The French Laundry restaurant in Napa Valley, California, is a mecca for lovers of fine dining: it has three Michelin stars and is run by a chef with legendary status in the US, Thomas Keller.
What is it like to eat there? A fascinating video has appeared on YouTube offering viewers a place at the table. It was recorded by Alexander Varga, co-owner of the Michelin-starred restaurant ’42’ in Esztergom, Hungary.
As part of his “mission to find inspiration in gastronomy,” he visits other Michelin-starred restaurants (he has marked more than 80 three-starred places to date) and creates fascinating videos of his experiences there.
They uploaded them to their YouTube channel, ‘Alexander The Guest’, and their French Laundry video has racked up over 500,000 views so far.
In the video, Alexander reveals that the bill comes to $1,616 (£1,226/€1,458) for two. What do you get for this not inconsiderable sum of money? “Pretty much a perfect experience,” Alexander says in the video, separately adding to MailOnline that his waiter, Brighton, was “the best waiter I have ever had the pleasure of serving.”
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Alexander Varga, co-owner of three-Michelin-starred Hungarian restaurant 42, filmed a meal he enjoyed at the three-Michelin-starred French Laundry restaurant in Yountville, California. Above, Brighton, whom Alexander described as the “best waiter ever.”
Alexander (above) has visited more than 80 three-star restaurants.
He added: “Brighton is incredibly intelligent and moves almost like a ballet dancer.”
Which dishes were the highlights?
Alexander told MailOnline: “The highlight for me was the oysters and pearls, which is the restaurant’s signature dish with pearl tapioca sabayon and island oysters (and Regiis Ova caviar). It’s unforgettable and shows the chef’s incredible skill.”
Which dishes surprised you the most?
Alexander said: “The Beef Wellington stands out. Not only was it an extraordinary dish, but it also brought back very strong memories. The flavours were perfect and the execution was impeccable.”
He also served the restaurant’s version of macaroni and cheese for an extra $160 (£121): macaroni with black winter truffle mousseline and crispy parmesan.
Which dish surprised you the most at The French Laundry? Alexander said: “The Beef Wellington (above) stands out. The flavours were perfect and the execution was impeccable.”
‘Brave in a three-star restaurant’: Alexander is served a $160 macaroni and cheese – black winter truffle mousseline and crispy parmesan
Alexander opened his restaurant liquor ledger with a 169th edition of Krug: “always excellent”
In the video, Alexander says: “This is an example of courage: serving macaroni in a three-star Michelin restaurant.”
The verdict? “I love it,” Alexander says in the video.
Which wines were the highlights?
“We started with the 169th edition of Krug,” Alexander explained, “which is one of my favorites and, as always, was excellent.”
Above is Alexander’s favorite French dish: pearl tapioca sabayon, Island Creek oysters, and Regiis Ova caviar.
Was The French Laundry worth the money? “This is more complex than a simple yes or no,” Alexander said. “It’s like seeing the Mona Lisa: It’s not about the cost, but about witnessing the dedication and craftsmanship of a highly committed team.”
Is The French Laundry the best restaurant you’ve been to in the United States?
Alexander said: “I can’t declare an overall winner because every top restaurant has its own charm and specialty. But The French Laundry certainly has the most emotional meaning for me, and is certainly one of the best.”
What do you think is the secret to The French Laundry’s success?
Alexander said: “Work hard, work hard and work harder. It’s about never compromising and always asking yourself what more you can do for the customer and the team. That’s the foundation of your success.”
Alexander described The French Laundry as one of the best restaurants in the United States.
Above: The French Laundry’s chef de cuisine, David Breeden, chats with Alexander after the meal.
What does Alexander think is the secret to The French Laundry’s success (above)? “Hard work, hard work and more hard work,” he said.
Was The French Laundry worth the price?
“This is more complex than a simple yes or no,” Alexander said. “It’s like seeing the Mona Lisa: It’s not about the cost, it’s about witnessing the dedication and craftsmanship of a highly committed team. The value is in that experience.”
To see more of Alexander’s fascinating food videos, visit www.youtube.com/@alexandertheguest and follow him on Instagram at www.instagram.com/alexandertheguest and on TikTok in www.tiktok.com/@alexandertheguestFollow their restaurant on Instagram at www.instagram.com/42restaurant.
For more information about The French Laundry, located in Yountville, please visit www.thomaskeller.com/tfl.