With the French Laundry, located in a charming small town in Napa Valley, Thomas Keller transformed American cuisine. Now celebrating its 30th anniversary, the dining spot that Anthony Bourdain called “the best restaurant in the world, period” has been the inspiration and training ground for legions of talented chefs. One of the first restaurants to champion local, sustainable produce, its mix of French traditionalism and American innovation continues to amaze—reservations are still nearly impossible to get. Keller, now 68 years old, is the only American chef to have been awarded simultaneous three-star Michelin ratings for two different restaurants—the French Laundry and Per Se, in New York. But what does a man who knows all about the finest things in life consider the worst? —George Pendle
Least favorite number? 68.
Least favorite color? Yellow-greens.
Least favorite team? Seattle Seahawks.
Least favorite James Bond? George Lazenby.
Preferred deadly sin? Pride.
Food that makes you gag? Fermented mung beans.
Book you never finished? The Odyssey.
Film you walked out of? Cloud Atlas.
Character from history you most dislike? Hitler.
Item of clothing you would never wear? Speedos.
Worst form of transport? Hot-air balloon.
Preferred form of revenge?
Canned fruit.
Favorite curse word? “F.U.”
Idea of misery? No sleep.
Thing you said but wish you hadn’t? “Yes.”
Thing you didn’t say but wish you had? “No.”
Worst advice you’ve ever gotten? “Don’t purchase the French Laundry.”
Worst advice you’ve ever given? “Don’t take the shot.”
Last words before execution? “I didn’t do it.”
Thomas’s Inessentials
