Is Thomas Keller Charging the US's Highest Corkage Fees?

Thomas Keller's celebrated restaurants Per Se (in New York City) and the French Laundry (in Yountville, CA) may now be charging America's highest corkage fees: Eater's data lead Ryan Sutton reports that corkage fees at both restaurants were recently upped to $150 per bottle, representing a price hikes of $60 (at Per Se) and $75 (at the French Laundry). The $150 fee is a solid $50 more than the next two priciest on the list — Joel Robuchon in Las Vegas and the Chef's Table at Brooklyn Fare — which both hover around $100.

A quick look at other top restaurants' corkage fees — from Jean Georges to Atelier Crenn to Saison — reveal fees ranging from $30-85, but at least wine snobs are still allowed to BYO to a Thomas Keller joint. As Sutton notes, "certain high-profile venues, like Le Bernardin and Daniel in New York, or Grace in Chicago, do not permit outside wines."

· Is Per Se Charging America's Highest Corkage Fee? [Eater NY]
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