who opened the French Laundry, which was later bought by TK.

[@larry2281]

Newsom was too good for the rest of us that he was allowed to go here and ignoring his own restrictions.

[@pavanatanaya]

With Lobbyists no less. I'm sure the dough he raked in from those lobbyists will go directly to the "essential workers" that those assholes endangered

[@elijah8011]

The top “experts “ who tell us we need to fear for our life if we don’t lock down were there

[@PeetaIsMyHomeboy]

I’m no fan of Newsom, but I do have a tremendous respect for Thomas Keller. Where did you find the actual filming date? I can’t find it anywhere.

[@christovrea4273]

The hypocrisy exposed during this year is frightening

[@Bloodylaser]

@@PeetaIsMyHomeboy Keller has a great restaurant in Vegas as well. His Macarons are fantastic.

[@PepsisWarrior]

Love his ferocious gentle nature and willingness to share & teach.

[@daisyq3418]

Worth every penny and effort to dine at French Laundry. The time I was there, they were re-creating favorites from the 60's. Peanut Butter & Jelly, Tuna, and Ice Cream evolved into exquisite bites of delicious nostalgic appetizers. Service is excellent, of course. Truly, once in a lifetime experience. Very personal, very satisfying, all the way around. 💜

[@slydermartin6008]

Sally Schmidt Opened the French Laundry. Sally Schmidt put the French Laundry on the Map. Sally Schmidt created the Highly Successful Restaurant that Keller bought....successful long before his arrival. Yeah he's a good guy. Without what Sally created.....just another good Chef.

[@whateverwhatever5715]

I've never heard of her ..but I know the French Laundry from Bourdain ...

[@304enjoyer3]

I'm a McDonald's kinda guy, will I like it there?

[@twinbot2]

French Laundry has some dirty laundry.

[@iamsam8446]

Did the restaurant violate any health & safety codes? I wouldn't necessarily blame the restaurant for the behavior of its patrons.

[@JohnDoe-fr1id]

@@iamsam8446 Yes. How stupid can you be? Making patrons wear masks when not consuming food or beverage is up to the RESTAURANT.

[@rando4168]

@@JohnDoe-fr1id who cares?

[@JohnDoe-fr1id]

@@rando4168 Clearly you if you commented

[@conley2659]

Eating here was one of the coolest experiences of my life. You would think going to a restaurant is just going to a restaurant. Not here. The experience is out of this world. Be prepared to drop close to 1000$ for dinner for 2 with no wine

[@304enjoyer3]

@SW Sweetie maybe you get lucky and get 5-10 movements instead!

[@gregdahlen4375]

How is it out of this world?

[@janetownley]

Not even slightly interested

[@abhilashjaiswal1]

There is so many life lessons embedded in this video.

[@java6727]

*There are... Another lesson for you. No charge!

[@nepttune710]

Should interview Gavin Newsom and see how well he liked the food.

[@AHUALULCO1972]

The best governor ever.👍👍👍

[@nepttune710]

@@AHUALULCO1972 for sure. And Che Guevara was a gentleman and saint.

[@AHUALULCO1972]

@@nepttune710 As i said, the best governor ever.

[@Hproawesome]

@@AHUALULCO1972 The best governor ever that is about to be recall on September 14.

[@milesmayhem5440]

Best governor ever, second only to Andrew Cuomo.

[@iboremytherapist]

i ate there with my brother in 2005! i remember, you taste something and soon after it has a second flavor profile / experience indescribable

[@jt-bw6qd]

Was it so good that you forgot the capitalization of the letter I?

[@melr1720]

I would rather go to a Chinese buffet honestly

[@JRUSS8O]

They should be fined shut down and lose their liquor license as another business would if they did not OBEY

[@tonelok]

So not only do I have to thank Chef Jonathan Waxman for the best chicken lunch I've ever had (Barbuto), now I learn we all owe him a debt of gratitude for turning Chef Keller on to this magical plot of Yountville land.

[@rachelmartineau8102]

I just watched a beautiful documentary of Sally Schmitt who sold her restaurant to Mr Keller. The opening statements lacked this information. I do believe he made it his own by osmosis.He is a wonderful talented chef and has a successful business in his restaurant. I have witnessed a successful restaurant sold to someone who believed it would continue to be successful. He was wrong the regular customers started to get disappointed and stopped going. He eventually had to shut the restaurant. This was a real learning experience.

