The French Laundry
2012 Dom Perignon Champagne
Salmon Coronet
Cheese Cracker
Garden Cauliflower Soup, Toasted Hazelnuts, Grated Alba White Truffles
Poached Pink Hopper Shrimp, Horseradish Gastrique
Nantucket Bay Scallop Crudo, Satsuma Mandarin Dressing
Grilled Japanese Big Fin Squid, Lemongrass Pistou
Norwegian Halibut Brandade, Dill Mayonnaise, Malt Vinegar
Oysters and Pearls – Sabayon of Pearl Tapioca, Island Creek Oysters, Regis Ova Caviar
2021 Oberhäuser Leistenberg Riesling Kabinett
Hen Egg Custard, Ragout of Perigord Truffles
Rancho Gordo Pinquito Bean Hummus, Boudin Noir, Garden Broccoli, Pinquito Bean Falafel, Pickled Garlic, Toasted Cumin Yogurt
Nova Scotia Lobster Galette, Caramelized Watsonville Artichoke Puree, Preserved Meyer Lemon, Nasturtium Leaves, Creamy Lobster Broth
2018 Trediberri Barolo del Comune di la Morra DOCG
Bread and Butter – Whole Wheat Brioche Kugelhopf, Crispy Parmesan, White Truffle Mousse, Alba White Truffles
Kurobuta Pork Pate, K&J Orchards Apple Chutney, Garden Onion a la Plancha, Whole Grain Mustard Jus
Liberty Farms Pekin Duck, Black Truffle Farce, Nantes Carrots, Garden Celery, Crispy Chickpea Panisse, Pumpkin-Brown Butter Jus
Charcoal Grilled Japanese A5 Wagyu, Beef Fat Toast, Wagyu Kielbasa, La Ratte Potato Puree, Garden Turnip Relish, Bordelaise Vinaigrette
Gougere – Andante Dairy Etude, Black Winter Truffle Fondue
Coffee
K&J Orchards Meyer Lemon Bar, Citrus Crumble, Hibiscus Puree
Maple Ice Cream, Roasted Vanilla Bean Cornet, Pecan Praline, Bourbon Cremeux
K+M Mexican Hot Chocolate – Milk Chocolate-Cinnamon Mousse, Espelette Marshmallow, Sable Breton
Coffee and Doughnuts – Cinnamon-Sugar Doughnuts, Cappuccino Semifreddo
Raspberry Sesame Macaron, Chocolate covered Macadamia Nuts, Caramels
Honey Biscuit Bon Bon, PB&J Bon Bon, Salted Caramel Bon Bon, Manni Olive Oil Bon Bon, Hazelnut Bon Bon, Garden Mint Bon Bon
Like this writer The French Laundry has changed a lot since February 17th 2009, a landmark meal from Cory Lee and Thomas Keller then costing roughly 40-hours of pay while solidifying an interest in dining that has only continued to grow. Now with more seats, more light, an extra thousand feet in the kitchen and even music America’s foremost fine dining institution is currently guided by Chef David Breeden while GM Michael Minnillo continues to lead a service team second to none.
Still accessed by the famous blue door and a small foyer, the same two-top as prior waiting with a clothespin and tri-folded napkin, dinner began with Champagne and Canapes including the Salmon Coronet followed by silky Cauliflower Soup.
Seated with the words “Have fun,” a phrase one may not usually associate with a Michelin 3* Restaurant, the night continued with a quartet of Seafood before the Mother of Pearl spoon accompanying timeless “Oysters and Pearls.”
Selecting Riesling to pair with lighter courses, a topped-Egg with Truffles then bold Blood Sausage alongside Falafel, the night’s Lobster came as a Cake brightened by Citrus before “Bread and Butter” in the supplemental form of housemade Kugelhopf beneath a Parmesan Tuile liberally covered by shavings of a baseball-sized White Truffle.
Barolo from the Italian Truffles onward, Pork “Pate” never so refined and Duck with crackling Skin each an exercise in precision, A5 Wagyu carries with it a premium price matched by its sourcing alongside Beef Fat Toast and Wagyu Kielbasa.
Using yesteryear’s Gougere as a Cheese course, then the Bocuse-fashion flood of Desserts highlighted by Maple Ice Cream plus “Coffee and Donuts,” it is alongside the bill that Mignardises arrive in excess along with a copy of the menu and Shortbread Cookies for later.
Beginning to end a remarkable meal The French Laundry remains America’s definition of excellence and in an era where the destination Restaurant “arms race” evolved to include social messages, science and cultural preservation, Chef Keller’s vision remains rooted in luxury with premium Ingredients used liberally, each bite precise and complex while staff encourages guests to have fun.
www.thomaskeller.com/tfl

