[Don Plumley]

It's a culinary holy grail. Multi-hour dinner, relax and enjoy - unforgettable. If you are there late you can usually ask and get a tour of the Kitchen after service is complete. They are serious about you needing a jacket, but tie is not necessary. Agreed about Bouchon (started by Jeff Ciricello working for Keller, was designed as the bistro the chef's would go to after cooking at the Laundry) with respect to a great meal, but it is a different experience.

I gather your friend already has the reservation? That's the most difficult part. There are a bunch of blogs where people have written up the dinner, since there are some core elements that don't change, it's a nice preview. Also, if you are hanging around Yountville in the afternoon, the garden is across the street, sometimes you'll see Thomas picking vegetables...