The French Laundry

We have driven past this building numerous times when visiting Yountville, but never knew that inside was the world famous restaurant - The French Laundry.

John and I were finally lucky enough (through a relative of a friend - thanks both to Katie & Linda!) to get a reservation.  Even luckier were Sarah & Jeff because the only reservation we could get was a table for four, so we asked them to join us. 

I couldn't believe that after years of trying to get a reservation we were finally about to walk through the famous "Blue Door" :

When we were seated we found a card at our table addressed to Mr. & Mrs. Andreotti.  It was a Happy Anniversary greeting (18 years!!) from our dear friends Frankie & Carrie.  The card was accompanied by a beautiful bottle of champagne-

Pol Roger "Extra Cuvee de Reserve" Champagne

The meal is a set Chef's Tasting Menu but there are a few choices to be made.  Our head waiter discussed the menu with us, we made our decisions on the menu choices, discussed wine options with the sommelier and we were ready to begin.  

Two amuse-bouche were brought to the table, the first was GOUGERES-a savory pate a choux stuffed with Gruyère cheese and sauce Mornay:

And the second was Thomas Keller's famous CORNETS -  Line caught Scottish Salmon with chives and a red onion crème fraîche on a sesame cone:

We had a choice for our first course - "OYSTERS AND PEARLS" - Sabayon of Pearl Tapioca with Treasure Cove Oysters and White Sturgeon Caviar:

or -CREME FRAICHE-BUCKWHEAT TART-Red Onion Marmalade, Black Pepper and Tsar Imperial Ossetra Caviar:

Sarah & Jeff ordered the "Oyster & Pearls" and John ordered the Buckwheat Tart and Caviar. This was a tough choice for me.  I had read so much about the "Oysters & Pearls" and really wanted to try it but then again when would I ever have the chance to try Imperial caviar, among the rarest in the world?  Our waiter gave me a "duh look" and I ordered the Imperial Caviar. It was heaven, and with the champagne - out of this world!  And then to top it off Sarah shared her "Oysters & Pearls" with me so I got to try both.

Here is one of three or four bread courses (this is the only one I got a picture of) that we were served along with a couple of different butters and three different salts:

We had another choice for the next course, either MOULARD DUCK "FOIE GRAS EN TERRINE"-with Poached Rhubarb, Celery, Piedmont Hazelnuts, Red Ribbon Sorrel and Black Winter Truffle - this was John's and my choice.  This was by far the creamiest foie gras I have ever tasted - incredible.

Wine Pairing - Chateau Rieussec, 1er Cru Classe, Sauternes, Bordeaux 1989

Served with warm Brioche Toast.  An example of how amazing the service was - halfway through our foie gras a waiter came to our table, removed our toast and replaced it with fresh, warm brioche!

Sarah and Jeff chose the CHANTERELLE MUSHROOM VELOUTE - with Stinging Nettle Custard, Sunchokes and Oxalis.  This was Sarah's favorite dish.

Wine Pairing -D'Oliveira, Sercial, "Reserva" Madeira 1969

We had another choice for the next course - SAUTEED FILLET OF SPANISH LUBINA with Eggplant, Piquillo Peppers, Preserved Lemon and Artichoke-Saffron "Nuage".  Sarah, John & I chose this perfectly cooked fish, crispy on the outside and meltingly tender inside.

Wine Pairing - Do Ferreiro, Albarino, Rias Baixas 2008

Jeff chose the TARTARE OF EARSHELL CLAM with Blood Orange, Sea Beans, Cauliflower, Spicy Peanuts, Cilantro and Madras Curry Yogurt.

Wine Pairing - Christian Moreau, Vaillons" 1er Cru, Chablis, Burgandy 2007

Our next course was SWEET BUTTER-POACHED MAINE LOBSTER TAIL with Beets, Horseradish Dumplings, Farm Brussels Sprouts and "Borscht" Reduction.  I have made this lobster recipe from the French Laundry Cookbook and John said mine was every bit as good as this - ha! what a sweet talker.  I'll have to check to see if the cookbook has the horseradish dumpling recipe - so yummy!

Wine Pairing - Chateau Rayas, Chateuneuf-du-Pape Blanc, Rhone Valley 2006

BLACK TRUFFLE LARDED MARCHO FARM "RIS DE VEAU" - Veal Sweetbreads with soft Scrambled Jidori Hen Eggs, "Pain de Campagne Croutons", Asparagus and Petite Lettuces.  We had another choice for this course and this time it was an easy choice for me.  I have never tasted sweetbreads and figured if I was ever going to try them this would be the time.  I was a little worried about this dish, afraid of the texture, but I was pleasantly surprised and really enjoyed it. (Sorry about the quality of the picture, it was really beautiful).

Wine Pairing - Clos Rougerad "Les Poyeux" Saumur-Champigny, Loire Valley 2005

Jeff decided on the chicken, but I didn't get a picture (too bad because it was a beautiful presentation).  I must have been sidetracked because of my concern about the sweetbreads! FOUR STORY HILL FARM "POULARDE" with Akita Komachi Rice, Green Garlic, Kanzuri, Carrot-Snow Peas Salad and "Sauce Japonaise".

