The French Laundry is a little bit of American luxury cuisine in Yountville, in California's Nappa Valley. The building housing the restaurant was built in the 1880s and served as a saloon before emerging as a French steam laundry in the 1920's. in 1974 the building was purchased with the aim of turning it into a restaurant and as the town knew the French Laundry name, it stuck.

In 1992 Thomas Keller bought the restaurant and reestablished it as an American restaurant with French influences. The opening night was a total disaster but today it has been named among the ten very best restaurants by Esquires John Mariani.

A restaurant is only as good as the staff and the French Laundry has some of the very best. The owner and chef, Thomas Keller is known around the world as being one of the very best chefs with extraordinary culinary skills. Keller has very high standards and highly values collaboration, assembling expert staff of the finest who shares his philosophy. Kelller was awarded the title of Americas very best Chef by Time magazine and Best Chef award from the James Beard Foundation along with Chef of the Year from the Culinary Institute of America.

Keller is the only American born chef to be given multiple three star ratings from the Michelin Guide. Chef de Cuisine, Timothy Hollingsworth word alongside Keller. Hollingsworth was promoted to sous chef in 2005; he is dedicated to Kellers culinary vision and philosophy. The philosophy behind his success and that of the French Laundry is simple. A great meal is not just about the wine and food, it is also an emotional experience. Everyone at the French Laundry tries to make their guests dining experiences an emotional one. This the team does by ensuring they care for each guest as their most important and are obsessive about the culinary details and techniques along with making sure they have a kitchen that delivers only the very best products. When you dine at the French Laundry you go on a journey to sources of pleasure that you have been before and to places that you have never been.

The French Laundry can be hired for various private parties and what better way to enjoy a luxury anniversary dinner or wedding party than among the dedicated private dining team that is yours when you book the French Laundry. The team is on hand to help you plan every part of your event from the menu selection to the choosing which luxury wine to accompany the menu, to choosing the flower arrangements to gifts for the guests, the team take care of every small detail.

Editorial | Image Courtesy Of Deborah Jones