Went to the French Laundry to celebrate 2 birthdays last weekend. It was our second time there, and first time trying their spring menu.
Overall, my opinion is that if you just do a dish only comparison to other restaurants, you can definitely find a lot of places better than TFL. But looking at the entire experience holistically, TFL does such an incredible job making the dinner feel like a truly unique experience that it’s in a league of its own. The service, the ambience, the location, the attention to detail feel unmatched. We started with a drink in the garden before we were brought to our table. Also got a chance to meet chef Keller. At the end, they gave us the usual shortbread cookies, as well as one of each Mignardises flavors.
Highlight dishes
– Oysters and Pearls: Not much to say about this, remains one of the best fine dining dishes out there
– Carrot salad: surprisingly deep and complex flavors, very unique salad
– Meat courses: All were great, but the lamb and wagyu were both excellent
– Dessert course: They bring everything out together at the same time. Desserts are on the simpler side, but all are delicious
Misses
– Scallop dish: Scallop felt under-seasoned and the pepper sauce was just ok
– Dover Sole: Spinach garnish was great, didn’t care much about the fish cookery
by trianglesaurus
13 Comments
I wonder if the kitchen ever gets tired of the thousands of oysters and pearls they plate year after year
If I had a nickel for every time some posted a pic of that weird little dick from French Laundry…
Looks great. You scratched the names in only one photo.
Looks great! What is the rough per person cost at FL? $1,500 /ea?
Why does the “Menu” use quotations 27 times?
This is a great review, thanks. It is kind of wild to me that a dinner at that price has some misses, but the experience looks lovely.
Can someone explain the $160 you pay to receive mac and cheese and no quail?
The dishes reminds me of poetry. Feels like a story being told with every dish.
What is “sense of urgency?”
How good was the birthday Gateau Marjolaine? I lost it on my recent visit over that
One of the most memorable meals I have had worldwide. Food was fantastic, as was wine, but the service was amazing. I’m sure that not everyone likes it, but I’m glad you had a good time and I loved it the times I have been there.
*Overall, my opinion is that if you just do a dish only comparison to other restaurants, you can definitely find a lot of places better than TFL.*
I’ve been to Per se in its heydays, but not TFL and probably not any time soon. What are your favorite restaurants, food-wise? Any recommendations around the world? Especially in Europe or Japan if you’ve been.
Been twice. Wouldn’t do a 3rd time.