[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 120 (Wednesday, July 24, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E766-E767]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             HONORING THOMAS KELLER AND THE FRENCH LAUNDRY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 24, 2024

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Thomas 
Keller, chef and proprietor of The French Laundry, a three-star 
Michelin restaurant, celebrating its 30th anniversary. The French 
Laundry has epitomized fine dining in our community, and we thank Chef 
Keller for his commitment to culinary excellence, his leadership in the 
culinary community, and his extensive philanthropic work.
  Chef Keller began his career as a dishwasher in his mother's 
restaurant in Palm Beach, California. After spending time in France as 
an apprentice chef and stints in New York and Los Angeles, in 1994, 
Chef Keller opened The French Laundry in Yountville, California.
  The French Laundry serves world renowned French cuisine with an 
American twist, and food connoisseurs travel from across the world to 
eat at the beautifully constructed stone cottage that hosts the 
restaurant. Chef Keller's dedication to culinary excellence and 
innovation has earned The French Laundry numerous accolades, including 
three Michelin stars and a place on the coveted World's 50 Best 
Restaurants list Renowned for its service and crafted tasting menus, 
dining at The French Laundry is a once in a lifetime experience.
  Chef Keller holds the honor of being the sole American chef to 
operate two 3-star Michelin star restaurants. Chef Keller has also led 
the United States to a gold and a silver medal at the Bocuse d'Or, the 
culinary world's Olympics. Outside California, Chef Keller owns or 
manages over 20 restaurants globally and has been named America's best 
chef by Time Magazine.
  Chef Keller has authored six cookbooks, of which more than 1.6 
million copies are in circulation. He founded a magazine and retail 
outpost called Finesse. He has taught three immensely successful 
MasterClass series, offering in-depth coverage of classic cooking 
techniques and essential culinary fundamentals tailored for home cooks.
  For all his professional accomplishments, Chef Keller's philanthropic 
work is just as impressive. Raised by a Marine Corp Captain, Chef 
Keller has lent his generous support to the Yountville Veterans Home, 
providing meals and fundraising support to our community's veterans. He 
was recognized with The Connection Award by the Veterans Home 
Association. Through the Mentor Foundation, which he co-founded, Chef 
Keller has distributed $2 million in grants for over 150 young chefs in 
23 countries worldwide to pursue their culinary dreams. During the peak 
of the COVID-19 pandemic, Chef Keller established the non-profit Keller 
Restaurant Relief Fund, extending aid to both current employees and 
alumni facing financial difficulties. To date, the fund has distributed 
over $1.5 million in grants.
  Perhaps the perfect dish can never be created, but Chef Keller will 
continue to give it his best shot. Mr. Speaker, we again thank Chef 
Keller for his devotion to culinary brilliance and celebrate the 30th 
anniversary of The French Laundry.

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