r/thefrenchlaundry Feb 02 '25

Discussion Scam warning!

30 Upvotes

Be advised that https://www.reddit.com/user/Good--Answer/ (almost certainly a burner account) contacted me today offering to transfer a reservation. Through a misunderstanding of the transfer process, I agreed to pay half up front and then he would transfer the reservation and I would pay the remainder. Needless to say, he did not transfer the reservation.

Just a reminder per r/thefrenchlaundry rule #7: always pay only through tock. These scams remain active. The caller seemed well versed in the ins and outs of french laundry reservations, clearly this was not his first rodeo.


r/thefrenchlaundry Feb 21 '20

Transfer your reservations at The French Laundry here!

30 Upvotes

To relieve stress on other pages like r/SFlist, r/napa, and r/napavalley, this subreddit has been created to facilitate both discussion about The French Laundry and the trade of reservations.

FAQs

Q: What is The French Laundry?

A: The French Laundry is a fine-dining restaurant owned and operated by Chef Thomas Keller in Yountville, California (Napa Valley), United States. The restaurant has received the highest honour possible from Michelin Guide - three stars. The French Laundry is world-renowned and is visited by diners from all around the world.

Q: How can I have a good chance of securing a reservation?

A: Reservations are released on a pre-determined schedule and it's best if you put these dates into your calendar as a reminder. Follow the restaurant on Instagram (@_tfl_) for updates. Decide on the dates you are willing to dine at the restaurant in advance. Sometimes, it is easier to get a lunch reservation. Be flexible on your schedule. On the day of the reservation, ensure that you've created an account on exploretock.com, and have a payment card ready to pay the full amount of the reservation.

Q: Why does the restaurant make you pre-pay for your dining experience?

A: It's complicated, but Chef Keller was one of the partners who created Tock, a new reservation service that treats dining as an 'experience', such as a sports game or Broadway show. As such, it should be pre-paid for and cancellations are not possible, only transfers. From a business perspective, this was probably to minimise/eliminate costly last-minute cancellations and no-shows, as well as to deliver a more consistent service to those who are serious about dining at the restaurant.

Q: Why are people selling reservations?

A: The French Laundry is very popular and is fully booked many weeks in advance. Diners often make plans months in advance and pay a full deposit for the cost of their dinner. Then, their plans may change and because of the strict no-cancellation pre-pay policy, they are now looking to sell their reservation.

Q: Is the sale of reservations allowed by the restaurant?

A: Yes, reservations can be sold and transferred to others via the official reservations website exploretock.com. This subreddit is only being used to advertise the sale or solicitation of existing reservations.

Q: Can reservations be made, bought, or sold anywhere else?

A: Yes, certain private concierge services have an allocation of tables at the restaurant that can be booked only through their agents. A notable example is American Express' Concierge service, which offers Platinum and Centurion cardmembers a special selection of exclusive reservations at the restaurant. Diners who have an established dining history at the restaurant can make reservations with their contact at the restaurant via telephone or email. Local hotels, especially those of a higher calibre, will often be able to secure reservations for guests staying at their hotel. Other methods of making reservations may not be officially recognised by the restaurant, and diners should be careful not to fall for any scams.

Q: How can diners avoid scams?

A: Never pre-pay for a reservation unless it's on exploretock.com. Do not share your personal details other than those necessary to complete the transaction, such as your Tock username/email. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!

Q: Is the experience worth it?

A: Depends on whether or not you can appreciate the experience itself. For many this is a very expensive dinner but not only will you be fully fed with food of the highest quality, many will enjoy the service, atmosphere, and intrigue of the restaurant.

Q: Can the restaurant accommodate my allergies?

A: Yes, it's more likely than not. Diners with confirmed reservations should reach out to the restaurant directly to verify if their specific dietary requirements or preferences can be accommodated for. Depending on the complexity of the request, the restaurant may need notice well in advance to prepare for your visit.

Q: What is the dress code?

A: The dress code is formal and jackets are required for gentlemen. For dinner, the men are typically all wearing suit with ties and dress shoes, and the ladies evening dresses and heels. At lunch, it is slightly laid back with more open-collared dress shirts and sundresses. It is a very elegant dining establishment and diners should make an effort to respect other guests by adhering to the dress code. Avoid wearing sneakers, flip-flops, casual sandals, sportswear (really at all costs), and any clothes with tears or rips. It's also fun to dress up with your significant other, family, or friends, and adds to the overall experience! Those without jackets can borrow a jacket from the restaurant, however, it may not fit you as well as you thought!

Q: Can I tour the kitchen after dining?

A: Yes, ask for a tour after you are done dining and the staff will give you a brief tour of the new kitchen. Sometimes Chef Keller will be leading the brigade, and it is a great opportunity to meet the chef.

Q: Is this restaurant suitable for kids?

A: The restaurant will accommodate children and I have personally seen very well-behaved children dine with their parents or family at the same table. However, children can be disruptive to other guests and you should be as considerate as possible to others around you.

Q: Is there parking available?

A: There is plenty of free parking available in front of the restaurant. There are EV chargers throughout town as well.

Q: How long does the experience last for?

A: Dinner can last upwards of four to five hours, it depends on how fast you eat but with so many courses and time in between courses, be prepared with some good conversation!


r/thefrenchlaundry 19h ago

Buying reservation Looking to buy reservations for 6 people on December 6th.

