TFL “The Box”

I wanted to share an experience that’s a little outside the norm for this sub, but one that felt too meaningful not to post.

I recently had the opportunity to do a stage at The French Laundry, and on my final day Chef Keller fed me a full meal — in the box, which is his office. Not exactly the standard dining room experience most guests have, but as a fine dining lover (and working chef), it was genuinely one of the most iconic moments of my life.

I was able to have the entire menu on the house, which I’m incredibly grateful for, especially as a chef with very few pennies to spare. Every dish was impeccably balanced — precise without feeling rigid, deeply thoughtful without being heavy-handed.

A couple dishes hit me especially hard on a personal level. Oysters and Pearls and the Hen Egg genuinely brought tears to my eyes, not just for how perfect they were technically, but for what they represent to me as a cook and why I fell in love with fine dining in the first place.

Service was immaculate, as expected, but still somehow exceeded that expectation. Hospitality was through the roof — warm, generous, and deeply human. I also had a few brief conversations with Chef Keller that honestly left me speechless. The kind of moments you carry with you forever.

For context, my frame of reference for three-star French dining includes Odette, Effervescence, and Epicure. Looking at the food objectively, I’d say TFL is absolutely on par with the very best I’ve had anywhere. Classic, yes — but timeless, intentional, and profoundly moving.

I know this isn’t a typical diner’s perspective, but I felt compelled to share. I’m endlessly grateful for the experience, and I’ll carry it with me for the rest of my career.

Also yes, I used AI to write this because as a chef, I am very poor at expressing my feelings and an even worse writer, but this is genuinely how I feel.