Keller purchased The French Laundry in 1994, with the goal of creating a three-star country French restaurant in the heart of the Napa Valley. Keller credits his staff for the many accolades and awards that the restaurant has received. The French Laundry Cookbook, authored by Keller, was awarded three 1999 International Association of Culinary Professionals awards, including Cookbook of the Year, as well as the 1999 Versailles Cookbook Award in Paris.