Thomas Keller, of Napa Valley's French Laundry, is one of America's best known, most revered chefs. His legions of admirers watch his every move, chase down his purveyors and wait anxiously for his next opening. So here's a scoop for all you Keller fans: This summer, he'll open a butcher shop across the street from his Bouchon bistro in Yountville, selling his favorite cuts of meat as well as cheeses and prepared foods like French vegetable galettes. The place will have a farmers' table that groups can reserve for the night; the menu might include specialties of the shop, like roast wagyu beef. Rumor has it that Keller, who is a huge devotee of the West Coast chain In-N-Out Burger, will also be launching a burger joint of his own in the Napa area. In-N-Out doesn't serve wine (the bottle in the above photo is just a prop), but Keller's new place will—and it will be featuring half-bottles like the French Laundry's first and currently only house label, a chocolaty Cabernet Sauvignon called Modicum.

Published April 2006