I've been to the French Laundry twice. The service is very good to excellent, the ambiance is fine, and the food is fine.
So why do I only give it a 7 overall?
Because only a few dishes were truly sublime. All the ingredients are perfectly fresh, the preparation is careful, the dishes taste good, but although Keller has said that what he tries for is the sudden jolt of flavor, the sudden realization that you're tasting something amazing. Something you haven't experienced before. Something with flavors that take you to another level.
I've experienced sublime dishes many times in restaurants all over the world. The French Laundry, when I've been there, is fine but it doesn't usually reach those heights for me.
Pros: wonderful ingredients, beautiful preparation, fine service
Cons: dishes arrive slowly, great but not sublime, not worth the effort
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