I should tell you that these are by no means the most expensive in the world. In fact, compared to some, they’re a good value, as ridiculous as that sounds. The highest priced I’ve found include Sublimotion in Ibiza, Spain, over $2,000 per person, and Guy Savoy in Paris at $657 per person, not including the wine, tip, and whatever else they can throw at you. I decided to stick just to U.S. restaurants because, well, they’re local, at least to some of you.
The French Laundry, Yountville, Ca.
Critics and visitors alike, including yours truly, describe The French Laundry as a special dining experience. This Thomas Keller restaurant, opened in 1994, is in a two-story stone house built in 1890 as a French Steam Laundry, and is surrounded by beautiful gardens. Although there is a dress code (jackets for men), the ambience is comfortable — you should thank the gods for that, because dinner will take you 3-4 hours. It’s also intimate — the dining room only has 17 tables.
You can choose between the Chef’s tasting menu and the vegetable tasting menu — both are prix fixe and nine courses. The price comes in about $310 for the tasting menu, then another $350 or so if you want wine pairings. Fortunately, if the basic menu doesn’t suit your needs, you can make some upgrades, although these can add as much as $315 to the bill. So, your total price tag can range from a low of $310 for the economy package, and as much as $975. That’s per person, and without the tip.
These prices don’t seem to scare off customers — as of July 30, the restaurant is booked until mid-October, and they only book for two months in advance. So make your reservations early.
For more information, visit thomaskeller.com
