French Laundry Books at Amazon With French Laundry it’s more than just a meal, it’s the whole experience. Beautiful atmosphere in the middle of the wine country, superb service, and of course great food. You could argue that this restaurant or that restaurant has a better beef course or appetizer, but few have the exquisite combination of everything. The French Laundry is a legendary restaurant located in the Napa Valley town of Yountville California, Ground Zero for some of the best restaurants in California. They opened in 1994 and have been legendary ever since. The restaurant received three Michelin stars in 2012 and is at the top of many best restaurant lists. Our most recent visit was in Summer 2021 during the Pandemic. They focus on American food with French influences. Thomas Keller is world renown for some of the best cooking. He focuses on the best ingredients and does not discuss prices with suppliers. This was our first visit in way too many years. The Empire now includes per se in New York, Bouchon in Yountville, Las Vegas, and Beverly Hills, and ad hoc in Yountville. Keller protege from Per Se, French-trained Charleston native David Breeden  is currently the […]

This post originally from The French Laundry Restaurant Review, Yountville

This post originally from Bouchon, Yountville

Ad Hoc at Home – This book is full of Thomas Keller’s insights from Ad hoc. Be sure to check out the French Laundry Cookbook Ad Hoc is the French Laundry Empire’s family style, lower cost restaurant with a single prix (price) fixed $52 Four course family style meal everyday.  Sunday brunch breakfast is now being served for $24. Behind it is addendum, a cash only to go counter serving their legendary Pork Ribs & Pulled Pork or Buttermilk Fried Chicken for $16.50. This is great for those with no reservations. We sampled the Fried chicken in Summer 2012. There are no options other than beverages at Ad Hoc, and the menu serving American comfort food changes everyday. They do offer a pasta option for kids and accommodate vegetarians. Thomas Keller originally created Ad Hoc to fill the time gap from when he bought the old Wine Garden location to when he was to open a high end burger joint. It is located in the Napa Wine country in the culinary center of Yountville. The restaurant has subdued decor with a warm inviting atmosphere. It was not as noisy as Bouchon, which is 2 blocks away. Ad Hoc Menu Ad […]

This post originally from Ad Hoc Restaurant Review, Yountville

This post originally from Redd Wood Restaurant Review, Yountville

This post originally from Bistro Jeanty Restaurant Review, Yountville

Bottega The Book by Michael Chiarello Bottega Restaurant Napa Valley is run by star chef Michael Chiarello. Chef Chiarello is acclaimed chef, Emmy-winning host of Food Network’s Easy Entertaining, tastemaker behind NapaStyle, originally starred at Tra Vigne, and proprietor of Chiarello Vineyards, as well as a Napa Valley resident. The focus is on “micro-regional Italian cuisine, selecting the best dishes from across Italy and anchoring them with artisanal, heritage, or house-made ingredients.” This restaurant is located in the V marketplace complex in Yountville, directly across from his Napa Style store. Bottega as a 4.5 Star rating on Yelp. Decor, Vibe – Bottega restaurant has an open lounge area by the front door, and a large outdoor patio around the corner. The awning is orange colored and casts an orange tint on the outside dining areas, not good for photos! The interior has a dark main dining room with open kitchen in the back, and some brighter rooms to the side. Lots of exposed brick and steel foundation showing. Bottega was packed with tourists and fellow foodies from the Bay Area. Bottega Restaurant Menu Signature dishes – Polenta under glass, short rib of beef, ricotta gnocchi, molten chocolate cake. Their menu […]

This post originally from Bottega Restaurant Restaurant Review, Yountville