Dear Yountville:
Having grown up in the Bay Area, I know that you have a rich history, including having been owned by Mexico in the early 1880s. But, I’d also argue, that Thomas Keller’s arrival in 1994 was a pivotal moment taking you into the culinary stratosphere … so much so that I think Yountville should nominate Thomas Keller to be its honorary Mayor. Or maybe he should receive the key to the Town? Or perhaps there should be Thomas Keller Day with a parade where Bouchon Bakery treats were passed out to onlookers?
What inspired this revelation? Well, it’s no secret that I adore Thomas Keller and his family of restaurants – especially The French Laundry which I was lucky to dine at in 2006. But, also, I think I was recently inspired by a trip I made to your town a week ago. Going to Yountville for me is like going to the Motherland, with The French Laundry, Bouchon, Bouchon Bakery, Ad Hoc and Addendum are all there to take in on the same street. I happened to visit on a perfect Fall day – Vermont has nothing on the colors there that day.
While there, the grounds beckoned. Across the street from The French Laundry is the garden used to grow much of the produce for all of the Thomas Keller restaurants in Yountville – all gorgeous when framed in the Fall colors.
Broccoli Is Trimmed Young For Maximum Flavor
Even the chicken coop stands out with The French Laundry’s signature Blue Door …
Then, of course, there are the restaurants. First and foremost, is The French Laundry, which has, since 1994 when Thomas Keller took the helm, contributed greatly to Yountville’s culinary stature.
My Heart Goes Pitter-Patter Just Looking At This
The original Bouchon Bistro …
Bouchon … In The Fall
Bouchon Bakery, with lines out the door …
Bouchon Bakery
ad hoc … which I haven’t tried yet but cannot wait to do so …
ad hoc
And addendum which, alas, was closing for the Season …
addendum – and me
Yountville, I personally want to thank you for giving all Thomas Keller fans a place to congregate and feel closer to the Man. Please think about my idea … it’d be hard to think of any one individual, besides Mr. Keller, who may have contributed so much to your Town over the recent past.
Sincerely,
Diane Wagner, Your DeathbedFood Blogger