French Laundry Restaurant

03/01/09

Surpassed my expectations

by dmenkes

I made reservations two months ago and dined tonight. During that time, I had spent several weekends researching all I could about Thomas Keller, his restaurants, his philosophy, studied the 100+ page wine menu, etc. I've read more reviews than I can remember, both good and bad. I tried going in with reasonable expectations: this is considered the best restaurant in the Americas by Restaurant Magazine. What does the "best" restaurant taste like? I think what makes The French Laundry different is that you're not just having a meal; you're having an experience. I'd heard from several people who explained it as such, but now I really get it. Your dining experience starts, in my opinion, once you get out of your car and walk up to the building. 4 hours later, when I left the restaurant to return to my car, I felt I got my money's worth. Not just with the food, but, well, everything. Alot of people complain about the portions at high-end restaurants. I cannot possibly imagine anyone complaining about how much food you get here. I literally couldn't eat another bite of dessert by the time we were done with the 9 courses. One thing I tried and was very happy with was doing a wine pairing; you get to try many different wines by the glass and each one compliments each course perfectly--a credit to our sommelier. The service was exceptional--every time either one of us would get up, we'd come back to the table to refilled water glasses, a clean table, and fresh napkin. I know that sounds trite, but every little nicety adds up to an unbeatable experience. Before ordering, our server asked us if there were any foods we were allergic to or didn't like. How cool is that? What could be your excuse for having a bad time here? I'd wholeheartedly go again, maybe in the Fall when they have white truffles. Unfortunately it was raining tonight so we didn't get a chance to enjoy the garden or the outside seating...someday!

• Pros: Fantastic food, service, wine
• Cons: Extremely expensive--be prepared for it!

12/08/08

Wishing for the wow factor!

by epicuriousinsf

I dined at the French Laundry & was a bit disappointed. Started w/ oysters with a sabayon sauce, which I would have preferred chilled, I guess I wasn?t expecting the oysters to be poached, however the caviar was briny & delicious. Foie gras was the best dish of all, served with 3 different salts and the most delicious brioche, the salt cut the fat perfectly. If your brioche gets a bit cold, warm brioche is ready to replace it! However, I was disappointed that the foie gras was an additional charge to the prix fixe menu. The urchin dish was a true disappointment, again I guess I was expecting a cold dish, instead it came on top of a gratin of warm cabbage, with some kind of cream sauce; not good. Next course was seared scallop; it didn't stand out. The braised pork belly was very good, but how can you go wrong with pork belly and it's on everyone's menu. Lamb was delicious, with the cutest carrots I've ever seen and the dates were just sweet enough to go with the sauce. Had the sheep's cheese, served along side a green apple relish, which was really good, but it was a less than a thimble size with a drop of excellent honey. Palate cleanser was refreshing guavasteen sorbet. Finally the finish was pumpkin sherbet (which was delicious) pumpkin croutons which were light and fluffy and pillowy chocolate dentelle. Of course, the alcohol bill was gigantic, but I guess it has to match the food. The food presentations were immaculate and beautiful (except the uni dish), over all I felt the environment while stately, was bland. While I appreciate the quality and dedication to the art of this culinary experience, I would not make the effort to go again. I must be a philistine.

09/21/08

French Laundry SO Not Worth The Price.

by aanraku

We dined with a party of ten in Sept. 2006 and 2007. At our 2007 seating they forgot the promised birthday cake and 5 of the 9 dishes were the same as the previous year. When we emailed and asked them to vary the menu for our 2008 seating, Thomas Keller called us personally and said, "If you don't like what I serve, don't come. I'll even help you find another restaurant to eat at." We canceled and will now dine at Gary Danko's in S.F., a much better restaurant. French Laundry is SO not worth what they charge you. For $6,000.00 for dinner for 10 people Keller should kiss the foot of his customers and remember his roots and where he belongs, sweating over a hot stove to earn his keep. There is no longer room in his restaurant for customers along with his ego.