23064 Fri Feb 21 17:24:21 -0800 2003 4 1 San Francisco Bay Area 0 86916 I tried making a reservation (lunch or dinner) for French Laundy 45 days in advance but alas I've had no luck. I'll be visiting from Boston and would like to know if there is any chance that I'll get seated off the wait list? Has anyone had luck with the wait list? I am also open to fine dining suggestions for Napa Valley as I fear that French Laundy will not happen for me. Fri Feb 21 17:24:21 -0800 2003 0 meathead 1 86927 You're right, French Laundry is unlikely. As an alternative, I'd highly recommend Roux in St. Helena. It's a small place run by a couple that seems to be proud of the restaurant. Aside from the quality of the food and experience, what impressed me was the little extras--several small tastes from the chef to open. They also seemed genuinely pleased that we were pleased with our meal. I moved out here from Boston not all that long ago and can say with certainty that the experience was much more appealing than found in the vast majority of Boston restaurants. Fri Feb 21 18:47:48 -0800 2003 86916 0 amyd 1 86948 Bistro Don Giovanni beween Napa and Yountville is terrific. Martini House or Terra both wonderful both in St. Helena. Terra is very pretty and quite romantic. Cafe La Haye in Sonoma also worthy. Lots of people like Bistro Jeanty in Yountville - French Bistro style food. Hurley's in Yountville also very good. Fri Feb 21 20:51:24 -0800 2003 86916 0 Mad 1 86981 If you are visiting from Boston and you really want to eat at FL, perhaps you should consider staying at one of the nearby hotels. The FL reservation desk opens at 9:30 am while the reservation phone line opens at 10:00 - thus giving the locals first opportunity. Several of the hotels in Yountville send staff over to make reservations. That was how a friend of mine got reservations for his birthday. Sat Feb 22 11:37:28 -0800 2003 86916 0 Rochelle Mccune 1 87008 As you've found, 45 days is not enough. You must reserve exactly 60 days in advance, when a new date opens up in the reservation book. A good idea is to use an office phone and get several people to dial at once. This will still take a while and no guarantee to get through. Do a google search and you will find many articles on the trials of securing a reservation. Sat Feb 22 18:02:34 -0800 2003 86916 0 Thea