[@chadskyblue1]

He bought the French laundry which already existed for decades successfully, he built on that formula

[@L.Spencer]

I think I would have preferred the former restaurant. But it's neat he took it further.

[@cavincunningham7568]

Cleanest kitchen and happiest looking staff! The tiny portions help you live in the moment and appreciate every nuance in taste and texture, as well as presentation.

[@bouttheb]

No, Sally Schmitt opened the French Laundry 41 years ago.

[@jassbep3934]

I’ve been to the French Laundry to sit at the bench opposite the restaurant and enjoy the view of the garden during sunset while staring at the restaurant wondering when will I finally be able to get a reservation, it was my second time going to Napa to try for a table to dine from Singapore... one day I hope. As a consolation we dined at the 2 other Thomas Keller restaurant in Napa and it was lovely.

[@RataStuey]

How was Bouchon?

[@jamesstytle5258]

Bad reporting in the first sentence. Keller did not “open” The French Laundry, he bought it.

[@jonathonbaker-guntang4163]

I had the pleasure to work for Bouchon in Las Vegas, Thomas Keller is so humble, just no words really!

[@jennifer86010]

This is the exclusive place, where even during the Covid pandemic, economic depression, and food shortages, California's elite, rich and powerful pretentious snobs go to wine & dine. Not so much for the outrageously priced food ($350 per person minimum...Average: $1,000 per couple) but for the experience of looking down on the other 39,500,000 unwashed commoners in California. Common working people, who are struggling to earn enough money during this worldwide pandemic and depression, just to afford enough food to feed their hungry children. If ever there was a metaphor for the French Aristocracy who wined and dined on finery, while the common people of France had no bread in the 1700's, The French Laundry, and its patrons are it. Expensive and shameful decadence at it's finest. Stated more accurately: "At its lowest ". Substitute French King Louis XVI and his naive wife Marie Antoinette for Governor Gavin Newsom and his liberal wife Jennifer, and you have a perfect story of history repeating itself.

[@DavidGee88]

Over rated, over priced with rude staff

[@xfinity5826]

they got 2.4 million from ppp money,,,,, hmmmm

[@safmaze9307]

what an unbearable woman

[@pexrktvuna8618]

I think that not enough credit is given to the lady who started the concept and originally owned the French Laundry, yes Thomas Keller elevated the concept to how it is today… but please the original concept and the original French Laundry belonged to Sally Schmidt… please give credit to where it’s due!

[@Hollcall]

All for the Capitalist System ..but , come on "Starts at $325 per." GREED,greed & more F.......king greed. REALLY SAD Folks.

[@Osnosis]

If you see & appreciate the labor and knowledge, you’ll understand the price. People pay $100 to be pummeled by some cRap ‘artist’, which you’d need to pay me to even be near them.

[@AnnapolisGirly]

I’ve only eaten at Per Se twice, and it was amazing. The service was so comfortable. I hope I can eat at the French Laundry in the future.

[@bensherman6105]

Mary Beth is odd, an overly loud, too intense, too gross to watch, obnoxious interviewer making inaccurate statements, who overshadows the star of the interview, Thomas K.

[@jt-bw6qd]

You could tell that if the reporter lady and Thomas Keller were to get involved, Keller would sell everything and move to the French country side..... Without her.

[@woozertoo]

The Kitchen’s clock brought to you by... Vacheron Constantin 👏

[@BabyBoomersDoomer]

Gaven Newsome owes me dinner

[@LS-ot5rp]

Iconic & amazing restaurant))) one day, i will have a chance to try it)) well done team & keep it up))

[@miguelrodfher]

Great info, but he did not buy The French Laundry… he bought it when it was already known…he made it what it is now tho

[@liddy8424]

Went to the French Laundry 25 years ago to celebrate my friends 40th birthday. And yes, it was delicious!

[@jabe3753]

I love this on one hand and hate it on the other. This is what triggered the french revolution. And I hope, it will open some eyes around here and now.There is no dispute over the accomplishments of this place and the owners. However, the socialist elites of Hollywood and California have created this. Mr. Keller is the cook for the modern aristocracy , who are the ugly leaches on the hard working taxpayers, who enable them to wine and dine there in oppulence. This is only for the 0.001% of the population of this country . And they should not accept any bailout money or loans and give that to the thousends of struggling and shut down mom and pop restaurants and diners and holes in the wall, where the true America eats and drinks. And shame on that disgusting babblemouth of a governor, who has caused so much hardship with his ignorance and incompetency.

