This review is LONG overdue, and i can not get this ridiculous experience out of my head. First of all, the hype around French Laundry is completely overrated! The fact that they make you call 3 months to the date that you want to make a reservation should have been the red flag... We get there, and are totally unimpressed with the decor, not elegant at all, very quiet, and the staff is not very friendly, almost snobbish. Fine. We are here. We order. Every add on is more and more money. Fine. Take my order. The waiter takes my order, and I point out to him that there is a bug (gnat) on my plate. He takes his finger and SQUISHES IT ON MY PLATE, and then proceeded to walk away! We all looked at each other in disbelief...I then asked him for a clean plate, and he said to me..."you are not going to eat off that plate anyway" and started to walk away. I KNOW WHAT A CHARGER PLATE IS, I live in San Francisco and eat in fine restaurants often. From that point on the meal was done for me. We should have all walked out. The entire staff was cold, the food was totally unmemorable, and I would NEVER recommend FL to anyone! Go to Gary Danko in\t\nSF ...read more

The French Laundry is not just a great French restaurant in America, it is a great French restaurant anywhere in the world, most definitely including France. There is a magic that has been cultivated here that inspires the kitchen each day. This is an intangible that is extremely rare in the brutal world of the culinary arts where even the most enthusiastic practitioners can fall prey to the grind of the kitchen. \t\n\t\nAlso adding to the FL's ability to perform at such a high level on a consistent basis are their strong relationships with other inspired vendors. The herb garden across the street provides a good foundation upon which to rely, however, the meats and seafood that make it into this kitchen come from vendors who truly care about their products and the customers who they serve. \t\n\t\nEvery single aspect of the FL has intelligent thought put into it. The type of salt, pepper and oil are as carefully chosen as the meat or mollusk in which they will flavor. It all works together in synchronicity much like nature itself. A meal at the FL is similar to experiencing any other great art. It will linger pleasantly in your brain for several days afterward eventually finding a comfortable niche in the pleasant part of your memory. It will be there forever to enjoy like your first love. \t\n\t\nThis is truly one for the "bucket list" if you are a foodie. Go there at least once and celebrate one of the greatest gastronomic experiences available on Earth. ...read more

Go for the tasting menu it changes often and the 9 course will fill you up and you will be amazed at every dish. The common words you hear from everyone is "WOW" and most will say that at least half of the dishes!\t\n\t\nI've been to the best places in Paris and France and while there were many 9 out of 10's only the French laundry gets my vote for a 10! ...read more