Inside America’s most famous posh restaurant: Rare footage reveals what it’s like to have an $830 meal at the 3-Michelin-starred French Laundry (and what its $160 mac and cheese tastes like)
The French Laundry restaurant in Napa Valley, California, is a mecca for foodies. It has three Michelin stars and is run by a chef with legendary status in the US: Thomas Keller.
What’s it like to eat there? A fascinating YouTube video has surfaced that gives viewers a seat at the table. The video was created by Alexander Varga, co-owner of the one-Michelin-starred restaurant ’42’ in Esztergom, Hungary.
As part of his ‘mission to find inspiration in gastronomy’ he visits other Michelin starred restaurants. So far he has visited more than 80 three starred restaurants and makes enchanting videos of his experiences there.
They were uploaded to his YouTube channel, ‘Alexander The Guest’, and his French Laundry video has been viewed over 500,000 times to date.
He reveals in the footage that the bill came to $1,616 (£1,226/€1,458) for two people. What does he get for this not insignificant sum? ‘Practically a perfect experience,’ Alexander says in the video, adding separately to MailOnline that his waiter, Brighton, ‘was the best waiter I’ve ever had the pleasure of serving’.
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Alexander Varga, co-owner of the Michelin-starred restaurant ’42’ in Hungary, filmed a meal he had at the three-Michelin-starred restaurant French Laundry in Yountville, California. Pictured above is Brighton, who 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, the restaurant’s signature dish of pearl tapioca sabayon and Island Creek oysters. [and Regiis Ova caviar]. It is unforgettable and shows the incredible skills of the chef.’
Which dishes surprised him the most?
Alexander said: ‘The Beef Wellington stands out. Not only was it a remarkable dish, but it brought back strong memories. The flavours were perfect and the execution was impeccable.’
He also served the restaurant’s version, macaroni and cheese, for a $160 (£121) premium: macaroni with black winter truffle mousseline and crispy Parmesan.
![Which dish surprised him the most at The French Laundry? Alexander said: 'The Beef Wellington [above] stands out. The flavors were perfect, and the execution was impeccable'](https://nybreaking.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Inside-Americas-most-famous-posh-restaurant-Rare-footage-reveals-what.jpeg "Inside America's most famous posh restaurant: Rare footage reveals what it's like to have an $830 meal at the 3-Michelin-starred French Laundry (and what its $160 mac and cheese tastes like) 4")
Which dish surprised him the most at The French Laundry? Alexander said: ‘The Beef Wellington [above] stands out. The flavors were perfect, and the execution was impeccable’
‘Brave in a three-star restaurant’: Alexander is served a macaroni with black winter truffle mousseline and crispy Parmesan cheese for $160
Alexander opened his alcohol register at the restaurant with a 169th edition of Krug – ‘always excellent’
In the video, Alexander says, “This is a brave move: serving macaroni in a three-Michelin-star restaurant.”
The verdict? “I think it’s great,” Alexander says in the footage.
Which wines were the highlights?
“We started with the 169th edition of Krug,” Alexander explained, “which is one of my favorites and it was, as always, excellent.”
Above is Alexander’s favorite dish from the French Laundry: 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 experiencing the Mona Lisa — it’s not about the cost, it’s about witnessing the dedication and craftsmanship of a very dedicated team.”
Is The French Laundry the best restaurant he’s ever been to in America?
Alexander said: ‘I can’t pick an absolute winner, because every top restaurant has its own charm and speciality. But The French Laundry certainly has the most emotional meaning for me and it is undoubtedly one of the best.’
What does he think is the secret of The French Laundry’s success?
Alexander said: ‘Hard work, hard work, hard work. It’s about never compromising and always asking what more can be done for the guest and the team. That’s the basis of their success.’
Alexander described The French Laundry as one of the best restaurants in America
Above – The French Laundry’s Chef de Cuisine, David Breeden, chatting with Alexander after the meal
![What does Alexander think of The French Laundry? [above] secret of success is? 'Hard work, hard work and more hard work,' he said](https://nybreaking.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/1725204007_544_Inside-Americas-most-famous-posh-restaurant-Rare-footage-reveals-what.jpeg "Inside America's most famous posh restaurant: Rare footage reveals what it's like to have an $830 meal at the 3-Michelin-starred French Laundry (and what its $160 mac and cheese tastes like) 18")
What does Alexander think of The French Laundry? [above] secret of success is? ‘Hard work, hard work and more hard work,’ he said
Was The French Laundry worth the money?
“This is more complex than a simple yes or no,” Alexander said. “It’s like experiencing the Mona Lisa — it’s not about the cost, it’s about witnessing the dedication and craftsmanship of a very dedicated team. The value is in that experience.”
For more fascinating foodie videos from Alexander, visit www.youtube.com/@alexandertheguest and follow him on Instagram via www.instagram.com/alexandertheguest and on TikTok on www.tiktok.com/@alexandertheguestFollow his restaurant on Instagram via www.instagram.com/42restaurant.
For more information about The French Laundry, located in Yountville, visit www.thomaskeller.com/tfl.