This was my fifth time at The French Laundry and my third time dining there solo. I don't go out to restaurants as much as I used to pre-pandemic, but yesterday's dinner is making me rethink that decision. In short, it was one of the best dining experiences I've ever had.
To set the scene, when I've dined at TFL solo, I don't bother looking at the menu. There's a short exchange with the captain confirming that I don't have any food allergies and then the kitchen works its magic. Throughout the 10+ courses, there wasn't a bite I didn't swoon over: velvety tomato soup that concealed a lightly smoked orb of burrata at the bottom of the bowl; Angel hair pasta coated in an umami bomb of parmesan and engulfed by white truffles; smoked quail paired with preternaturally sweet butternut squash, cranberry and Brussels sprouts; an impossibly tender piece of lamb topped with a savory puck of boudin noir.
It was brain-defyingly delicious. And the bliss merchants overseeing the front of house are as affable and attentive as can be, making guests feel as if they are the only table being tended to in the dining room.
by sacrunner916
6 Comments
I hope to make it here one day. I do seem to see mixed reviews–what do you think people who don’t like it are missing?
Looks fucking amazing.
Congrats on getting the reservation. I’ve been once but it’s become incredibly difficult to secure a 2nd go round.
they should call it the “french” “laundry” based on how they use quotation marks
Looks great! I’m intrigued by the 5x visits and 3x as a solo diner – do you have a connection that makes it possible to get these reservations?
Always the best. Stuck in the 90’s ! Lmao! So i guess a good red sauce joint is stuck in the frank Sinatra days. Eating is a full compilation of all your senses! It evokes days of youth places in the deep memories of time. Always a great place and great service.