But It's The Best Restaurant In The World (or #5)

We're going to Napa Valley in July. So, of course, a trip to Napa would not be complete without dinner at the French Laundry. Surprisingly, when I first suggested this to my husband, he didn't seem too excited. But eventually, he saw the light. Sure, it would cost as much as our mortgage payment, but it's once in a lifetime experience! How could we pass up the opportunity to have dinner at a restaurant ranked as one of the best in the world??? Even if for some reason, it was disappointing...it would still be a great story. And isn't that what life is about..the stories we collect along the way.

I began going to the website weekly and drooling over the nine-course prix fixe menu. The website was very clear that the restaurant will not take reservations until two months to the date in advance. I've been waiting patiently for that day to arrive.

On Thursday, I called. I got through immediately! A good sign! I told the pleasant sounding "reservation specialist" that my husband and I were coming to Napa in July and wished to dine at her restaurant. She asked for the date. I told her Thursday, July 16 exactly two months from today. She said "no, today is only May 14. We only take reservations two months from the calendar date." I was crushed, but I said I would call back on Saturday, May 16th.

I called today. The reservation line opens at 10:00. I called at 10:15 and was on hold for nearly 10 minutes. I took that as a bad sign. Finally, the same reservation specialist came to the line. I said "I want to make a reservation for July 16." She responded immediately with "we're booked, but I can put you on wait list in case we have a cancellation."

Are you kidding me??????? I quietly gave her my contact information and then asked how could they possibly be booked at 10:23 when the line has only been open for 23 minutes and this is the first day that one could make a reservation for July 16. I didn't point out that she did not ask me if I was interested in lunch or dinner and did not ask me what time I was looking to come in and I did not point out that she did not even consult a computer. But these things have occurred to me.

She patiently explained that they received hundreds of phone calls a day and they only have 16 tables. Still, I find it hard to believe that the restaurant got completely booked in 23 minutes. Nonetheless, I will keep my fingers crossed that they get a cancellation and call me. If they do, I will get all dressed up and race to their restaurant like an over-eager girl to a boy who plans on treating her like crap and I will happily fork over several hundred dollars. And it better be great. How could it not be? After all, it's ranked on the best restaurants in the world.