So as some of you know, my wife's been going to school to get her Account Masters degree, and she's almost done with her CPA exams. I wanted to treat her to a nice dinner to celebrate, and she said that she'd like to go to "French Laundry" in Napa.

I've never been there, and I know this board harbors more than a few foodies, so how long in advance am I going to have to make a reservation for? Any recommendations when do eventually do get to eat there?

3 months ahead of time. so if you wanted to eath there december 28th, you have to call on September 28th at (i forget what time). for my parents anniverary... my sister, my bro, and I all tried and only my sister got through. lots of $$$, but a very unique dining experience (from my limited experience). should try it at least once before you die! and there's a prefix menu. think i spent like $1200 for the five of us

ad hoc and buchon nearby aren't too bad and don't require elaborate planning. it was my parents' 25th anniversary btw

Yeah, I think they take reservations 3 months in advance and they are gone that day. One of the top meals I've had, Thomas buffed me out.

I believe Ad Hoc (which along with Bouchon are Thos. Keller's other Yountville restaurants) is much easier to secure reservations for. Fixed price menu $45 if I understand correctly. Less of an "experience" than French Laundry but same chef, same approach to ultra-fresh local ingredients.

Good luck! I've never been to French Laundry but want to go so badly.

I think French Laundry averages about $175 per person without wine. Everyone says "worth every penny" though.

this sounds like some house of fetish.

There's a nice little japanese place 2 doors down from Super 7 Bushi Tei. One thing you might want to think about...if where ever you go has a Tasting Menu, it's probably worth it to go for that. Tasting Menu will cost a little more (and chefs are not too fond of making one which is why most places won't have it), but you get a sample of a bunch of items from appetizers to dessert.

Loco as an alternative that would probably be easier to get into you might try Gary Danko in SF for a real treat. The website says they're accepting reservations within the next two months, rather than starting in two months.

bah...just bring her to In-n-Out.....lol

I got to tour the kitchen with Mr. Keller too.....

Keith.....if the reservation system for French Laundry is too daunting....take the wife to Chez Panisse.....equally legendary status. Ad Hoc and Bouchon are great but not too formal and probably not what the wife had in mind.

We've been to Chez Panisse before, so she wants to try something new... She's more about the actual food rather than any formality, so maybe I'll make a suggestion about the alternate joints.

I asked the one of the main foodies in the family (my dad) for suggestions other than FLaundry. His suggestions were

Gary Danko which is in SF near Ghirardelli Square

Cyrus up in Healdsburg in Sonoma County

I've heard good things about all these places, but I hear more good things about Gary Danko and Cyrus vs FLaundry.
I think I'm gonna try to get my dad to bring me to Gary Danko....lol.
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Thanks for all the help guys.

Michael Mina in downtown is another good choice along with Gary Danko

although if you can get reservations to French Laundry then your wife will love you forever

I have been to the French Laundry maybe a half a dozen times, and it certainly is a standout restaurant. The service is impecible, and the winelist is extraordinary. That said, it is an awfully big hassle to get the reservation in the first place, and I don't know that I could honestly say I've had the best meals of my life there. However, it is a wonderful experience, and if you are lucky enough to go there, i would recommend you go at least once. As mentioned by others, you must book exactly to the calendar date 3 months ahead. And if you are not in the telephone que at the exact time they begin to answer the phone in the morning, you may as well call back another day. IT can be a long evening, so I think an early reservation is best, unless you enjoy finishing dinner at 1:00 a.m. However, if you do take the later seating, I can guarantee you will receive just as good service at 1:00 a.m. as you would at 8:30. Once you have gone to all the trouble to get there, you might as well opt for the most elaborate tasting menu possible in order to enjoy the full range of Thomas Kellers cuisine.

I think the other recommendations people have offered here are also very nice, but I would skip Thomas Kellers other restaurants for such a special occasion. Also in Napa, the new formal restaurant at Auberge de Soliel is impressive, and going to be a wonderful experience. If you are staying in SF, I recommend Quince for skillful profesionalism, presentation, and execution at a high level.

Wherever you go, I am sure she will be happy that you have been so thoughtful to celebrate her acomplishment!

Sorry if its "old hat"...but my wife adored the food and dining room at Fleur de Lys.......it was a fantastic experience.

I second both the Michael Mina & Auberge reccomendations....

Don't know if you're into drinks before or after, but I love the Red Wood Lounge at the Clift.....(restaurant there is good too!)

Enjoy your special evening!

Picked up the French Laundry cookbook today. Food porn!

this pages made me LOL

http://www.frenchlaundryathome.com/

this person needs a TV show

She's great! Really funny too. Thanks for the link.