#11 Try 25 New Restaurants (3 of 25)

Try 25 New Restaurants
3 of 25

The French Laundry
6640 Washington Street
Yountville, CA
Ah, The French Laundry. Does it really need any explaining? Yes? Okay.

Located in the original structure of a former turn of the century laundromat, The French Laundry's cuisine has often been called "the best in the world" (3 times to be exact, in Restaurant Magazine in 2003 and 2004 and in by Anthony Bourdain in 2005). The 9 course meals are unique to each day, and no ingredient is ever used twice.

Now, I'm no foodie (I'll leave that job to my friend, here), so I don't think any description of the succulent joyride my tastebuds experienced today could be explained in my words. Like I've done so much in the past, I'll let the pictures do the talking:

Some sort of salmon pastry puff

Cauliflower "Panna Cotta" with Island Creek Oyster Glaze and California Sturgeon Caviar

Salad of Confit Marble Potatoes - Farm Onions, Brussels Sprouts and Horseradish Creme Fraiche

Moulard Duck "Foie Gras En Terrine" - Oregon Huckleberries, Celery Branch, Radish, and Aged Balsamic Vinegar

"Carpaccio" of Atlantic Fluke - Cucumber, Cashews, Haupia, Mizuna, Chili and Finger Lime "Aigre-Doux"

Sauteed Fillet of Spanish Lubina - Artichokes "a la Grecque," Jingle Bell Peppers, Castlevetrano Olive, Arugula and Meyer Lemon

Georges Bank Sea Scallop "Poelee" - Chestnut Puree, Salsify, Swiss Chard, Butternut Squash and "Truffe Noire"

Salmon Creek Farms Pork Belly "En Persillade" - Pole Bean "Cassoulet" and Smoked Ham Broth

Marcho Farms "Blanquette De Veau" - Sweetbreads, Nantes Carrots, "Champignon de Paris," Tokyo Turnips and Watercress


"Cavatina" - Honey-Mustard "Chiboust," English Walnut "Genoise," French Laundr Garden Beets and Red Ribbon Sorrel

Bartlett Pear Sorbet - Pomegranate, "Pain d'Epices" and Tahitian Vanilla Bean

Fuyu Persimmon "En Feuille de Bric" - Glazed Pecans, Molasses and Cream Cheese Ice Cream

Bittersweet and Ivory Chocolate "Pave" - Sicilian Pistachio "Pain de Gene," Poached Cranberries and Creme Fraiche Sherbet

Semi-Fredo Cappucino

Some sort of French donut-ish pastry

Chocolate covered macadamia nuts

Various Assorted Chocolates

So 9+ courses at the best restaurant in the world you would think would cost a pretty penny" Au contraire, mon freire. You see, my friends, the French Laundry not only boasts exquisite French gourmet, but for a price for four that is practically a steal:

(Disclaimer: this photo may contain images that have been deemed graphic and disturbing in nature. Discretion is advised)
Yeah. My heart dropped when I first saw this too.