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World’s 50 best 1st 2004 |
Zagat 2009 29-27-28 |
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Chef Thomas Keller, named “America’s Best Chef” in 2001 by Times Magazine, is the chef and owner of The French Laundry. His cuisine is rooted in classical French cuisine. Yet with an incredible blend of innovative contemporary cuisine, it has surpassed the standards of its authentic traditional French influences.
Chef Keller started his career as a dishwasher at the Palm Beach Yacht Club. He then quickly moved up to cook and it was here that he discovered his passion for cooking. Throughout his career, he worked in New York and apprenticed at various Michelin-starred restaurants in Europe.
In The French Laundry, Chef Keller believes in “the law of diminishing returns” – no matter how delicious a dish is, your appreciation level decreases with each bite. That’s why he presents you with multiple small dishes of tip-top ingredients from all over the world. Not only does Chef Keller possess exceptionally high personal standards, he also values genuine collaboration. Every member of the team is committed to a common goal of creating the perfect dining experience.
About the Restaurant
Chef Keller took on various consultant jobs and chef roles in the early 90’s. It was during this low point of Keller’s career when he discovered an old French steam laundry in Yountville. He spent more than a year to gather capitals from various investors to purchase this place.
Nested within the heart of California’s famous Napa Valley, a 1600 square foot stone residence, built in 1900, is the home of this peaceful country restaurant. Opened in 1994, The French Laundry is one of the world’s greatest culinary getaways.
