Yountville - The French Laundry

As you know, God is amazing. If you want something bad enough, he will give it to you. That was how I got to have a grand meal at The French Laundry anyway. Leading up to the dinner, I was just really excited, like a teenager going on her first date.

The food was excellent. Most of them I had read so much about, seen so many pictures on other blogs and reviews, that it actually felt so surreal when I saw them presented in front of me. The service was professional yet very warm and friendly. I loved the whole experience and it was nothing short of memorable.

warm cheese puffs
airy and gone in 3 seconds

salmon conets
cute mini cones crunchy and savoury. perfect complement to the smokey salmon.

oysters and caviar
If I had to choose (reluctantly), this would be my favourite dish. generous amounts of caviar only to be eaten with a mother of pearl spoon of course, paired with the freshest little oysters and a thick, rich, custard. it was orgasmic.

butter roll
Somewhat like a blend between bread and brioche. nonetheless very good and very addictive. no additional butter was required but then I needed something to spread the Vermont Butter and Local Californian butter with.

salad of French Laundry garden beets
sweet navel orange wedges and fresh greens that were very flavourful despite the lack of dressing or sauces.

hokkaido scallop tartare
the scallops were raw and sweet and the cream sauce went well with them. the vegetables were again, very fresh and tasty.

sweet butter poached maine lobster "mitts"
beautiful dish. the lobster really was fresh and not overcooked. i loved the morels.

wolfe ranch white quail
that my friends had and claimed was the most tender.

atlantic halibut "confit ala minute"
very tender and went well with the cauliflower puree, which was suprisingly the thing that binded the dish together.

snake river farms prime beef
the beef looked so good doesn't it?

king trumpet mushrooms, sweet carrots and tarragon
the pastry crust could have been 'puffier'. compared to the beef, this was not quite visually appetising so perhaps that was why i didn't think much of this course.

"beermat"
pickled red endive, medjool dates, pistachios and black truffle
the sheep's milk cheese was not so strong in smell and had a firmness of gelatine. you experience different tastes when you pair the cheese with the different condiments. it was good but i had enough after two pieces.

palate cleanser
oatmeal cookie, yogurt sherbet and apricot jam
this dish had the combination that reminded me of breakfast muesli. clever and tasty too.

parfait au citron
candied buddha's hand, lemon snow, biscotti tuile
a very refreshing and light tasting dessert. but was not overly exciting.

chocolate cake with praline

petit four

shortbread cookies to bring home
became supper for me.