Ate at French Laundry Yountville last week. First, was it the best dinner
ever. Actually not in my opinion. Was it a great evening? Yes, without a
doubt.

Not really sure if expectations were to high but the food was outstanding,
the wine excellent. Service GREAT! In addition to the 9 courses were
several tidbits that the kitchen kept sending out. So why not the best
meal ever? Honestly I am not sure. Perhaps the absurd pricing--no, that is
just money. I think it was one course. There was choice of a Pork Belly
Preparation that was couse number 4 or a Coeur De Veau Confit which is Veal
Hearts. I basically was sliced thin like a pastrami and was cured. While
the taste was very nice I just never heard of eating Veal Hearts. I love
Sweatbreads, Foie Gras etc...but Veal Hearts I had to try and cannot
complain...would never order on a regular menu anywhere however.

The stars of the night was the first course Oysters and Pearls which they
serve every night. That is the only staple on the menu. Sabayon of pearls
tapioca with beau soleil oysters and white sturgeon caviar. Pairs with a
Gommonet Blanc du Blanc for one and I had the Laurent Perrier Grand Siecle.
While small it got the mouth watering...truly outstanding.

The Foie Gras course was excellent. Best presentation ever and we paired a
Raymond Lafon Sauterns.1999 By the glass. We actually split a glass
between us on this course.

The next few couses we paired with a 1/2 bottle of Javalier Meursault Les
Tillits 2004, Saute Barramundi or Carpaccio of Atlantic Fluke. I had the
Fluke..very good. so was the other.

Next was the Sweet Butter Poached Maine Lobster with same Meursault.
Incredible.

Next was the Pork belly or veal heart. Meursault for the Pork Belly, I had
a glass of a Burgundy, Name escapes me. Nice!!!

We tried a wine called Modicum 2002 for French Laudry. It was a Cabernet.
Their house wine. Not impressive. To high of Alcohol. But I have to admit
when the food came which was a hybrid of Kobe Beef with a black angus it
paired well. Would select a different wine next time if ever.

No wine after that.. we were stuffed. They had to give is a to go for all
the cookies and chocolates that followed dessert. Oh yeah there was a
cheese course as well.

If anyone decides to go there...don't eat for 2 days in advance...to much
food.