We did it and did it big. I would honestly advise against the extended menu as we did it and it was just way too much. Everyone felt miserably full 2/3 through but of course you keep eating everything. I think the regular menus with a supplement or two is the way to go. A friend we were with for a little aggressive with the wine pairing price point (not sure he gave an exact number other than "f us up"). You're wine glass will never get empty and I ended up drinking way too much by the end of the night since I constantly had a full glass. These were our menus

Edit to add: definitely get the kitchen picture, and early reservations aren't a bad thing since the dinner is a multi hour experience. They also give you chocolates after dessert so grab an extra couple to take with you.

The hen egg custard with truffles is one of my favorites. I make that at home from time to time.

62strat said:

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I assume there's no 'upcharge' of sorts for a diner that is having beer? Or perhaps someone who didn't drink at all.

Because the beers I would get are $10-$30 per their menu. So I'm spending way less than a wine drinker would, which makes this more affordable for someone like me.

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For guest who don't consume alcohol, at most places like French Laundry there is a cocktail (zero proof) pairing menu that are tailored for each course.

With a kid that has a dairy allergy, these things scare the **** out of me.

Allergic responses are awful and especially in those not knowing of an allergy. The opioid crisis has pushed the FDA to allow Narcan OTC. EpiPens (duo pack as multiple doses required many times) should be standard items in every household.

Please tell me the Brad Pitt joint story is a first hand experience

TFL is incredible. Highly recommend.

BSD said:

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Bouchon is my favorite restaurant out there. And I love TFL. Different food and vibe and cost, but overall I put it at the top. I haven't been to Napa in a few years but will likely head back soon and need to give a few new places a look.

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I'll be at Bouchon on Sunday. Been close to 5 years since I've been there. Looking forward to it.

I'm back from my trip to Napa and The French Laundry.

We did the non-vegetarian tasting menu with wine pairing. We asked the waiter if a $200 per person budget was sufficient for wine and he said that was fine, so we stuck with it (even though we prepared to go higher if needed).

The best word to describe the experience has to be "amazing."

The 10 courses were perfection and the wine pairings were spot on. The service was second to none; there is an army of folks waiting on your table, removing everything and bringing the next course. After the third or fourth course, we actually asked if we could slow down a bit, because they are so prompt.

The staff is friendly but extremely professional. No over-the-top joking or personal conversations. I asked our waiter if it ever got old seeing people excited to be there, and he smiled and said "never."

The sommelier poured all the wine and explained his choices. We asked him a ton of questions and he graciously answered all of them. We told him he needed to explore some Texas wines and he made a face that cracked us up. He was great.

My favorite dishes were the applewood smoked Wolfe Ranch white quail and the Elysian Fields farm lamb. But everything was excellent, as you would expect.

We had the early seating at 4 p.m. and we weren't finished until about 7:15, so it's an event. We had asked to tour the kitchen if possible so after dinner, a staff member came to the table and took us back. Chef Thomas Keller was working in the kitchen, and he came over, fist bumped us all, and took pictures with the group.

He never said a word, but it was still a memorable end to the evening.

My main tip: Don't eat or drink a lot the day of your visit. We had a very small breakfast and did a 10 a.m. tasting the day of our dinner, and that was it. No lunch or other winery visits. So we were ready for the full experience.

Thanks to everyone on this thread who helped with info. Definitely made a difference.

tl/dr If you get an opportunity to go to The French Laundry, do it. It's definitely worth the money.