Savoring The Memory

On November 2nd, The Club hosted a night of culinary magic at The French Laundry, and for Exclusive Resorts Members Omar and Dr. Lora Shahine, returning to Chef Thomas Keller's renowned establishment was a dream come true.

Nestled in the heart of Napa Valley, this three-star Michelin gem has long held a place in their hearts. As guests arrived at the private dining event, they were greeted with the warmth of familiar faces, the sparkle of champagne, and the allure of an evening bound to be unforgettable. To capture the essence of the night, we asked Omar and Lora to tell us firsthand about their experience — including the exquisite tastes, unforgettable company, and memories they’ll cherish for years to come. Here’s what they had to share:

First Impressions: Welcome Back to Magic

Stepping into The French Laundry, Omar and Lora felt immediately welcomed. "Delicious champagne, friendly smiles, beautiful setting," they recalled. Their excitement was palpable — they had celebrated Omar's parents' 45th anniversary and his father's 70th birthday at The French Laundry years ago and had tried several times to return. The thrill of re-experiencing The French Laundry, this time with Exclusive Resorts, brought added anticipation and nostalgia.

Exploring New Heights of Ambiance and Atmosphere

The evening began with more than just dinner. Instead of taking their seats immediately, guests were invited to explore the kitchen and wine cellar, speaking directly with the talented team behind the dishes. “This felt intimate and elevated at the same time," Lora shared. "We were able to ask the team questions about their roles and, of course, meet the famous and amazing Chef Thomas Keller." The close encounter with Keller himself, including a personal touch as he shaved truffles onto Lora's risotto, turned an exceptional dining experience into a core memory.

Signature Moments and Iconic Dishes

Of the seven courses, Lora found herself savoring two legendary creations. “The salmon tartare cornets, or as I call them, ‘sushi cones,’ and the ‘oyster and pearls’ — a dish that has been served for 30 years! Having them as part of the evening was truly memorable.” With every course perfectly paired, each bite was a journey in itself, a testament to The French Laundry’s attention to detail and artistry. “The service and presentation felt like an orchestration,” Omar added, impressed by the care with which each dish was presented.

Shared Experiences, Lasting Friendships

For Omar and Lora, one of the most meaningful aspects of the night was the company of other Exclusive Resorts Members. They reconnected with familiar faces and struck up new friendships as they shared stories of past trips and eagerly exchanged recommendations for future adventures. “We ran into old friends we've made on previous Club trips. We loved asking everyone which locations and journeys they love. We took lots of notes for our future travel plans!” Lora laughed. "The connections we made were just as wonderful as the food and ambiance.”

Reflections and Future Culinary Dreams

When asked to sum up the evening in one word, Lora didn’t hesitate: “Epic.” Reflecting on the night, they both felt immense gratitude to be part of the Exclusive Resorts Community and have access to events like this. "The French Laundry is an incredible place no matter how you get there, but the experience Exclusive Resorts provided was magical compared to our previous visit. We will cherish that memory and look forward to more events like this in the future. We can't wait to see what The Club will do next!"

As for their wish list?

The couple dreams of future events at renowned spots like Rao's in NYC, a return to Daniel with Chef Daniel Boulud, and hotspot Masa.

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