Chef Thomas Keller is the Michelin-decorated chef and proprietor of Yountville’s The French Laundry in Napa Valley, California; and Per Se in New York City; among others. Chef Keller began his culinary career as a teenager, working as a dishwasher at a Palm Beach restaurant that his mother managed. He studied in France with Chef Roland Henin and apprenticed at several Michelin-starred restaurants before opening his first restaurant, Rakel, in New York City in 1986. Chef Keller is the 2021 Michelin Guide’s Mentor Chef Award recipient. He is the author of *The French Laundry Cookbook*, *Bouchon Bakery*, *Adhoc At Home*, and *Under Pressure: Cooking Sous Vide*.
*Time* magazine named Chef Keller America’s Best Chef in 2001. Here are a few fast facts about the award-winning chef and proprietor: 

1. __Chef Keller has multiple Michelin three-star ratings__. Chef Keller is the first and only chef born in the United States to hold multiple three-star ratings from the Michelin Guide.
2. __Chef Keller won the Bocuse d’Or__. In 2017, Chef Keller led a team from the United States to its first-ever gold medal in the Bocuse d’Or, the world’s most prestigious culinary competition. Food professionals regard this gastronomic competition, named after Chef Paul Bocuse, as the Olympics of cooking.
3. __He is a Chevalier of the French Legion of Honor__. In 2011, the France Légion d'honneur designated Chef Keller as a Chevalier, the highest decoration in France, for his promotion of French cuisine in the United States. Chef Keller is the first male chef in the US to receive the honor. [Alice Waters](https://www.masterclass.com/classes/alice-waters-teaches-the-art-of-home-cooking), Daniel Boulud, Jacques Pepin, and Robert Parker nominated Chef Thomas Keller for the award.
4. __He’s a film consultant__. Chef Keller served as a culinary consultant on films including *Spanglish* and *Ratatouille*.
5. __He has more than 10 restaurants__. Thomas Keller restaurants include Yountville’s The French Laundry, Bouchon Bistro, Bouchon Bakery, Adhoc + Addendum, Regiis Ova Caviar & Champagne, and La Calenda in Napa Valley, California; Per Se in New York City; Bouchon Bistro and Bouchon Bakery in Las Vegas; and The Surf Club Restaurant in Miami.
Chef Keller has decades of experience running kitchens and building menus for fine-dining restaurants with the highest standards. You can expect these five highlights and more from the executive chef’s three classes on cooking techniques, available exclusively on MasterClass:

1. __Buy fresh ingredients__. Chefs and home cooks alike benefit from fresh, quality ingredients. “I want you to work with your gardeners, suppliers, [and] your grocery stores to encourage them to continue bringing you fresher ingredients where the sourcing is understood,” Chef Keller says in his [introductory class](https://www.masterclass.com/classes/thomas-keller-teaches-cooking-techniques). “Where are they coming from? Where our ingredients come from is the most important question we can ask ourselves today.”
2. __Get the essentials__. In his first class, Chef Keller shares essential cookware and [kitchen tools](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/chef-thomas-kellers-kitchen-tools). “I really have an aversion to useless tools,” Chef Keller says. “We tend to clutter our drawers with things that we don’t need. Gadgets, we feel we need to have them.”
3. __Know your sauces__. Sauces are the foundation of French cuisine. “For me, a sauce is made from a stock,” Chef Keller says. “It gives a beautiful aroma and texture that complements whatever it's being served with.” In [Chef Keller’s second class](https://www.masterclass.com/classes/thomas-keller-teaches-cooking-techniques-meats-stocks-and-sauces), learn how to prepare stocks, sauces, and broths to make flavorful meat and poultry dishes.
4. __Learn new techniques__. Learn how to prepare vegetables, salmon, and [turbot](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/chef-thomas-kellers-turbot-recipe) using a [sous vide](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/step-by-step-sous-vide-for-beginners) in [Chef Keller’s third class](https://www.masterclass.com/classes/thomas-keller-teaches-cooking-techniques-iii-seafood-sous-vide-and-desserts). “The great thing about sous-vide cooking or this type of cooking with an immersion circulator is precision,” Chef Keller says. “Being able to cook something in a water bath at a specific temperature gives us that precision cooking.”
5. __Make dessert—and eat it too__. Desserts, growing up for me, were always a reward,” Chef Keller says. “It was always, ‘Eat your peas, and you can have dessert.’ Make sure you finish your meat, and you can have dessert.” In his third class, learn how to make chocolate [pots de crème](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/chef-thomas-kellers-pots-de-creme-recipe), a [lemon tart](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/chef-kellers-lemon-tart-recipe), and [apple pie](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/chef-thomas-kellers-apple-pie-recipe) with a lard crust.
For more perspectives on home cooking, consider taking the following classes:

