I lived in Napa for five years. Learning back-of-kitchen information about chefs and restaurants and wineries definitely killed the “ignorant tourist” bliss and appeal of multiple high profile places. When I wanted to have that experience, I drove to Sonoma. French Laundry hosting Gavin Newsom’s early COVID politician dinner party immediately after Newsom issued the “everyone stay home and don’t gather” statement didn’t help, either.
This is what happened when Thomas Keller asked me to leave the French Laundry
Thomas Keller is a legendary chef. Chronicle critic MacKenzie Chung Fegan hadn’t met him, until she went to the French Laundry and he asked her to leave.
sfchronicle.com