[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 115 (Wednesday, July 10, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E889]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      HONORING THE FRENCH LAUNDRY

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                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 10, 2019

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize 
The French Laundry for providing 25 years of exceptional service and 
world-class cuisine to residents and visitors of Napa Valley, 
California and to honor the restaurant for its commitment to excellence 
for every dish prepared and every guest served.
  Owner and Chef Thomas Keller began exploring his love of food cooking 
in restaurants in Florida and New York. He then honed his skills and 
talents at Michelin-starred restaurants in France. Chef Keller had 
dreamed of opening a destination restaurant specializing in French 
Cuisine in the Napa Valley and chose the historic two-story cottage in 
Yountville to open the French Laundry in 1994. The building dates from 
1900 and is in the National Register of Historic Places, just one of 
the reasons the building is known locally and world-wide. Within 
several months of its opening, the restaurant's delectable cuisine and 
exquisite service was being recognized by publications such as the San 
Francisco Chronicle.
  The French Laundry has received numerous hard-earned and well-
deserved honors over the past 25 years. It was named the ``Best 
Restaurant in the World'' by Restaurant Magazine in both 2003 and 2004, 
earned the prestigious ``Outstanding Restaurant Award'' from the James 
Beard Foundation in 2007, and has received three stars, the highest 
possible rating, from the Michelin Guide every year since 2007. The 
French Laundry has also earned the Wine Spectator's Grand Award every 
year since 2007 and was inducted into the Culinary Hall of Fame in 
2012. The French Laundry has become a world-renowned culinary 
destination and its international accolades highlight Napa Valley's 
outstanding culinary community.
  Chef Keller is a revered internationally known chef and the only 
American born chef to earn multiple three-star ratings from the 
Michelin Guide. He has also received The Culinary Institute of 
America's ``Chef of the Year'' Award, the James Beard Foundation's 
``Outstanding Chef'' and ``Outstanding Restaurateur'' Awards, and has 
been designated a Chevalier of The French Legion of Honor. For his 
menus he uses the finest fresh ingredients and wine from our community, 
bringing attention to the Napa Valley's agricultural heritage.
  Madam Speaker, The French Laundry is an important restaurant and 
institution in our community that is committed to providing the best 
food and service to their guests. It is therefore fitting and proper 
that we honor The French Laundry on its 25th anniversary.

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