1. __Gordon Ramsay on cooking__. Chef Gordon Ramsay is a Michelin-star chef with restaurants worldwide. Watch [Chef Ramsay’s class](https://www.masterclass.com/classes/gordon-ramsay-teaches-cooking) to learn about [essential kitchen tools](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/gordon-ramsays-list-of-essential-kitchen-tools) and knife skills, plus how to make pasta dough and [poached eggs](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/gordon-ramsays-poached-egg-recipe).
2. __Wolfgang Puck on cooking__: Wolfgang Puck is a James Beard Foundation Award–winning restaurateur and one of the world’s most successful chefs. Take [Wolfgang’s class](https://www.masterclass.com/classes/wolfgang-puck-teaches-cooking) to learn how to develop your palate and cook recipes like [tuna sashimi](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/wolfgang-pucks-tuna-sashimi-recipe-with-ponzu-sauce-and-fennel-apple-salad) and [roasted branzino](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/wolfgang-pucks-roasted-branzino-with-herb-crust-recipe).
3. __Yotam Ottolenghi on Middle Eastern cooking__. Yotam Ottolenghi is a celebrated chef, bestselling cookbook author, and restaurateur. Watch [Yotam’s class](https://www.masterclass.com/classes/yotam-ottolenghi-teaches-modern-middle-eastern-cooking) to learn about Middle Eastern ingredients and how to make various recipes, including [muhammara](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-muhammara), smoky marinated feta, and [green herb shakshuka](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/green-shakshuka-recipe-by-yotam-ottolenghi).
To perfect the mother sauces and make French cuisine at home, you must master essential cooking techniques. Discover Chef Thomas Keller’s approach to setting up a home kitchen and sourcing quality ingredients like [fish](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/chef-thomas-kellers-tips-for-buying-the-best-fish) and [clams](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-buy-clams-and-mussels-with-chef-thomas-kellers-tips) when you sign up for the [MasterClass Annual Membership](https://www.masterclass.com).
Chef Thomas Keller is the chef de cuisine and proprietor of some of the world’s best restaurants. Learn about his culinary career and his techniques and tips for home cooks.

Chef Thomas Keller is the chef de cuisine and proprietor of some of the world’s best restaurants. Learn about his culinary career and his techniques and tips for home cooks.

Thomas Keller’s Life and Career

Chef Thomas Keller is the Michelin-decorated chef and proprietor of Yountville’s The French Laundry in Napa Valley, California; and Per Se in New York City; among others. Chef Keller began his culinary career as a teenager, working as a dishwasher at a Palm Beach restaurant that his mother managed. He studied in France with Chef Roland Henin and apprenticed at several Michelin-starred restaurants before opening his first restaurant, Rakel, in New York City in 1986. Chef Keller is the 2021 Michelin Guide’s Mentor Chef Award recipient. He is the author of The French Laundry Cookbook, Bouchon Bakery, Adhoc At Home, and Under Pressure: Cooking Sous Vide.