[@mohamedali9495]

Sally Schmidt opened the French laundry. Keller purchased it when he was down on his luck.

[@LouisPetrides]

Thomas Keller is wonderful. I highest suggest exploring his MasterClass.

[@zachleary108]

Beautiful tribute. I didn't know that TK came from humble beginnings - it makes me admire him even more.

[@ltyr-mr2if]

Mehh. Overly froofroo, over priced. I worked at Spago, but it wasn't nearly as pretentious. This is about status, not class.

[@victorseger6044]

Back in the day Spago was every bit as pretentious.. and Puck banked on it but his pizza was good.. I had a better time at Frank Stallone's old place

[@P.F.3.]

It's wonderful to see that the Art is alive and well, thriving in the hands of young chef's! Unfortunately not everyone is able to experience it.

[@marjoriejohnson6535]

Exactly. How I started my day....for 25 years. And the meat was often from the field or stream. What ever was the " catch " of the day. Respect to Keller to bring this concept to fine dining. Not every desert needs to be served under a spun sugar cage..

[@stevemundy9886]

A poor mans bar causes corona virus but the French laundry brings happy a joy to all who visits no safety from corona virus

[@goodcooker67]

I am French cooking 🍳 I am happy that Thomas has fantastic restaurants and hope I will visit his restaurant someday. Great businesses.

[@ianofliverpool7701]

Posh nosh for the wealthy

[@SeoulHomeLIving]

4:52 Keller: "You have to be the person before the job is offered to you."

[@ElurJ923]

I'm one of these poor schmucks that dream of having a tasting course meal at The French Laundry. Hopefully one day itll happen.

[@waynebell5040]

ElurJ923 Good luck with that. I tried to book this summer. I was on the website on May 1st waiting right at 10AM pacific trying to get a time in July. As I tried to book a time, everything kept getting booked out from under me by what I imagine were bots. Long story short, the whole two months of July and August were booked by 10:02 with me being shut out. I may try again sometime in a bit lower season but I’m not holding out any hope.

[@ElurJ923]

@@waynebell5040 I know man. I dont have the disposable funds to make this happen

[@ElurJ923]

@Eddie Gooden I'm happy to hear you went after your passion tho

[@j.richsvideos897]

I went not too long ago. It was good, but the menu for that day wasn't one I'd normally enjoy so it didn't "feel" like it was worth the hype but the menu the day after looked absolutely amazing and I was more bitter after I saw it lol. I got a really huge tip for you guys looking to book at the French Laundry. Book a 4 top. While they have more 2 top tables (naturally), everyone tries booking 2 tops and they go by way faster than the 4 tops. A friend of mine went for a birthday and was able to get a 4 top two months out, then after she went she looked at the reservations and was able to get another reservation a month out (this is how I was able to dine at the French Laundry).

[@j.richsvideos897]

I just looked at the bookings and as of October 24th, 2019 you can get a 4-top table as soon as November 4th, 2019

[@lillianwilliams5510]

Why is it named The French Laundry if it is a restaurant. Is that a French name for school or specific restaurant?

[@gordoncrespo2045]

It actually used to be a French Laundry before Sally Schmidt bought the place in the early 70’s and converted it to a restaurant. It had been vacant for many years.

[@jf76]

A dream. The pinnacle of my dream of meals. I don't know if I can ever get there, but Thomas Keller inspires me and I hope, I hope.

[@LouisLiuMusic]

wow, it's amazing to learn that "per se" is also a 3 michelin star restaurant

[@RataStuey]

A beautiful restaurant and an amazing human being in Thomas Keller. This is one of THE greatest restaurants on the planet. Exquisite.

[@illreportbackinabit.8514]

Seth is so pompous.

[@renatobacuku9420]

So many negative people writing comments about things they don’t understand, stick with the take always

[@captcrvnch22]

Anybody notice the “Super Bowl reference” in the bear?

