La Toque

Last updated
La Toque
La Toque
Restaurant information
Established2008 (2008)
ChefKen Frank
Street address1314 McKinstry Street
CityNapa
StateCalifornia
Postal/ZIP Code94559
CountryUnited States
Coordinates 38°18′15″N122°17′2″W / 38.30417°N 122.28389°W / 38.30417; -122.28389

La Toque is a restaurant in Napa, California owned and operated by Chef Ken Frank. [1] Since its relocation to Napa Valley, La Toque has received critical acclaim, including a Michelin star each year from 2008 to 2021. [2] [3] [4] Fodor's has described the food as French-inspired modern American. [5]

Contents

History

La Toque was established in 1979 by chef Ken Frank on the Sunset Strip in Los Angeles, when he was just 23 years old. [6] [7]

The restaurant gained attention for its use of fresh, seasonal ingredients and its blend of French culinary techniques with Californian influences. [8] After operating in Los Angeles for nearly two decades, Frank relocated the restaurant to Rutherford in Napa Valley in 1998. [9] In 2008, the restaurant moved to its current location within The Westin Verasa Napa hotel in downtown Napa. [10]

Cuisine

The menu at La Toque integrates classic French cooking techniques with ingredients sourced from the Napa Valley and surrounding regions. [11] The restaurant emphasizes on locally sourced products, focusing on seasonal availability to shape its offerings. [12] Known for its food and wine pairings, La Toque provides wine list with over 2,300 selections. [13]

Design

La Toque features an interior designed to balance comfort and sophistication. [14] The dining room includes an open kitchen, allowing diners to view the culinary process. [15] The space now features a permanent translucent roof on the Terrace, installed in July 2023. [16]

The Terrace also includes a fireplace and seating. [17] Tables are equipped with floral arrangements, and crystal stemware. [4]

Reception

La Toque has received critical acclaim for its fusion of French and Californian culinary traditions. [5] The restaurant has been celebrated for its refined dishes and use of seasonal ingredients. [18]

Restaurant's wine program has been recognized by Wine Spectator for its curated wine list, the restaurant has been commended for its food and wine pairings. [19]

A 1994 LA Times article, titled Last Impressions: A Final Tip of the Hat to La Toque, highlighted Frank’s impact on the Los Angeles culinary scene. [20] Similarly, a piece by Colman Andrews in The New York Times praised Frank for his approach to French cuisine and his ability to adapt to the evolving tastes of his clientele. [21]

Awards

See also

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References

  1. ↑ Reichl, Ruth (1992-03-15). "RESTAURANTS : A TIP OF THE TOQUE : After Suffering Early Acclaim, Bankruptcy and Illness, Ken Frank Is Still Cooking". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 2025-01-15.
  2. ↑ Yeo, Patricia Kelly. "All 24 of L.A.'s Michelin star restaurants, updated for 2024". Time Out.
  3. ↑ "La Toque – Napa - a MICHELIN Guide Restaurant". MICHELIN Guide. Archived from the original on 2022-08-12. Retrieved 2023-12-08.
  4. 1 2 "La Toque". USA Today. Retrieved 2023-12-08.
  5. 1 2 "La Toque Review - Napa and Sonoma California - Restaurant | Fodor's Travel". www.fodors.com. Archived from the original on 2022-06-29. Retrieved 2023-12-08.
  6. ↑ Jenkins, Kathie (1993-01-10). "La Toque's Ken Frank: 'Time to Move On'". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 2024-12-30.
  7. ↑ "Ken Frank". Napa Truffle Festival. Retrieved 2025-01-15.
  8. ↑ https://assets.speakcdn.com/assets/2845/bb_chefs_2012.pdf Ken Frank LaTouque Napa, CA Acclaimed Chef Ken Frank is
  9. ↑ VITALE, VINCE (2024-02-03). "Renowned chef helps launch effort to end hunger among Napa County homeless population". Santa Rosa Press Democrat. Retrieved 2024-12-30.
  10. ↑ "The Westin Verasa Napa and La Toque Restaurant by Chef Ken Frank - Venu Magazine". 2023-11-27. Retrieved 2024-12-30.
  11. ↑ Bauer, Michael (2008-11-16). "La Toque in downtown Napa". SFGATE. Retrieved 2024-12-30.
  12. ↑ Sprauve, Angella (2014-03-28). "Seriously Sustainable: Ken Frank". Haute Living. Retrieved 2024-12-30.
  13. ↑ "The Preiser Key to Napa Valley Napa Valley Winter 2016 - 2017: La Toque: A True Dining Experience". trendmag.trendoffset.comhttps. Retrieved 2024-12-30.
  14. ↑ "La Toque | Restaurants | Cass Calder Smith". www.casscaldersmith.com. Retrieved 2024-12-30.
  15. ↑ "La Toque | Napa, CA 94559". www.visitnapavalley.com. Retrieved 2024-12-30.
  16. ↑ Sprauve, Angella (2014-03-28). "Seriously Sustainable: Ken Frank". Haute Living. Retrieved 2025-01-15.
  17. ↑ "Dining Outside at La Toque | Food Gal". 2021-12-20. Retrieved 2024-12-30.
  18. ↑ Bauer, Michael (2008-11-16). "La Toque in downtown Napa". SFGATE. Archived from the original on 2021-12-06. Retrieved 2025-01-15.
  19. ↑ "Napa Travel Guide: Destination Dining | Wine Spectator". Wine Spectator. Archived from the original on 2022-09-28. Retrieved 2025-01-15.
  20. ↑ "LAST IMPRESSIONS : A Final Tip of the Hat to La Toque". Los Angeles Times. 1994-02-13. Retrieved 2025-01-15.
  21. ↑ Andrews, Colman (1981-01-28). "VIEWS AND REVIEWS OF A LOS ANGELES CHEF". The New York Times. ISSN   0362-4331 . Retrieved 2025-01-15.
  22. ↑ "Snapshots of Wine Spectator's Grand Award Winners". Wine Spectator. 2019-07-02. Archived from the original on 2024-12-30. Retrieved 2025-01-15.
  23. ↑ Virbila, Irene S. (2014-07-08). "California scores big in the newest Wine Spectator Grand Awards". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 2025-01-15.
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