I’ve always considered my mother, Betty, both a teacher and a mentor. She taught me discipline, attention to detail, and pride in doing things the right way. From my earliest jobs to today, I still think about the example she set.
Today, we’re thinking about all mothers and mother figures, especially those spending their day with us in our restaurants and the team members working today to help make those moments special.
Your letters and memories mean a great deal to us. As we continue gathering for our 50th anniversary book, we invite you to write a ‘Dear French Laundry’ letter, share a doodle, or express a memory in your own creative way. Please send it to: [email protected].
We are so excited to announce that Chef’s Table: Legends has been nominated for a James Beard Award!
A huge congratulations to the incredible chefs featured in the series (José Andrés, Thomas Keller, Alice Waters and Jamie Oliver) whose stories, artistry and impact made this series so special.
And congratulations to everyone who helped bring this series to the screen - from the incredible team behind the show to our amazing partners at Netflix.
@bilt hosted an intimate gathering at @bouchon_bistro alongside @chefthomaskeller and his team, where impeccable hospitality and a warm courtyard setting created a seamless blend of elegance and ease. ✨
Guests were welcomed with thoughtfully curated passed canapés and pours from @modicumwine , elevating the experience with every bite and sip. The menu highlights featured indulgent small bites like Lobster Rolls and Beef Tartare Tartlets, offering a refined yet approachable take on classic flavors.
Paired with the relaxed sophistication of the Bouchon courtyard, the evening struck a perfect balance between culinary excellence and effortless social charm.
David Cunningham. “Mr. C.” (1939 - 2026)
For more than 30 years, David supported me and our restaurant group with friendship and clear perspective. He helped bridge the partnership with Don and Sally Schmitt in my early years and was instrumental in building Bouchon Bistro. He had a keen sense of Yountville’s history, from its agrarian beginnings to today, and stayed connected to the community by developing housing and local businesses.
His guidance was always steady, wise, and rooted in care for the people behind the work. An attorney by training, he had a gift for banter and humor as much as for deep discourse, and he could easily spark a conversation with anyone. He had a genuine interest in people and their circumstances, with a great capacity for hearing stories and offering wisdom. He was a steadfast champion of the underdog, extending himself to those less fortunate and often speaking about the importance of empathy and non-judgment. He followed sports of every kind and every season, always ready with a story, a stat, or a spirited point of view.
A thoughtful advisor, a loyal friend, and a devoted father to Laura, Kira, and Kate. He will be deeply missed.
RIP Mr. C.
📷 | KC
“Change tends to happen in small, deliberate ways. It is more about refining than reinventing, and finding ways to move forward while still honoring what makes the place meaningful.”
Read the full interview with The French Laundry’s (@_tfl_ ) Chef de Cuisine Ara Jo. Link in bio.
From inspiration to inner circle. At House of Robb: Beyond the Madness, Shaun Hergatt reflects on how Thomas Keller and a copy of The French Laundry Cookbook shaped his journey to America and the kitchen. Speaking inside Resorts World Las Vegas, Hergatt shares the full-circle moment of going from admiring Keller’s work as a young chef to calling him both mentor and friend. Alongside icons like Daniel Boulud, it is a rare look at the relationships that define the top tier of gastronomy.
Sixteen years ago, at The French Laundry, we wanted our gluten-free guests to begin their meal with the same experience as everyone else—with the Cornet of Salmon Tartare. That simple intention led to something unexpected: a gluten-free flour that worked cup for cup, without compromise.
What began as a solution for one dish became @Cup4Cup , carrying the same standards and care from our kitchens into homes around the world. We are deeply grateful to the cooks and bakers who have trusted it and made it their own.
As we mark sixteen years, we offer our sincere thanks with a small gesture of appreciation. Celebrate with us on cup4cup.com and enjoy 16% off your purchase through March 31st.