[@fabiosiniscalchi1259]

Yeah, apparently Christopher Storer takes many reference from the documentary he did about The French Laundry, called "Sense of urgency" (2013). The one you said; the white words on blue background "every second counts" are referred at the same sign hanging in this restaurant that says in fact "sense of urgency"; and (SPOILER) I noticed even the "you can count on me" move that Richie does in the last episode of the second season (and also does in S2 E7)

[@gregdahlen4375]

Keller looks like Wally on Leave It To Beaver. Wally was kinda a serious guy but had some sense of humor

[@charlesgalatis2859]

Wrong info French Laundry was there before Thomas Keller took over

[@JuanSanchez-wz2pg]

Best American chef ever

[@katharinesantana7147]

Makes me want to redo my kitchen.

[@aeromtb2468]

that kitchen is amazing. the the lighting special seemed surreal when they let you visit.

[@cosmicwoman]

quite commercial actually

[@ladyindigo9835]

fantastic! I love it The way that the garden is shaping up this season! I take my walks by it very often! It is gorgeous!

[@scottperine8027]

I can remember in 1996 when the French Laundry cookbook came to my library in Knoxville Tennessee and how excited I was to see all those magnificent and magical recipes.

[@7rays]

I’m lucky enough to have been there several times, and every single time is a revelation

[@delphimichaels164]

7rays Oh, I’m jealous! I’m relatively close geographically but not financially. 😂

[@7rays]

Eddie Gooden I’m just very lucky...

[@7rays]

Delphi Michaels I’m just very lucky. Make it a financial goal. Set up a new bank account called “French Laundry” and take the money that you spend on coffee or movies or soda or whatever little thing and set it aside for six months or a year, and treat yourself to something really special

[@barristanselmy2758]

You bastard.

[@bossHogOG]

Braggart

[@axelf4515]

"Opened"... Actually bought... This is how information is being fed to Americans...

[@shannonwilley5246]

So interesting......but NO PICTURES OF FOOD.....WHAT DO THEY SERVE......AHHH

[@harambetidepod1451]

Gavin gives it 5 stars

[@donnamuir4689]

The french laundry was amazing before he got there.

[@death2pc]

Between his wrist and the wall, is this an advertisement for Vacheron Constantin..........?

[@ib2saucy]

Gavin Newsom would be proud!!

[@Bloodylaser]

Macarons are some of my favorite French cuisine!! They maybe pricey but I don’t care!

[@azza4044]

He could be a villain in Dexter.

[@reneemoreno8030]

I met at Gelsons and Bristol Farms. Also the French Laundry. One of my favorite spots. I hope they survive the fire.

[@Wrecktoid]

Hands down the best meal I've ever had!

[@nicholaschristiancabuco7134]

Guido Guido one of the best... I’ll put it on my top 3 restaurants

[@printolive5512]

Gavin loved it !

[@manbehindacameras1617]

Yeah, and now look where he's going

[@LearnByDoingGarage]

I miss these videos, its always fun to come back and watch them even years later

[@vaos]

So noone questioned her about that lampshade of a yellow dress...

[@goosetaylor2336]

vaos lmao sheesh

[@kevod09]

Bet you could do no problem a" floor tasting menu "there the place is so unbelievably immaculate and spotless .there is perfection and then there is this place.

[@tarabooartarmy3654]

I met Chef Keller at a book signing, and he signed my copy of Ad Hoc at Home and I got my picture made with him. I still hope to visit the French Laundry one day!

[@MisterChris1978]

TaraBoo Art ARMY ad hoc is such a great book! The roast chicken & veg is divine and I make the potato pave and leek bread pudding every thanksgiving

[@40950999]

“American ingredients”? Australian Winter Black Truffles and Caviar are not American 😂

[@janetbeebe6578]

There's food, then there's cuisine.

[@freepalestine98]

8:08 to 8:14 scoping the line Like a hawk... God bless them..

[@macaskillmeyer]

No, he didn't open TFL, he bought it as an established & successful concern.

[@theviewer102]

Money Laundry?! 😂

[@jannenonghan]

American so called documentaries will never tell the whole story. It is very sad, but get use to it.

[@tanujSE]

French laundry And I don't want to clean myself What to do What they say And they even disturbe you

[@patricenz]

...to show the younger generation respect etc, when he doesn't mention the legacy of Sally Schmidt.

[@robertoibarra8280]

What a amazing person Thomas Keller is and I love how he treats all of his employees , you can see that everyone is happy to be there

I love his skills, every dishes from him is an art , to me… except camera in his kitchen

[@theorangegoodness]

So inspiring for musicians like us! TK rules