The transcript is an interview with Sally Schmidt, a renowned California chef who ran the famous restaurant, The French Laundry. Schmidt discusses her early life growing up in Roseville, California, where she learned to cook from her mother and worked at her father's ice plant. After graduating from high school, she married Dawn and moved to Napa Valley, where she ran a cafe and eventually opened The French Laundry. Despite its success, Schmidt decided to sell the restaurant when she felt it was disrupting her family life and causing her to neglect her children. She valued her lifestyle and family over the prestige and recognition that came with running a top-tier restaurant. The restaurant was later purchased by Thomas Keller, who transformed it into a world-renowned destination. Schmidt reflects on her life, her career, and the importance of balance in lifestyle and the kitchen.
1. The speaker, Sally Schmidt, is one of the first California cooks to cook real California food, back when there were no women chefs .
2. Schmidt's father worked for an ice plant, which played a significant role in the transportation of produce from California to the East Coast .
3. Schmidt was born in Roseville, outside of Sacramento in 1932 .
4. She learned to cook at her mother's knee and was able to prepare a dinner all by herself .
5. Schmidt graduated from high school at 16 and was encouraged by her mother to see the rest of the world .
6. After moving to Napa Valley with her family, Schmidt and her husband Don opened the Vintage Cafe, which served local and fresh food .
7. Schmidt's restaurant, The French Laundry, was sold to Thomas Keller, who turned it into a world-class destination .
8. Keller, under Schmidt's guidance, created some of the world's most