Thomas Keller, the celebrated American chef and restaurateur, and the only American chef who has been awarded three Michelin star ratings for two separate restaurants at one time (Per Se in NYC, and The French Laundry in Napa), dishes candidly about his experience creating his now legendary restaurant nestled in the midst of Norcal’s famed wine country. He has since inspired a generation of chefs in the U.S. (and around the world), and has other acclaimed restaurants under his belt.

Although at the helm of The French Laundry (which was an actual “French” laundry back in the day), the interview takes a light stab at his actual “laundry” ability. Peter Sagal, host of NPR’s wait wait… don’t tell me! enjoys a light-hearted conversation with Chef Keller and the show’s regular panelists. They chalk-up the intimidation of fine dining, and his attempt at breaking that ice with “tiny bites” of things that seem familiar… in this case, a cracker with salmon and cream. Steep dining prices aside, Keller’s expertise in the kitchen lends to the artful way of creating food as an experience.

Listen to the sound bite here.
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wait wait… don’t tell me! is NPR’s weekly hour-long quiz program. Hosted by playwright, screenwriter and former extra in a Michael Jackson video, Peter Sagal, the show treats listeners to some of the best of the entertainment world. Visit the show’s page to access the weekly podcast, or to listen to past broadcasts.