Comments on: The French Laundry

By: pfilmls3

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By: inuyaki » The French Laundry (with an Ad Hoc chaser)

inuyaki » The French Laundry (with an Ad Hoc chaser) — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:22:47 +0000

[...] went to The French Laundry last year around this time and didn’t think we would be back so soon. But when our friend Simone said she had a [...]

By: Anakorpa

Anakorpa — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 23:48:20 +0000

You supplemented foie, but they forgot to charged you for it? It’s $30 add on to the $240.

Or did you get comped?

Nice pics!

By: Michelle

Michelle — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 20:49:25 +0000

Arnold: Love the blog entry!!! One of the most beautiful, well-written available. Love the no-nonsense, humble approach. My bridesmaid nick-named Queen-Bee (; got us reservations the week before our wedding this September and it is something we have been dreaming about doing since our teens (10+ years).
We’re going on a weeknight, Tuesday at 8:000pm. Can you give us some fashion advice? We don’t want to be over-dressed. Also, were photographs welcome, and were many diners photographing, or were you the only one?

By: Experience Hawaii Like a Local

Experience Hawaii Like a Local — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 09:16:11 +0000

I found your site while looking for stuff to do while in Hawaii. Cool stuff, glad I stumbled across you.

By: Arnold

Arnold — Sat, 21 Mar 2009 20:16:57 +0000

@Anna: Thanks for reading and the kind words. I actually got really lucky on Opentable.com and got my reservation 6 days before we went. I probably could have worked a connection or two, but I didn’t want to be “that guy,” if you know what I mean. :-) Hope you come to California soon!

By: Anna

Anna — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 12:25:07 +0000

Wow! Truly food as art.

Thank you so much for this detailed and warm description of what was evidently a pretty spectacular experience. The food looks exquisite, and I’m sure tasted the same.

I had to LOL at your description of the replacement of the toast to ensure that it was always warm. I’ve been to some pretty fancy restaurants in my time, but nowhere that provided *that* kind of service. It sounds like a truly amazing place. I shall evidently have to make sure I have made the FL reservation BEFORE I book hotels and flights next time I come to SF. ;)

The bill looks truly eye-watering, but given the experience you described, also completely justified.

BTW, exactly how far in advance did you have to book? Do they do the thing where they just open up bookings 4 weeks ahead and you have to be on the phone the minute the restaurant opens? Or do you have to book months in advance? Could you get a reservation at a reasonable time?

Thanks again for your insightful commentary.

By: Providence - Los Angeles, CA | inuyaki | a food blog called "grilled dog"

Sat, 10 Jan 2009 08:12:18 +0000

[...] The French Laundry [...]

By: Nessim

Nessim — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 21:33:41 +0000

Very nice report, Arnold. Don’t make your lady feel bad about the kitchen tour; this way your memory will be all about the food in the dining room. Plus, always save something for next time! Also what’s up with no mention of the water service. You know that the Nordaq “Fresh” water is the bomb diggity!

By: Arnold

Arnold — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 22:13:47 +0000

@Marvin: Ah…you got it from the source. I think it’s funny that the Ilocano salt is a premium ingredient sold at high-end food stores.

@Paul: I’ve never really had a problem with restaurants and picture taking. If we’re lucky enough to go for lunch or an early dinner in the summer, a lot of times there’s enough natural light so we don’t need the flash. The only place I’ve been to that “forbids” it is Maru…in Valencia of all places. I managed to get some pics there with my iPhone (no flash, less conspicous).

We don’t have a high-end camera, but we’ve been looking to upgrade for awhile. Currently, I use a point-and-shoot Canon A540. It’s pretty small, so it’s not too obnoxious. The macro mode works really well, but if I have problems focusing, I just back up a bit and then crop the picture down later. I had to do a lot of that with these French Laundry pics. :)

By: Paul Reiter

Paul Reiter — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 21:44:59 +0000

I had a quick question that I’ve always wanted to ask you. Are restaurants fine with you taking pictures of their courses/desserts? Do you ask them beforehand if it is okay? Which brings me to another question. What type of camera do you use for the photos? I just got a Canon Rebel XSi and I love it but I can’t imagine whipping it out during a dinner service. :) Keep the great reviews coming. We’ll keep reading them and silently salavating.

By: Marvin

Marvin — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 21:37:53 +0000

Awesome review Arnold! And I actually have a giant bag of Ilocano sea salt from my last trip there, it’s so awesome that it’s at the French Laundry. And pili nuts too!

One of these days, I’ll hopefully get up to the French Laundry. You are very lucky indeed.

By: Chaime

Chaime — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 17:30:35 +0000

I have been anxiously waiting to read this, and you finally posted it! Such a great post, and the pictures + you describing the food makes me want to go here even sooner! Thank you :)

By: Arnold

Arnold — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 06:33:03 +0000

@Salty Mouth: Your salts look really cool.

@Arnold E.: Yes…save now and start dialing. :)

@Paul: Ditch the kids and start driving to Yountville! :-)

By: Paul Reiter

Paul Reiter — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 06:25:36 +0000

I’m so glad you and were wife were able to finally experience this restaurant. I enjoyed reading the review. I hope one day I can take my wife there.

By: Arnold E.

Arnold E. — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 02:13:04 +0000

Arnold, great review of your French Laundry experience!! You definitely didn’t disappoint us! I have to start saving up now…

By: Salty Mouth

Salty Mouth — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 20:54:32 +0000

Beautiful photos. I too love that Filipino salt “is represented at the French Laundry.” Now if only Keller would give a small-scale Seattle duo a try. I hand-craft an array of flakey, coarse Fleur de Sel salts that run the gamut of infused flavors such as Coconut Garam Masala, Pineapple Cumin Chili, Bloody Mary, Nicoise Olive, Lavender Rosemary, Vanilla, Almond Cardamom, Soy, and Apple 5-Spice.

If ever so inclined, take a peak: http://www.secretsalts.com

By: Arnold

Arnold — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 04:42:29 +0000

@Theda: Yeah, my mom just called and scolded me for not knowing about the Pili nuts since I’m “from the Philippines.” I had to gently remind her that I was born in the U.S. :-)

By: Ajith

Ajith — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 01:58:07 +0000

Lovely pictures and very well written! I’m going to make it a mission to dine at “The French Laundry”

By: Theda E

Theda E — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 01:54:56 +0000

Arnold,

The PI was doubly represented. The toasted Pili nuts are from the Philippines, in particular, the Bicol region where my parents are from. :)

Theda