How does Thomas Keller come up with dishes for the French Laundry?

Thomas Keller, the chef and owner of the French Laundry in Yountville, California, is known for his innovative and thought-provoking cuisine. He creates his dishes by combining traditional culinary techniques with the freshest seasonal ingredients and his own unique vision.

When developing a new dish, Keller typically begins with an inspiration or concept, such as a specific ingredient, flavor profile, or cultural tradition. He then researches and experiments with different ingredients and techniques until he finds the perfect combination that best expresses his vision.

Keller is also known for his rigorous approach to culinary development, and he is known to spend months, or even years, perfecting a single dish. He will often spend hours tasting, testing, and refining each element of a dish, from the ingredients to the techniques used to prepare them, to ensure that each dish is the best it can be.

In addition to his own creativity and experimentation, Keller also draws inspiration from his travels and his relationships with other chefs and artisans. He is known for his commitment to using only the finest ingredients, and he has established close relationships with local farmers, ranchers, and purveyors to ensure that he has access to the freshest, highest-quality ingredients.

Overall, Thomas Keller's approach to creating new dishes at the French Laundry is characterized by his creativity, rigor, and commitment to quality. Through this approach, he has established the French Laundry as one of the world's most renowned and celebrated restaurants.