A Bit Too Stuffy And Self-Important For My Taste

Posted by sweet_polly from Tampa, FL on 3/6/07

All right...there were some stellar moments as far as the cuisine goes, but there were also one or two iffy ones. Service was impeccably doled out by an uber-serious tight-sphinctered staff and the dining environment was extremely formal (We were constantly shrouded in that "Hush-Hush, Because You Are Very Close To Jesus Here" feeling). I like to laugh and talk to my companions at dinner, and didn't feel like I could here...at least not without getting the hairy eyeball from my whispering neighbors. At $650/per couple for this dinner (and we were economizing), this should've been the best meal we've ever had...but it wasn't. Wasn't even in the top 20. There were, however, some tiny icecream cones filled with capers, creme fraiche, and smoked salmon, which will be idelibly (and delectably) etched on my brain). If you have cash to burn, are capable of speaking in hushed tones for three hours or more, have the tenacity it takes to get a reservation, and don't mind shelling out a minimum of $100 for the low-end bottle of wine, this could be the place for you. I'm a die-hard foodophile, and am glad I got the chance to experience it...but I will never spend that much on a meal again. Especially in a place that takes itself so very seriously...I want my fine dining to be a s filled with great conversation, laughter, good food, and warmth; I don't want to feel like I'm dining in church.

Remarkable!

Posted by mbasil from Alberta, Canada on 2/28/07

As a budding "foodie" I have have tried before several trips to the Bay Area to get in. Finally our 10 a.m. call got through! That effort and the $700 for two was worth it, it really is a remarkable experience. Everything about the service was impeccable, from the staggered arrivals, the 11 tables, and the staff. The food is the star of the show, however, and diners are expected to show rapt attention). Keller is an extrordinary chef, and every morsel is stuffed with taste. Amazing.

Best Meal Ever

Posted by Mike from Philadelphia, PA on 5/16/06

We had a truly memorable meal at the FL on 4/24/06 - my wife and I agreed it was our best ever (apologies to Georges Perrier of Le Bec-Fin and several venues in pre-Katrina New Orleans). The 9 courses plus extras over 3 hours, 6 of which for us were truly extraordinary and 3 "merely" superb, left us giddy like kids on Christmas day. As others have said, the staff was attentive and professional without being stuffy. And the wines recommended by the staff went wonderfully with the meal. The price of this perfection was high, but what price can you put on the memory of such a meal and such an evening?

Didn't meet expectations...

Posted by Sarah from San Francisco on 11/21/05

Alas, we drove up to Yountville with our companions who regaled us with tales of their perfect dining experience at Taillevent. Besides exquisitely prepared food, Taillevent provided service that truly served the customer, making him or her feel totally comfortable, welcome and attended to. At French Laundry, the staff was young and earnest and seemed more geared to serving French Laundry's reputation. But no matter. That could have been just a slight nuance and a quibble, although it was annoying to have our conversation interrupted by a young server bent on announcing the dish that was being served rather than waiting for a speaker to finish. Tables were a bit too close for comfort--we were seated upstairs and we felt that half the tables in our room should have been removed for noise control and privacy considerations. The nine-course chef's tasting menu was delicious, but I agree with another reviewer's comments that only a few dishes were in a class by themselves. $1,000 should have resulted in four people feeling grateful to the Universe that such a wonderful experience was possible. Taillevent two years later still evoked the same reverence. Unfortunately, French Laundry, just a day later, does not.

Best meal Ever!!!

Posted by Peter from San Jose, CA on 11/18/05

This is reputed to be the finest restaurant in the US. It is absolutely true. I had an 11 course meal there over 4 hr. Never had such a wonderful experience. Expensive and hard to get into but really worth it.

Over priced + over rated = double trouble

Posted by David from Sonoma County on 11/12/05

A recent visit to the French Laundry left four Epicurians with empty feelings and empty wallets. The waiter was fantastic but the $80 upgrade for Kobe beef was laughable. There are so many fantastic places to eat in the Wine Country that its hard to justify the cost for the experience.