The French Laundry, Chef Thomas Keller’s world-renowned restaurant in Yountville, California, is more than just a restaurant — it’s a place where culinary excellence meets impeccable presentation. The restaurant, its people, and its ambiance exemplify the artistry and dedication that define an extraordinary dining experience.
Biro & Sons match this commitment to excellence — without the great food and wine (at least at the shop!).
We’re honored to be a small part of The French Laundry experience by repairing and restoring its fine silver when necessary.
“ I mean, the work they do is incredible,” says General Manager Michael Minnillo.
Minnillo — who comes from a restaurant family in Cleveland, Ohio, has worked various roles at The French Laundry since 1998. He started as a cook in the kitchen before moving to serving in the dining room four years later. After helping Keller open his New York restaurant, Per Se, in the winter of 2004, he returned to The French Laundry in 2012 as the GM.
The Art of Silver in Fine Dining
Many years ago, some fine-dining restaurants and hotels moved away from sterling silver due to the expense of upkeep and replacement. The French Laundry is one of the few that remains committed to its tradition of elegance.
In case you don’t know, The French Laundry is one of the San Francisco Bay Area’s most beloved and critically acclaimed restaurants. The menu features classic French cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients.
The presentation of each dish to the guest is one of the most crucial aspects of service, and the restaurant has earned many awards for maintaining the highest international standards for hospitality.
Seeing and holding high-quality silver enhances the diner’s overall sensory experience.
“It elevates the experience,” says Minnillo. “There’s something special about soup arriving in a silver soupière versus a pottery bowl.”
But silver, for all its beauty, is a metal that demands proper care. Over time, it can tarnish, dull, or wear down from constant use.
The French Laundry staff polishes the restaurant’s dining and serving silver weekly. On the occasions when the silver pieces need a little extra attention, they come to Biro & Sons for professional restoration.
Unique Silver Pieces and Custom Designs
The restaurant takes pride in its custom-designed silver pieces, which blend innovation with timeless tradition.
One of those pieces holds the legendary tuna cornet canapé, renowned among Thomas Keller fans.
These silver cornet holders were custom-designed and made by silversmiths specifically for the restaurant. They are so unique that they are not for sale to the public.
Bespoke silverware and hollowware highlight Keller and his team’s unique culinary vision.
Chef Keller and award-winning restaurant/hotel designer Adam D. Tihany worked with Christofle to design the K + T collection, which includes exclusive pieces like silver-plated champagne buckets or small silver-plated bowls.
To celebrate The French Laundry’s 30th anniversary, the team tapped Tiffany & Co. to create silver clothespins. “We used those as gifts for our investors,” Michael says.
Even with these elegant touches, Minnillo describes The French Laundry as a mom-and-pop restaurant that is fortunate to create and buy silver pieces like these.
“We’re fortunate that we’re able to do those things for our diners,” Michael says, “and have a great partner to help us maintain it, too.”
The Difference in Details
The French Laundry has built a reputation on precision — every detail matters when guests are dining at this level. The service, including the serving utensils and hollowware, must uphold its world-renowned reputation for excellence.
The restaurant is committed to sustainability, and in a world where disposable and mass-produced products have become the norm, its approach to silver is no exception.
Some silver has been used for 40 or 50 years — pieces that have been part of countless memorable meals. Rather than replacing them, The French Laundry sends them to us.
“Any pieces that we feel are not up to our standard, we set aside and send them to the Biros,” Michael says. “We let them bring that silver back to life. They do great work for us, and we’re proud to work with them.”
One Family Business to Another
The French Laundry proudly and loudly works with many local artisans and farmers to bring the best experience possible to diners.
“We love working with Michael and everyone at The French Laundry,” says Rick Biro. “It’s an honor to work with a family business that honors its talents and is the best at what it does.”
Like The French Laundry, Biro & Sons uses vintage tools and old-world craftsmanship to make and maintain memories for a lifetime. Whether we’re repairing or restoring restaurant or family heirlooms, we understand how important it is to deliver excellence.