That Louvre famously juxtaposes sleek modern structures (think the giant glass pyramid in the courtyard designed by I.M. Pei) with classical architecture (as in the Palais du Louvre itself). In this restaurant, that means the original French Laundry coexists with contemporary additions that include a modern-lined kitchen and an annex, built to support the main kitchen’s functions. The new workspaces include cutting-edge elements such as elevated prep areas, solar panels and Dekton countertops and workbenches.

Last year, according to the National Kitchen and Bath Association, engineered stone surpassed natural stone as a countertop choice. That trend is reflected in this kitchen, where the countertops, workbenches and walls are crafted from Dekton. “We chose Dekton for a number of reasons,” says Keller. “It has a high resistance to heat, scratches and stains. From an aesthetic point of view, it’s stunning.” The new, high-contrast space is visible to guests through the windows of the kitchen’s fritted glass walls, as it’s a tradition of the restaurant to take diners behind the scenes. As Keller says, “This kitchen affords us the opportunity to have our guests come in and spend some time there without feeling like they’re in the way.” – Mary Jo Bowling