The French Laundry

6640 Washington StreetYountville, California707.944.2380

After being on hold for 45 minutes: "All reservations for the next two months are taken. I suggest that you call at 10 AM tomorrow for [a date that would be two months to the day]." Thomas Keller’s Napa Valley temple of gastronomy, which in a former life was indeed a laundry specializing in French service, routinely books up two months in advance for his perfectionist $240 nine course tasting menus. There are rare cancellations, however, and area hotels often get first crack at them to pass on to their guests.

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