Wine Pairing - Dehlinger, Pinot Noir, "Goldridge Vineyard", Russian River Valley 2007

The next course was my favorite, I had never tasted such tender, melt in your mouth lamb.  Almost makes me want to splurge and buy a sous-vide machine (just kidding John!).  ELYSIAN FIELDS FARM LAMB SADDLE-cooked sous-vide with Pole Bean "Cassolet", San Marzano Tomate Compote, "Petit Sale" and Dijon Mustard.

Wine Pairing - Livio Sassetti, Brunello di Montalcino, "Pertimali" Tuscany 2005 - Jeff actually clapped his hands with glee at the mention of this wine!

On to the cheese course, not too much and not too intense, it was the perfect transition to dessert. ANDANTE DAIRY "NOCTURNES" with Brown Butter "Pain Perdu", Fennel, Sour Michigan Cherries and Creamy Pine Nut Vinaigrette.

Wine Pairing - Philippe Foreau, Demi Sec, "Domaine du Clos Naudin", Vouvray, Loire Valley 2006

Our first dessert course was WHITE VERJUS SORBET with Muscat "Gelee", Green Grapes and Marcona Almonds.  You might be wondering how I dealt with all of the dishes that included nuts.  I called the restaurant a couple of days before our reservation and told them about my two food allergies - rosemary and nuts.  When our head waiter first greeted us he asked which of us had the food allergies and told me that would not be a problem and not to let the nuts listed on the menu influence my choices.  He said they would make changes to any dish that included nuts. Very accommodating!!

Wine Pairing - Saracco, Moscato d'Asti, Piedmont 2009

We had a choice for our next dessert course the LEMONGRASS "CREMEUX" with Sicilian Pistachio, Lemon "Granite" Shiso and Granny Smith Apple Sorbet that John, Sarah and I had or --

Wine Pairing - Disznoko, Tokaji Aszu, 6 Puttonyos, Tokaj 2000

..Jeffs choice, the "DELICE AU CHOCOLATE A LA MENTHE" with Crispy "Feuilletine", Mast Brothers Cocoa Nibs, Brown Cardamon and French Laundry Garden Mint Ice Cream.

Thinking the meal was over, John & Jeff ordered espressos. Look at these adorable cups & saucers:

But no, dessert was not over yet. When these were delivered J&J said they wouldn't have ordered an espresso if they knew they were going to be served a cappuccino.  But this wasn't coffee, but another dessert and French Laundry signature dish "Coffee & Doughnuts" -  Cinnamon-Sugared Doughnuts and "Cappuccino Semifreddo".  Oh, was this ever delicious, I have to try making this at home.

Next, a waiter brought two trays of these delicious truffles, I wish I could remember what the six different fillings were, but by now I was pretty much in a food & wine stupor.

And in case we got hungry on our walk back to the hotel (only a few steps away) - Delicious, buttery, shortbread cookies to go!

Well, it was quite an experience and especially fun to share with Sarah & Jeff.  I was a little bit afraid that the meal couldn't live up to our high expectations, but it was even better than we had imagined.  The service was incredibly efficient, but not stuffy, and the wine pairings were perfect.  When we finally stumbled back out through the blue door and into the courtyard I noticed a row of windows that looked into the kitchen.  We walked over to peek inside and a guy came out and asked if we would like to come inside and tour the kitchen.  Are you kidding me???? Would I ever!! What a treat, the perfect ending to a perfect afternoon.

John walking in the French Laundry Garden:

A Week-Long Food & Wine Marathon

John & I always celebrate our anniversary and my birthday with some kind of fun food event.  Last year we went with Sarah & Jeff to a wood-burning pizza oven convention in Monterey.  The year before we went to some great restaurants in Santa Monica, including a great chef's tasting menu at Melisse. And this year -- one of the best restaurants in the world -- The French Laundry!! 

The week started with lunch with my very dear friend Nancy.  We don't spend near enough time together and really enjoyed our visit. We celebrated both of our birthdays eating sushi at O-Sabi Restaurant in Ventura.

On Tuesday (my birthday) my sister, mom & dad took me to Cabo Seafood Grill & Cantina in Oxnard. Cabo is a great Mexican restaurant, nothing fancy, I think it used to be a Denny's or Sambo's, but great, authentic Baja food. It was National Margarita Day so of course I had to have a margarita - a mango margarita! I also had a Taco Dorado de Picadillo - a taco made with a specially seasoned mixture of ground beef, ground pork, and potato topped with lettuce tomato & cheese AND a mini carnitas (a house speciality) tostada.  Mmmm good!

John had to work in Newport Beach that day and wasn't able to join us for lunch.  When he got home that night he said "get dressed I made reservations for a special birthday dinner" - uh-oh maybe I shouldn't have ordered that tostada. We had dinner at Restaurant Brooks in Ventura.  I had an appetizer of Blue Crab Corn Hush Puppies with Green Onion Remoulade and for dinner - Cast iron griddled duck breast with butternut squash ravioli, golden chantrelles and a maple, blueberry reduction.  Wine pairing-2009 Loring Pinot Noir.

