Thomas Keller, born on October 14, 1955, is a highly acclaimed American chef, restaurateur, and cookbook author. He is best known as the chef-owner of The French Laundry in Yountville, California, and Per Se in New York City. Keller is the only American-born chef to have been awarded simultaneous three-star Michelin ratings for two different restaurants. In total, his restaurants hold seven Michelin stars.
Keller's culinary style is rooted in classical French techniques, with a focus on regional sourcing, quality ingredients, sustainability, and farm-to-table practices. He began his culinary journey at a young age, working in a restaurant managed by his mother. Over the years, he has received numerous awards, including Outstanding Chef from the James Beard Foundation in 1997 and the Chevalier of the French Legion of Honor in 2011. Besides The French Laundry and Per Se, Keller's restaurant portfolio includes Bouchon Bakery and the Surf Club Restaurant in Surfside, Florida. He has also authored several award-winning cookbooks, including "The French Laundry Cookbook" and "Bouchon Bakery".