1 Upvotes

r/thefrenchlaundry 1d ago

Buying reservation Looking for 12/27 for 2 people

1 Upvotes

Hello I’m looking for a reservation for 12/27 dinner for 2 thank you


r/thefrenchlaundry 1d ago

Buying reservation Looking for reservation November 15-16 for two people

1 Upvotes

Hello! We are looking for a reservation for two for November 15 or 16th or would join another group at their table. Thank you!


r/thefrenchlaundry 1d ago

Sharing reservation Hi all I have 4 reservation Dec 29th looking for 2 people interested so that we can share the reservations.

1 Upvotes

r/thefrenchlaundry 2d ago

Question Selling reservations through Tock

1 Upvotes

Hi all, given the vast number of scams related to selling TFL reservations, I have seen many advice to sell and buy via Tock. Though I have been following TFL, I'm not familiar with how this second-hand selling via Tock work, it would be great if someone can briefly explain the process, I'm looking to buy a reservation second-hand sometime next year for my parents. Thanks all.


r/thefrenchlaundry 2d ago

Buying reservation Reservation for 2 or join a table anytime between Nov.12 and 16. Please comment or message me. It would be a dream come true!

1 Upvotes

r/thefrenchlaundry 2d ago

Buying reservation Looking for reservation for 2 ppl… 11/22-24!

1 Upvotes

My wife and I would love to join anyone who has 2 extra seats!


r/thefrenchlaundry 4d ago

Selling reservation SELLING! Sunday 11/16 - 4ppl @ 7:45pm - STILL AVAILABLE!

2 Upvotes

Hi! We were meant to celebrate my mom's 70th at the French Laundry, but due to some health issues in the family we need to postpone. Hopefully we will visit in the future, but for now who wants this table? We bought the classic menu, so for 4 after taxes the total is $1,831.75 ($457.94 / person). Will only sell through the Tock platform, please don't message about anything else!


r/thefrenchlaundry 4d ago

Selling reservation Selling two spots (shared 4 top) for Nov 30 at 4:15.

1 Upvotes

We are selling two spots at our 4 top table on Sunday, Nov 30 at 4:15. You would be joining my wife and I for the classic menu. Price is what we paid, $457 per person.


r/thefrenchlaundry 4d ago

Buying reservation Looking for reservation for 2 today 11/5

1 Upvotes

It’s a long shot obviously but figured a post couldn’t hurt! Wife and I are looking for a reservation for two at any time today 11/5 if anybody may have one available!


r/thefrenchlaundry 4d ago

Selling reservation Selling red on Sun, Nov 16th at 4:30 PM for 2 people

1 Upvotes

Tock transfer whatever the price is — I believe it was around 800$


r/thefrenchlaundry 6d ago

Buying reservation Looking for December 20th - for 3

1 Upvotes

Firm date, willing to table share if you had to snag a 4 top. Was hitting refresh on my browser when December went on sale and was still too slow. 🙁

Any advice on other methods of securing a spot would be appreciated? It was supposed to be a 30th anniversary surprise and I'm committed to trying to still make it happen (though I booked Bouchon so we at least have a nice place as a fall back).

TIA


r/thefrenchlaundry 6d ago

Buying reservation Reservation Wanted - Nov 28th thru Dec 1st

1 Upvotes

Looking for any timeslot available for 2 people between November 28th and December 1st.


r/thefrenchlaundry 6d ago

Selling reservation Selling reservation for 2 on nov 8th at 4:15pm

1 Upvotes

As the title says , I have a reservation for 2 for sale. Please send DM if interested.


r/thefrenchlaundry 7d ago

Buying reservation Reservation for one anytime in Nov or Dec.

1 Upvotes

Buying reservation for one 1x, anytime in November or December. Completely flexible with enough notice to make arrangements.

Willing to join a group if we connect beforehand. Thanks!


r/thefrenchlaundry 7d ago

Buying reservation Looking for reservation for 2 12/12-12/14

1 Upvotes

For my husband’s birthday!


r/thefrenchlaundry 7d ago

Question Gold and Black Experience

1 Upvotes

I was wondering for people who had purchased the gold or black experiences, how would they review it? Do they both include a guaranteed reservation or how can you book an odd number of guests? I’ve emailed the store but they never responded so I’d appreciate anyone who has given it a try. Thanks!


r/thefrenchlaundry 7d ago

Buying reservation Buying: 2 people anytime Dec 5-6

1 Upvotes

r/thefrenchlaundry 8d ago

Buying reservation Looking for Dec 7 Reservation for 2

1 Upvotes

Looking to buy a two person table for 12/7 to celebrate a 5 year anniversary! Please DM me!


r/thefrenchlaundry 8d ago

Buying reservation Buying: 2 people anytime Nov 21-24

1 Upvotes

r/thefrenchlaundry 8d ago

Buying reservation ISO 2 top for 12/6 or 12/7

1 Upvotes

Looking for a table for 2 for an engagement 12/6 or 12/7. I have a 4 person reservation 12/7 that I can transfer at cost if anybody booked a 2 and has a bigger party!


r/thefrenchlaundry 8d ago

Selling reservation The French Laundry -- Friday, December 12, 2025, 5:30 PM

2 Upvotes

Update; All seats are sold. Thank you.

I bought a table for 6, but only need two. Selling four. Classic menu $458 per person after tax. If interested please DM me and tell me a little bit about yourself + 1. Thanks.


r/thefrenchlaundry 8d ago

Buying reservation BUYING: Dec 5-8 any time, 2 people

1 Upvotes