John started with a chestnut soup that he absolutely loved and for dinner - lobster that he wasn't crazy about - overcooked (obvious in the picture). Wine Pairing - 2007 Phelps Chardonnay.

Before we started our meal our waiter talked us into ordering a special berry cobbler with ice cream.  Good marketing - we never would have ordered this after our meal.  But don't think we didn't eat it and enjoy it!

On Wednesday Laura & I drove over to Westlake Village to do some grocery shopping.  We stopped for lunch at Cisco's Mexican Restaurant and I ordered a Carne Asada Tostada served in a iceberg lettuce cup instead of a tortilla.  It was delicious and so clever - I'm definitely going to steal this serving idea.  The top of the head of lettuce was cut off, the inner leaves removed and sliced for the salad, leaving about four of five of the outside leaves in place - enough to make a sturdy bowl for the tostada.

Lunch on Thursday is always food-to-go (sushi for me & Mamina) at Laura & Ma's condo while we watch a cooking competition show.  We're currently watching Top Chef All-Stars and yes we were very sorry to see Fabio Viviani "pack his knives and go" - he just didn't know how to make an American "hambooger".

Friday morning we packed the car and headed to Napa.  We planned the trip so we would be in Paso Robles in time for lunch.  Our favorite restaurant there is Buona Tavola - great food and friendly service.  We had met the manager, Alex, on a previous visit and he was happy to see us.  He told us about their new venture, making homemade sausage and salami for restaurant (and hopefully retail) sale.  After hearing Alex's enthusiastic talk about sausages John & I both ordered a dish with their homemade sausage.  I had the pasta special - homemade pappardelle, homemade orange-infused sausage (delicious!), sweet onions, fresh tomatoes, asparagus (I love asparagus but I didn't think it was really needed in this dish), white wine sauce and saffron. It was terrific!

John ordered Orecchiette con Rapine e Luganega - hat shaped pasta served with rapine broccoli, sun dried tomatoes, grilled homemade Piemontese-style pork sausage, garlic and a splash of tomato sauce.

We spent Friday & Saturday nights at The Bordeaux House in Yountville (very comfortable and affordable):

Friday night we had dinner reservations at Michael Chiarello's Bottega Restaurant - just a short walk from the Bordeaux House.  We both enjoyed a glass of Adami Prosseco Brut while we decided our menu choices. I started my meal with the "Pesce Crudo Market Fresh Raw Selection from the Sea" which tonight was yellowfin tuna from Hawaii served on a salt block. No question - the most incredible tuna I have ever tasted:

John started with a house-made prosciutto with fritters and a pear soup.  He was instructed to pick up a fritter, wrap it with prosciutto and dip it in the pear "soup" - he loved it!

For my entree I chose the Potato Gnocchi Raviolo filled with Ricotta, Spinach and Egg Yolk with Sage Brown Butter and Black Truffles. When I cut into the raviolo the egg yolk ran out and mixed with brown butter sauce - so delicious!! Wine pairing - Frogs Leap Chardonnay.

And John chose "Confit of Half Duck Mostarda di Frutta with Pannetone Bread Pudding and Red Wine Duck Jus.  It was a great dish but the Mostarda di Frutta was the star.  Wine Pairing - 2007 Rivers-Marie Pinot Noir.

Sarah & Jeff joined us on Saturday ...

...for lunch at The French Laundry - THE most incredible food experience you could imagine - and deserving of a separate blog - coming up next!

Sunday morning the four of us drove up to Calistoga for a tour of the Castello di Amorosa.  The castle was awesome and we they have surprisingly good wines.

Barrel tasting a Cabernet:

After our lunch at Tra Vigne Pizzeria (yes, we're still eating!!) accompanied by a bottle of wine from the castle, we decided rather than hit the road for home we would follow Sarah & Jeff home and spend the night there.  A visit with SJ&M doesn't seem complete without a trip to Whole Foods to shop for dinner.  On our last trip to Oakland Jeff & I went to WF alone and got a little out of control at the meat counter.  We came home with a ridiculous amount of veal shanks - they were beautiful and we had incredible osso bucco cooked in the pizza oven for dinner.  This trip John, Sarah, Mike and Marco all came with us to try and keep us in check.  Ha- we outsmarted them by sending them on a mission to look for asparagus while we headed for the meat counter.  Look at these beautiful rib eyes we managed to get in the shopping cart before they caught up with us:

Jeff, along with his assistants John & Mike grilled the steaks and the asparagus in the pizza oven.  I have to tell you, these were the best steaks I have ever tasted, the flavor the wood-burning oven adds is amazing.

And just to make sure we didn't go hungry - a few fries:

It was a delectable week and the icing on the cake was spending time with our grandson.  Papa reading Marco an Italian bedtime story: