Correction....Eleven Madison Park....I guess the change of menu to all plant based made me mentally put it on the do not book again list. That said, I did enjoy the meal (pre covid) before they went all plant based, but felt like eating in the middle of a bank lobby. Service was amazing and I do think the bar is cool (probably a better option now).
Well, I think Thomas Keller is one of the best chefs in the world and I have been to most all of his restaurants (Cal, NY, Las Vegas, Florida) and will gladly return to any of his restaurants ( I am sad to see TAK at Hudson Yards is closed).
I have been to The French Laundry three times and think it is great, but I probably wont return as it seems less impressive now vs in the past. Its hard to state why I feel that way, but the cost vs benefit is no longer there for me (about $1,000 per person with wine). I MUCH prefer Bouchon, Ad Hoc, Surf Club over TFL. However, TFL is a Michelin 3 star bucket list restaurant so I would never tell anyone not to go there. TFL is a super special place, but there are Michelin 2 stars that are just as good like The Addison in San Diego.
I vividly remember that after my first visit to TFL (around 2018 or so) I really enjoyed the experience, but thought V&A was better (I am a huge Disney fan) and when you consider the pre-covid pricing, there was no comparison that V&A was significantly better value. But with the new V&A price that rivals THF, they are about the same cost. That said, I still prefer V&A over TFL, but have to admit that there is a certain intangible factor that TFL has over V&A and I think it boils down to service experience and TFL is fully evolved and V&A is still changing and seeking their way. I also think the stand alone restaurant of TFL with outdoor seating options is a superior ambiance to V&A tucked away on the second level of a hotel that is next to Citricos and that is hard to change.
Look, I really love V&A and it is my opinion that they are currently operating at a Michelin 2 star level and are not quite at a Michelin 3 star level yet, however, I am confident that they can hit that mark in a few years. I have been to V&A at least 5 times (3 precovid and 2 postcovid) and will gladly return. Postcovid, I am completely blown away by the zero proof drink parring at V&A and highly recommend that over the wine parring as it is so unique and adds a unique twist to each dish that is unlike any other restaurant I have ever dined at.
If you loved V&A, then you will love TFL or Per Se, and please check out Thomas Kellers other restaurants as they all are good and less pretentious and reasonable priced.