A Brief Introduction to Thomas Keller

Time magazine named Chef Keller America’s Best Chef in 2001. Here are a few fast facts about the award-winning chef and proprietor: <ol class="mc-m-4"><li class="mc-my-4"> 1. Chef Keller has multiple Michelin three-star ratings. Chef Keller is the first and only chef born in the United States to hold multiple three-star ratings from the Michelin Guide. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 2. Chef Keller won the Bocuse d’Or. In 2017, Chef Keller led a team from the United States to its first-ever gold medal in the Bocuse d’Or, the world’s most prestigious culinary competition. Food professionals regard this gastronomic competition, named after Chef Paul Bocuse, as the Olympics of cooking. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 3. He is a Chevalier of the French Legion of Honor. In 2011, the France Légion d&#39;honneur designated Chef Keller as a Chevalier, the highest decoration in France, for his promotion of French cuisine in the United States. Chef Keller is the first male chef in the US to receive the honor. <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/classes/alice-waters-teaches-the-art-of-home-cooking' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/classes/alice-waters-teaches-the-art-of-home-cooking","linkCopy":"Alice Waters","category":null}'>Alice Waters</a>, Daniel Boulud, Jacques Pepin, and Robert Parker nominated Chef Thomas Keller for the award. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 4. He’s a film consultant. Chef Keller served as a culinary consultant on films including Spanglish and Ratatouille. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 5. He has more than 10 restaurants. Thomas Keller restaurants include Yountville’s The French Laundry, Bouchon Bistro, Bouchon Bakery, Adhoc + Addendum, Regiis Ova Caviar &amp; Champagne, and La Calenda in Napa Valley, California; Per Se in New York City; Bouchon Bistro and Bouchon Bakery in Las Vegas; and The Surf Club Restaurant in Miami. </li></ol>

5 Fast Facts About Chef Thomas Keller

Chef Keller has decades of experience running kitchens and building menus for fine-dining restaurants with the highest standards. You can expect these five highlights and more from the executive chef’s three classes on cooking techniques, available exclusively on MasterClass:<ol class="mc-m-4"><li class="mc-my-4"> 1. Buy fresh ingredients. Chefs and home cooks alike benefit from fresh, quality ingredients. “I want you to work with your gardeners, suppliers, [and] your grocery stores to encourage them to continue bringing you fresher ingredients where the sourcing is understood,” Chef Keller says in his <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/classes/thomas-keller-teaches-cooking-techniques' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/classes/thomas-keller-teaches-cooking-techniques","linkCopy":"introductory class","category":null}'>introductory class</a>. “Where are they coming from? Where our ingredients come from is the most important question we can ask ourselves today.” </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 2. Get the essentials. In his first class, Chef Keller shares essential cookware and <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/chef-thomas-kellers-kitchen-tools' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/chef-thomas-kellers-kitchen-tools","linkCopy":"kitchen tools","category":null}'>kitchen tools</a>. “I really have an aversion to useless tools,” Chef Keller says. “We tend to clutter our drawers with things that we don’t need. Gadgets, we feel we need to have them.” </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 3. Know your sauces. Sauces are the foundation of French cuisine. “For me, a sauce is made from a stock,” Chef Keller says. “It gives a beautiful aroma and texture that complements whatever it&#39;s being served with.” In <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/classes/thomas-keller-teaches-cooking-techniques-meats-stocks-and-sauces' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/classes/thomas-keller-teaches-cooking-techniques-meats-stocks-and-sauces","linkCopy":"Chef Keller’s second class","category":null}'>Chef Keller’s second class</a>, learn how to prepare stocks, sauces, and broths to make flavorful meat and poultry dishes. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 4. Learn new techniques. Learn how to prepare vegetables, salmon, and <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/chef-thomas-kellers-turbot-recipe' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/chef-thomas-kellers-turbot-recipe","linkCopy":"turbot","category":null}'>turbot</a> using a <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/step-by-step-sous-vide-for-beginners' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/step-by-step-sous-vide-for-beginners","linkCopy":"sous vide","category":null}'>sous vide</a> in <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/classes/thomas-keller-teaches-cooking-techniques-iii-seafood-sous-vide-and-desserts' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/classes/thomas-keller-teaches-cooking-techniques-iii-seafood-sous-vide-and-desserts","linkCopy":"Chef Keller’s third class","category":null}'>Chef Keller’s third class</a>. “The great thing about sous-vide cooking or this type of cooking with an immersion circulator is precision,” Chef Keller says. “Being able to cook something in a water bath at a specific temperature gives us that precision cooking.” </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 5. Make dessert—and eat it too. Desserts, growing up for me, were always a reward,” Chef Keller says. “It was always, ‘Eat your peas, and you can have dessert.’ Make sure you finish your meat, and you can have dessert.” In his third class, learn how to make chocolate <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/chef-thomas-kellers-pots-de-creme-recipe' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/chef-thomas-kellers-pots-de-creme-recipe","linkCopy":"pots de crème","category":null}'>pots de crème</a>, a <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/chef-kellers-lemon-tart-recipe' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/chef-kellers-lemon-tart-recipe","linkCopy":"lemon tart","category":null}'>lemon tart</a>, and <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/chef-thomas-kellers-apple-pie-recipe' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/chef-thomas-kellers-apple-pie-recipe","linkCopy":"apple pie","category":null}'>apple pie</a> with a lard crust. </li></ol>

