Grand Chef Thomas Keller’s technique has become so famous that Pixar studios called upon his expertise when making the film “Ratatouille”. The revised ratatouille served at the end of the film is Keller’s invention. At the heart of Napa Valley, this chef, whose restaurant Per Se is among New York’s top culinary landmarks, has created one of the best restaurants in California. Working closely with fellow Grand Chef Timothy Hollingsworth, and the best producers in the region, Keller and his team concoct minimalist dishes. Products such as oysters and truffles are savoured in “sequenced meals” where in order to maximise surprises, no single ingredient is ever repeated in a meal. There is a new menu every day and the herbs and vegetables come straight from the kitchen garden.