Forget MegaMillions, CA Lottery Prize Is Dinner at The French Laundry

The California Lottery's latest prize isn't a pile of cash, but instead a swanky dinner for two at chef Thomas Keller's revered Napa restaurant, The French Laundry. According to the San Francisco Business Times, the California Lottery announced a new promotion on Monday called the "Ultimate Foodie Experience."

The announcement notes that the winner will receive an 18-course tasting menu (with wine pairings) at the three-Michelin-starred restaurant, as well as a two-night stay at a Napa Valley spa and resort. Plus, the winner will be picked up from the hotel in one of the French Laundry's "custom BMW cars" and Keller will give the winner a mysterious "special personal gift."

To win the promotion — which begins January 5 — participants must purchase the Lottery's Emerald 10's scratch-off card. Then they have to take a selfie showing the scratcher card and write a 500 word caption about who they want to share the dinner with and why. A spokesperson for the Lottery explained the motivation behind the prize noting that it's a great way to "celebrate California, our farm-to-fork movement and one of the world's best restaurants."

Winners may have to wait a while to cash in their ticket. The restaurant — which celebrated its 20th anniversary this year — will soon undergo renovations. The French Laundry is accepting reservations until December 23, after which it plans to close for six months.