My Best Meal Ever
It all started with a trip to Rome . . . or so I thought.
DAVID RIDGEWAY
It all started with a trip to Rome . . . or so I thought.
Kim had made the arrangements—she’d booked a trip for my 50th Birthday, and we were on our way. But then, just before we got to the Airport, she gave me an early present: it was a guidebook to San Francisco, with an itinerary hidden inside.
Yes—she had managed to get a table at The French Laundry!
(She might also have had some help from Gary King, who paid them a visit in person)
We drove an hour and a half outside of San Fran to Yountville, which is spectacular. It’s where the legendary chef of French Laundry, Thomas Keller, settled in the early nineties, and we started at his amazing Bouchon Bakery for coffee and pastries. Today, he has a total of six restaurants in the stunning town.
We later arrived at French Laundry for the main event, took a walk through the herb gardens, and had a full tour of the kitchen along with the impressive wine cellar before sitting down to an 8-course tasting menu of pure delight.
The food was exquisite. The standout dishes included:
The French Laundry absolutely lives up to its reputation. It was the best meal of our lives. If you ever want a table, just have a word with Gary.
😉
