French Laundry
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 Exterior of The French Laundry |
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| Restaurant Information | |
|---|---|
| Established | 1978 |
| Current owner(s) | Thomas Keller |
| Head chef | Thomas Keller |
| Food type | Contemporary American with French influences |
| Dress code | Jacket Recommended |
| Rating | Michelin Three Star |
| Street address | 6640 Washington St |
| City | Yountville |
| State | California |
| Zip | 94599 |
| Country | United States |
| Seating Capacity | 60 |
| Website | www.frenchlaundry.com |
The French Laundry is an American restaurant located in Yountville, California, in the Napa Valley. The chef and owner of the French Laundry is Thomas Keller.
The restaurant is a perennial finisher in the annual Restaurant Magazine list of the Top 50 Restaurants of the World, and in 2006, it was awarded three stars in the inaugural Michelin Guide to the Bay Area and has been reviewed by the New York Times.[1]
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[edit] History of the building
The building was built as a saloon in the 1900s by a Scottish stonesman for Pierre Guillaume, but when a law was passed in 1906 prohibiting sale of alcohol within a mile of a veteran's home Guillaume sold the building.[citation needed]
In the 1920s the building was owned by John Lande who used it as a French steam laundry, which is the origin of the restaurant's name.
In 1978 the mayor of Yountville renovated the building into a restaurant. Don and Sally Schmidt owned the French Laundry for much of the 1980s, and the early 1990s. In 1994 Keller bought the restaurant.
[edit] Food
There are two nine course prix fixe menus daily as well as several tasting menus. During the holiday season, the restaurant may offer special dishes.
The food is mainly contemporary American with French influences.
[edit] Staff
Notable alumni of the French Laundry's kitchen staff include Grant Achatz of Alinea (restaurant), Ron Siegel of The Dining Room at the Ritz Carlton, and Duff Goldman of Food Network fame. Current sous-chef Timothy Hollingsworth won the Bocuse d'Or USA semi-finals in 2008,[2][3] and represented the U.S. in the world finals in January 2009, placing sixth.[4]
[edit] Awards and accolades
- 2006-2008 Michelin Guide, Three Stars
- 2004-2006, 2008 Top 40 Restaurants in the US Andre Gayot Guide.
- 2005-2008, "Best Restaurant in the Americas," Restaurant magazine Top 50.
- 1999-2009 Five-Star Award, Mobil Travel Guide
- 2003, "Outstanding Service Award," James Beard Foundation
- 2002 Awarded the honor of World Master of Culinary Arts 2001, a 1st annual award given by Wedgwood
- 2001, Outstanding Wine Service Award, James Beard Foundation
- 2000, "Favorite Restaurant in the U.S.," Food & Wine Restaurant Experts' Poll
- 2000, Inducted into "Who's Who in Food & Beverage," James Beard Foundation
[edit] References
- ^ "The French Laundry - Reviews and Ratings of Restaurants in Napa Valley - New York Times Travel". The New York Times. http://travel.nytimes.com/travel/guides/north-america/united-states/california/napa-valley/restaurant-detail.html?vid=1154654635092. Retrieved on 2008-04-28.
- ^ Wells, Pete, The New York Times (September 28, 2008). French Laundry Sous Chef Will Represent U.S. in Bocuse d’Or
- ^ Cowin, Diana, Food & Wine (February 2009). Competing at the Bocuse d’Or: Team USA’s Unbeatable Recipes
- ^ Sciolino, Elaine, The New York Times: Diner's Journal (January 28, 2009). The American Chef Comes in Sixth
[edit] External links
Coordinates: 38°24′16″N 122°21′55″W / 38.404459°N 122.36521°W
