Summary of I Sold the French Laundry. Then It Became "The Best Restaurant in the World." | Op-Docs

00:00:00 - 00:15:00

Thomas Keller, the famed chef of the French Laundry, tells the story of how he got his start in the restaurant business. He discusses how he and his mother raised him and his sister in an environmentally-oriented, food-centric household and how he decided to pursue a career in cooking after graduating from high school. He describes how he started working at the French Laundry and how the restaurant became a success due to the influx of young, wine-savvy chefs in the area. Keller has since won numerous awards and accolades, including two Michelin stars.

• 00:00:00 Thomas Keller, founder and head chef of the famed French Laundry restaurant, tells the story of how he and his mother raised him and his sister in an environmentally-oriented, food-centric household. After graduating from high school, Keller decided to pursue a career in cooking, and started working at the French Laundry, one of the world's most acclaimed restaurants. Keller has since won numerous awards and accolades, including two Michelin stars. His story provides an inspiring example of the importance of balance in both one's personal and professional life.
• 00:05:00 In 1978, Julia Child and her husband, Don, opened the French Laundry, a restaurant in Yountville, California. The restaurant became a success due to the influx of young, wine-savvy chefs in the area. Julia found herself relegated to the office, where she hated dealing with the business side of the restaurant. In 1988, Julia's friend, Lorraine, whispered in her ear that the French Laundry was for sale. Julia and Don quickly closed up shop and opened their own home kitchen to start cooking again.
• 00:10:00 Kathy and Karen were working in a restaurant together when they met Johnny, who was cooking, and Eric, who was washing dishes. The restaurant was a family affair, and the $12 per person price was successful. Julia Child came to the restaurant and complimented the food. Keller, after a series of misfortunes, bought the restaurant and made it a three-star restaurant.
• 00:15:00 The narrator, John Schmitt, and his wife Sally were friends with chef Thomas Keller when Keller was a high school student. Keller went on to create some of the world's most acclaimed restaurants, including the French Laundry. Schmitt and Keller both agree that Keller doesn't need to be the best chef in the world to be successful, and Schmitt credits Keller's kindness and generosity for helping him and his wife achieve their dreams.