5 Highlights From Chef Thomas Keller’s Class

For more perspectives on home cooking, consider taking the following classes:<ol class="mc-m-4"><li class="mc-my-4"> 1. Gordon Ramsay on cooking. Chef Gordon Ramsay is a Michelin-star chef with restaurants worldwide. Watch <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/classes/gordon-ramsay-teaches-cooking' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/classes/gordon-ramsay-teaches-cooking","linkCopy":"Chef Ramsay’s class","category":null}'>Chef Ramsay’s class</a> to learn about <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/gordon-ramsays-list-of-essential-kitchen-tools' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/gordon-ramsays-list-of-essential-kitchen-tools","linkCopy":"essential kitchen tools","category":null}'>essential kitchen tools</a> and knife skills, plus how to make pasta dough and <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/gordon-ramsays-poached-egg-recipe' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/gordon-ramsays-poached-egg-recipe","linkCopy":"poached eggs","category":null}'>poached eggs</a>. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 2. Wolfgang Puck on cooking: Wolfgang Puck is a James Beard Foundation Award–winning restaurateur and one of the world’s most successful chefs. Take <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/classes/wolfgang-puck-teaches-cooking' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/classes/wolfgang-puck-teaches-cooking","linkCopy":"Wolfgang’s class","category":null}'>Wolfgang’s class</a> to learn how to develop your palate and cook recipes like <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/wolfgang-pucks-tuna-sashimi-recipe-with-ponzu-sauce-and-fennel-apple-salad' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/wolfgang-pucks-tuna-sashimi-recipe-with-ponzu-sauce-and-fennel-apple-salad","linkCopy":"tuna sashimi","category":null}'>tuna sashimi</a> and <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/wolfgang-pucks-roasted-branzino-with-herb-crust-recipe' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/wolfgang-pucks-roasted-branzino-with-herb-crust-recipe","linkCopy":"roasted branzino","category":null}'>roasted branzino</a>. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 3. Yotam Ottolenghi on Middle Eastern cooking. Yotam Ottolenghi is a celebrated chef, bestselling cookbook author, and restaurateur. Watch <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/classes/yotam-ottolenghi-teaches-modern-middle-eastern-cooking' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/classes/yotam-ottolenghi-teaches-modern-middle-eastern-cooking","linkCopy":"Yotam’s class","category":null}'>Yotam’s class</a> to learn about Middle Eastern ingredients and how to make various recipes, including <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-muhammara' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-muhammara","linkCopy":"muhammara","category":null}'>muhammara</a>, smoky marinated feta, and <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/green-shakshuka-recipe-by-yotam-ottolenghi' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/green-shakshuka-recipe-by-yotam-ottolenghi","linkCopy":"green herb shakshuka","category":null}'>green herb shakshuka</a>. </li></ol>

3 More Classes on Cooking

To perfect the mother sauces and make French cuisine at home, you must master essential cooking techniques. Discover Chef Thomas Keller’s approach to setting up a home kitchen and sourcing quality ingredients like <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/chef-thomas-kellers-tips-for-buying-the-best-fish' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/chef-thomas-kellers-tips-for-buying-the-best-fish","linkCopy":"fish","category":null}'>fish</a> and <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-buy-clams-and-mussels-with-chef-thomas-kellers-tips' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-buy-clams-and-mussels-with-chef-thomas-kellers-tips","linkCopy":"clams","category":null}'>clams</a> when you sign up for the <a href='https://www.masterclass.com' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com","linkCopy":"MasterClass Annual Membership","category":null}'>MasterClass Annual Membership</a>.

Mise En Place

Chef Thomas Keller is the chef de cuisine and proprietor of some of the world’s best restaurants. Learn about his culinary career and his techniques and tips for home cooks.

Chef Thomas Keller is the chef de cuisine and proprietor of some of the world’s best restaurants. Learn about his culinary career and his techniques and tips for home cooks.
