The French Laundry before it was Thomas Keller’s French Laundry

Sally Schmitt, the original chef and co-founder of the French Laundry, reflects on the history of the influential Yountville, Calif., restaurant.

Feb. 21, 2020 5 AM PT

Sally Schmitt, the original chef and co-founder of the French Laundry, reflects on the history of the influential Yountville, Calif., restaurant.

Food

Robert Gourley

Robert Gourley is a former video journalist with the Los Angeles Times. The native North Carolinian graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill as a Morehead-Cain Scholar. His work has been recognized by the Hearst Journalism Awards and College Photographer of the Year.