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Best. Meal. Ever.

The French Laundry is often mentioned in lists of the best restaurants in the world. Thomas Keller opened it in Napa Valley almost exactly 16 years ago to serve unbelievable food with many of the ingredients coming from the restaurant's Martha-esque gardens across the street.

The mlw scored us a reservation that just so happened to be on their 16th anniversary. Our hosts at the Inn where we were staying were almost as excited as us. They advised us that the Laundry will be as stuffy as you make it. If you ask questions and talk to the staff, the staff will have fun with you. It was absolutely true. The staff were amazing. We asked how things were prepared, what the funny forks were for, where people were from. Each question was met with a friendly conversation. Our server was from Michigan and lovingly described the most gourmet of food with a hint of Wolverine accent. The staff also seemed to enjoy our enjoyment, which is the goal of any great cook.

The restaurant seemed to seat just one table every 15 minutes. That way only one group is getting served a particular course at any time. Between the food runners, the silverware swappers, bread servers, and serving captains, it really felt like a royal treatment. They mastered the art of pampering without smothering. Unlike stuffy restaurants, people at the French Laundry take openly pictures of the food. It's an experience, a dance, and it's amazing.

Oh, and the food? They greet you with a tiny, pinky nail sized piece of warmed Gruyere in puff pastry that is the tastiest bit of love you have ever popped in your mouth. Every subsequent bite is better. Along with the nine courses on the menu, there were extra courses, special courses for their anniversary, and just random awesome small bites to taste. See the pics for some of the food.

When we left, our server invited us to peak in the kitchen for a few moments. I freaked. We asked for a copy of that day's menu and received it in a commemorative folder. The staff walked us out and I really wanted to hug our server for such an awesome experience. Next time I will.