83801 Wed Apr 10 19:12:13 -0700 2002 1 3 California 0 465267 As Canadian visitors to California, we wanted to experience the food at The French Laundry. Well, the food was - with two small "issues" - exceptional and as we expected. The two "issues" - slightly overdone halibut and very cool veal on a hot plate (obviously sitting in the kitchen for a while before plating) - were minor. However, our major problem was - the service! The spacing of our tasting menu courses was erratic, to say the least. At first, our server said something like "your food will be out in a minute, folks". Then he totally ignored us. When we asked him, a bit later, if something was awry in the kitchen, he became REALLY embarrassed, and allowed as there seemed to be a real backup tonight. I guess our main issue was that we "sort of" had a server. It was never clear who was responsible for making sure that things flowed well. Very disappointing...in a place that has such standards. Wed Apr 10 19:12:13 -0700 2002 0 Maria Collins 1 465270 That's too bad. I'm jealous that you even got a table. My friend use to call when they opened the phone lines for reservations, but everything(for the next 3 months) would get filled within 10 minutes. Wed Apr 10 23:39:19 -0700 2002 465267 0 Nate