The French Laundry Per Se | Thomas Keller Restaurant Group

The French Laundry, Per Se

Bound by a common philosophy, linked by live video, staffed by a cadre of inventive and skilled chefs, the kitchens of Thomas Keller’s celebrated restaurants—The French Laundry in Yountville, California, and Per Se, in New York City—are in a relationship unique in the world of fine dining. Ideas bounce back and forth in a dance of creativity, knowledge, innovation, and excellence. It’s a relationship that’s the very embodiment of collaboration, and of the whole being greater than the sum of its parts. And all of it is captured in The French Laundry, Per Se, with meticulously detailed recipes for 70 beloved dishes, including Smoked Sturgeon Rillettes on an Everything Bagel, “The Whole Bird,” Tomato Consommé, Celery Root Pastrami, Steak and Potatoes, Peaches ’n’ Cream.

Just reading these recipes is a master class in the state of the art of cooking today. We learn to use a dehydrator to intensify the flavor and texture of fruits and vegetables. To make the crunchiest coating with a cornstarch–egg white paste and potato flakes. To limit waste in the kitchen by fermenting vegetable trimmings for sauces with an unexpected depth of flavor. And that essential Keller trait, to take a classic and reinvent it: like the French onion soup, with a mushroom essence stock and garnish of braised beef cheeks and Comté mousse, or a classic crème brûlée reimagined as a rich, creamy ice cream with a crispy sugar tuile to mimic the caramelized coating.

Throughout, there are 40 recipes for the basics to elevate our home cooking. Some are old standbys, like the best versions of beurre manié and béchamel, others more unusual, including a ramen broth (aka the Super Stock) and a Blue-Ribbon Pickle.

And with its notes on technique, stories about farmers and purveyors, and revelatory essays from Thomas Keller—“The Lessons of a Dishwasher,” “Inspiration Versus Influence,” “Patience and Persistence”—The French Laundry, Per Se will change how young chefs, determined home cooks, and dedicated food lovers understand and approach their cooking.

Thomas Keller will appear in conversation at all of these virtual events.

Signed copies of his new book, THE FRENCH LAUNDRY, PER SE, are available for purchase now from each of the independent bookstores specified here:

Monday, October 26, 9:00 p.m. ET
SAN FRANCISCO, CA

Thomas Keller in conversation with Amanda Hesser at City Arts & Lectures Presented in partnership with Omnivore Books. A portion of the proceeds from each book sold will be donated to 826 Valencia.
Reserve your ticket HERE

Tuesday, October 27, 7:00 p.m. ET
NEW YORK, NY

Thomas Keller and Corey Chow in conversation with Frank Bruni at 92nd Street Y Presented in partnership with Kitchen Arts & Letters. A portion of the proceeds from each book sold will be donated to Open for Good.
Reserve your ticket HERE

Wednesday, October 28, 6:00 p.m. ET
LOS ANGELES, CA

Thomas Keller and David Breeden in conversation with Padma Lakshmi Presented in partnership with Now Serving. A portion of the proceeds from each book sold will be donated to No Us Without You.
Reserve your ticket HERE

Tuesday, November 10, 8:00 p.m. ET
SEATTLE, WA

Thomas Keller and David Breeden in conversation with Jonathan Waxman Presented in partnership with Book Larder. A portion of the proceeds from each book sold will be donated to Solid Ground.
Reserve your ticket HERE

Friday, November 13, 7:00 p.m. ET
MIAMI, FL

Thomas Keller and Corey Chow in conversation with Lee Schrager Presented in partnership with Books & Books A portion of the proceeds from each book sold will be donated to Miami Book Fair
Reserve your ticket here

Monday, November 16, 7 p.m. ET
CORTE MADERA, CA

Thomas Keller and David Breeden in conversation with Ruth Reichl A portion of the proceeds from each book sold will be donated to San Francisco-Marin Food Bank
Reserve your ticket here

Thursday, December 3, 8:00 p.m. ET
WASHINGTON, D.C.

Thomas Keller and Corey Chow introduced by Alice Waters and in conversation with Michael Ruhlman. Presented in partnership with Politics & Prose. A portion of the proceeds from each book sold will be donated to Martha’s Table
Reserve your ticket here