7

As I write this, I’m so tired, I can’t sleep. I’m hopped up on adrenaline because I stayed up all night jockeying for a reservation at The French Laundry in Napa.

Years ago, I had the privilege of eating at The French Laundry and the experience was so memorable that I vowed to return. I’ve tried several times over the years to secure the notoriously difficult reservation to no avail, but this year I vowed I would try a bit harder.

In January, I marked my calendar, my Blackberry and even placed a reminder on my refrigerator to make reservations for The French Laundry.

The French Laundry is one of the 50 best restaurants in the world and with only 66 seats, one of the most coveted reservations in America. So coveted that you have to make reservations exactly two months before you want to visit. What they don’t tell you is that it’s nearly impossible to achieve!

Signature Dish: Salmon Courgette

This morning, at exactly 12am on the East Coast, I attempted to secure two seats via Open Table. Technically it was only 9pm on the West Coast, so I got a message stating that I’m too early and to try again later.

Struggling to stay awake, it’s 1:30am, I’m watching HSN and I’m seriously beginning to question my judgment.

Why am I losing 8 hours of sleep for a restaurant reservation? Seriously. For a restaurant reservation? Is this about wanting something I can’t have or is that being too analytical?

Signature Dish: Pearl Tapioca with Oysters and Caviar

The clock finally strikes 3am on the East Coast which means it’s 12am in Napa and I turn into a Ninja Warrior furiously typing my reservation request into Open Table only to receive this message:

There are no reservations currently available for the day you have requested. The French Laundry maintains a waitlist via the phone only. They would be happy to add your name to the list.

Are you kidding me? It’s 12:04am West Coast time and ALL 66 seats are taken?!

I failed? Again? In less than 4 minutes?

I’ve never been much for conspiracy theories, but this French Laundry experience…ahhhh, OK, I can’t go the conspiracy route…not yet, so, for now, I’ll just say…se la vie…and take a much-needed nap.