On Saturday, July 6, Chef Thomas Keller, Laura Cunningham, and their team at The French Laundry celebrated the 30th Anniversary of their renowned Three-Michelin Star restaurant with a festive outdoor celebration welcoming over 800 guests. The evening featured passed canapés, culinary stations, live music, and a selection of wine and champagne to commemorate its pearl anniversary. Chef Keller addressed attendees, emphasizing, “Tonight was not just about The French Laundry, but our French Laundry.” Founder and Chief Creative Officer Laura Cunningham added, “The spirit of generosity is always at the forefront of what we do at The French Laundry. The team’s incredible effort shined throughout the evening so guests could relax and celebrate.”
The party was brought to life by event designer and creative director Todd Fiscus of Todd Events, who transformed the grounds into a dreamlike scape. His inspiration? The restaurant’s historical and whimsical details, including its signature clothespin, blue door, flowerbeds, and garden bounty. This unique blend of history and whimsy created a truly unforgettable event. The event invitation and animated video were crafted by internationally recognized artist Clym Evernden.
In The French Laundry’s unique style, guests savored meticulously crafted offerings from culinary stations created just for the evening. They included signature salmon cornets; the Garden station with freshly harvested crudités; the Bouchon Bakery bread and Animal Farm butter station; “Tongue and Cheek” sliders from The Grille; and buttered popcorn polenta enriched with Australian black truffles. A Candy Shop offered an assortment of cookies and a confectionery display highlighted seasonal macarons, pâte de fruits, marshmallows and K+M chocolate bars. The renowned restaurant also offered tours of its kitchen and culinary garden, while a photo booth in signature French Laundry Blue and iconic clothespins captured guests throughout the evening.
Beverages from the event’s partners and sponsors included Founder Laura Cunningham’s Modicum wine, including her 2022 Rosé, 2018 Chardonnay, and 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon, all of which were poured. Dom Pérignon, the champagne of choice for the evening, was served at the themed Champagne & Caviar Garden. The Casa Dragones bar featured a “Pulp Fiction” margarita made with Casa Dragones Blanco Tequila, a nod to the Quentin Tarantino film and soundtrack that Chef Keller and his team listened to in the kitchen during the restaurant’s opening year (1994). Gin Mare provided the “TFL Garden G&T” and a “Gin Mare Negroni.” The “Pink Pearl Apple” cocktail highlighted Belvedere 10, paying homage to the Schmitt family apple farm with a house-made apple cordial. An “Old Fashioned Traveller” highlighted Traveller Whiskey. Premium sparkling sodas were provided by Betty Buzz, and sparkling mineral water from Perrier was also available.
Brand sponsors Isaia and APL provided the service team with uniforms and footwear featuring The French Laundry’s signature blue and clothespin. Chef Keller and Shaoching Bishop’s Regiis Ova Caviar was served in the Champagne & Caviar Garden.
Dancing took place on the one-of-a-kind 24-foot circular dance floor designed to mirror The French Laundry’s charger plate by Raynaud, the Trésor Bleu, with music provided by SoundHouse from Élan Artists.
Chef Thomas Keller and Laura Cunningham hosted the after-party at La Calenda with DJ Lucy Wrubel out of Dallas, spinning an unforgettable set.
Attendees included: Daniel Boulud, Courtney Storer, Denise Hale, Mario Cantone, Nancy and Paul Pelosi, Maria Bello and Dominique Crenn, Grant Achatz, Bill and Deborah Harlan, Jim Brooks and Jennifer Simkowitz, Roger Birnbaum, Adam Glassman, Pierre Rougier, Sylvie Picquet, Greg and Eve Yaitanes, Jamila Robinson, Max Stubblefield, Eduardo Vivas, NJ Falk, Francis Ford Coppola, Roman Coppola, Howard and Cindy Rachofsky, Alexis Traina, Clay Jeter, Bobby Stuckey, Carlo Mondavi, Cherise and Christian Mouiex.
On Sunday, July 7, Chef Thomas Keller was presented a Congressional Record Statement by Congressman Mike Thompson in honor of The French Laundry’s 30th Anniversary and Chef Keller’s contributions to our community.
The event was supported by vendors including Rion Designs, Élan Artists, Studio Cake Design, Chisel-It Ice, Theoni Collection, Got Light, PhotoWorks Interactive, Design Dance Floors, Level Branding & Design and the City of Yountville. Gifting collaboration was provided by Joya Studio, Rue de Verneuil, Equator Coffees, Tiffany & Co., who designed an exclusive silver clothespin for the occasion, K+M Chocolate and Davidoff Cigars.
Image credit: Katie Ravas and Drew Altizer for Drew Altizer Photography
