The French Laundry: seeing the kitchen before or after dinner?

[onixxino]

Hi all,

I made a reservation at TFL at 9pm. As I understand, the dinner will very likely to go past midnight. My question is, if I want to see the kitchen and chef Keller, should I do it before or after the dinner?

I have always done that after dinner in other restaurants, but for this time, will it be too late? and that Chef Keller may not be there anymore? That makes me thinking of visiting the kitchen before dinner, though is this a bit inappropriate?

I do know that I can always call them and ask, and it is very likely that they will accommodate my request, but I want to be as appropriate as possible.

Any comments will be really appreciated.

[Candice]

I would tell your waiter that if possible, you would like to see the kitchen. I think taking a mid-meal break is the best bet for you. I was there for a very long lunch and was able to see the kitchen while they were prepping for the dinner service. Keller is rarely in the kitchen, Tim Hollingsworth is the chef de cuisine.