I have found the #1 reason to temporarily ignore my diet

"Hey, I have an extra space at the French Laundry tomorrow night. Would you like to go?"

A hard-to-get reservation at what is arguably the best restaurant in the US? Yes please. I will eat anything that Thomas Keller wants to serve to me, calories be damned.

ENJOY it, Hoser!! Tell us all about it when you get back!

oh ... jealous ... we ate at Bouchon in Vegas ... heaven! I can't imagine how wonderful The French Laundry would be ... yes, do report back!

I ate at Bouchon in Vegas a few months ago. I found it quite good but short of spectacular. Actually, I haven't been impressed by any Vegas restaurants when compared to their NY or California counterparts.

About five years ago I got to go to the French Laundry twice in the space of three months, once for my birthday and once because I promised a friend that I would take her there when she graduated from nursing school. It was fabulous both times-- an experience that I would highly recommend for any foodie.

Sometimes when I get annoyed by stupid stuff the universe hands me a reminder that my life is actually pretty fabulous. Today is one of those days.

Hoser, now that you made us all feel jealous, you have to provide a detailed report on the menu and experience. Cannot wait till the next update.

PLEASE ignore any and all diet thoughts that might come up. Enjoy.

Wow. Have a GREAT time.

We were able to get into the French Laundry once, a couple years ago, on a long awaited bike tour in wine country. Sofia Coppola was sitting right next to us. Most fabulous food ever, even better than Le Bernadine in NYC. And the wait staff was so knowledgeable and really seemed to love their jobs. You are correct, Hoser, you have a fabulous life.

OK, a detailed report from the French Laundry.

First off, here is the menu for the evening. I opted for the chef's tasting menu, with a small modification.

Amuse: We were served the usual gougeres, and a cone filled with a cream (the details of which escape me) and topped with minced raw salmon. Delightful!

First course: Oysters and pearls are a French Laundry staple. I love the richly-flavored savory sabayon, and the flavors of the caviar, tapioca, and oysters marry perfectly.

Second course: I asked for a substitute for this one, since I'm not a foie gras fan and beets aren't my favorite. Instead, I got s jardiniere de legumes de printemps from the tasting of vegetables menu. It tasted like a garden in spring.

Third course: Sturgeon en croute de pommes de terre. Everything about this dish was absolutely perfect, but I was most impressed with the texture of the fish. It was firm yet beautifully tender.

Fourth course: Sweet butter-poached maine lobster tail. To my surprise and delight, thin slices of grapes were a perfect complement for the rich lobster.

Fifth course: Devils' Gulch Ranch rabbit sirloin-- a medallion of bacon-wrapped rabbit in a heavenly sauce. My brain has forgotten what the ranch "croutons" were, but I think they were probably polenta.

Sixth course: Marcho Farm nature-fed veal. I'm generally not a big veal fan, but this was a delight. The sauce provided a perfect counter-balance.

Seventh course: Monte Enebro. A rich, complex goats milk cheese. I could eat this cheese all day and be happy.

Eighth course: Elderflower Sorbet. The grapefruit provided a sharp, bitter contrast to the sweetness of the elderflower. A moscato rounded it out quite nicely.

Ninth course: Marjolaine. This is one of those over-the-top complex, beautifully artistic desserts assembled from smears of sauces, delicate, swooping ribbons of chocolate, sculptures of rich creamy goodness, and a few sprinkles of pixie dust and magic. It defies my ability to write about it, but certainly satisfied my sweet tooth.

Other: the breads were all fabulous, of course, and the butters were soft and creamy. A couple of my companions ordered foie gras, and it was served with three different kinds of salt on the side. (I tried it, and can almost get past my general dislike of foie gras.)

Among the mignardises was a hazelnut chocolate that was indescribably good-- the filling was rich, but with an unexpectedly delicate crunch.

For wines, I had a couple of glasses of sparkling wine at the start of the meal, then skipped most of the rest. However, they had a Disznoko 6 puttonyos tokaji on the menu that I couldn't resist, and was entirely worthwhile. Botrytis wines aren't to everyone's liking, but I'm a big fan. This was an exceptionally fine expression.

All in all it was an exceptionally good meal. If I had any complaint it would be that the service was merely excellent, and not flawless-- this is the first time that I have ever seen a significant service misstep at the French Laundry, or any of Mr. Keller's other restaurants. It was corrected quickly and with grace, but I was still quite surprised. (One of my companions said at the start of the meal that she does not eat cilantro under any circumstances, and one of her dishes was served with a sprinkling of cilantro.)

I highly recommend the French Laundry to anyone who enjoys this particular type of food and eating.

Wonderful review Hoser - I could almost taste it! I've only heard of the French Laundry - initially because my DH's nephew used to be on the wait staff there. Thanks, Joyce

well articulated ... thanks for the mouth watering review ... next time please send me the foie gras you don't eat ... yum! so worth chucking a diet for this meal.

Wow! thanks for sharing.

I think it's time I ask Wife to cook me a nine course meal... and then let her know where I'd like to be buried.

sounds like you had an awesome time.

Hahaha, Keld...

Hoser - that sounds INCREDIBLE!! I didn't understand half of the things you said, but you did a marvelous job describing them.. I can only dream of eating a meal like that some day!! Glad you enjoyed it..

waay fancier than what we got out in podunk south dakota. iceberg salad, baked potato and 16oz steaks with budweiser!

Unfortunately, the meal has left me craving gougeres... I may have to make some.

For those who are unfamiliar, gougeres are choux pastry mixed with cheese. (Choux pastry: the dough that's used for cream puffs.)

Well done, Hoser. Have you ever thought of becoming a food writer? I could almost taste the food while reading your review. You gave me an idea. This will be my reward if I manage to lose the weight and keep it off for half a year. Will also give me enough time to save the money Never thought I would choose a visit to a restaurant as a reward for weight loss.