Travelling as an apprentice chef, Thomas Keller was smitten by the three-star countryside restaurants around France. Over a decade later, these comfortable fine-dining restaurants provided the inspiration for The French Laundry, his world-famous restaurant in Napa Valley that has become a legend since opening in 2004. MAIDA PINEDA catches up with the only American chef with six Michelin stars for his thoughts on travel, most memorable meals abroad, and his secret to travelling light.
How does travel influence you as a chef?
You never know what’s going to inspire you. But travel can impact you greatly because you encounter new ideas. That being
said, some of the most significant inspirations I’ve had have happened at my local grocery store so I don’t travel specifically for inspiration.
How important are guidebooks to you?
Guides are important. They bring knowledge to people and I think that’s great. Michelin has certainly given me the opportunity to be the first American chef with two Michelin three-star restaurants. I am truly honoured. I never even thought about Michelin coming to America. With that said, any guide or critique is about something you did yesterday. What we’re working on is what we are doing tomorrow, not yesterday.
Does street food and fast food still entice you?
I love street food and fast food. In-N-Out Burger here in California remains one of my favourite places to eat. When I’m on the road, I seek out the local street food. Some of the best flavours we encountered in Singapore, Bangkok and Hong Kong were based in that type of casual cuisine.
What was your most memorable meal on a trip?
Recently I’ve had amazing meals at Alinea in Chicago and The Fat Duck in England. I recall my first Michelin three-star meal at Michel Guérard. At the time I didn’t appreciate it because my expectations were too high. It was only later that I realised how significant that experience was, demonstrating the excellence, precision and refinement of the three-star experience. It remains among my most memorable.
What makes flights more comfortable?
Travelling light and moving quickly through check-in and security make any trip more comfortable. There’s nothing better than not having to carry a bag – it’s why I keep an apartment in New York.
Your next travel destination?
The French Laundry’s Devin Knell and I are heading to Sydney, Australia to participate in a fundraising event at Neil Perry’s Rockpool, and Hawkes Bay, New Zealand for a dinner with Heston Blumenthal and Dale Gartland focusing on the wine and produce of New Zealand.
