New American Cuisine in the United States (1980s-2000s)

1. Chez Panisse opens and champions seasonal sourcing

   Jan 1, 1971Labels: Chez Panisse, Alice Waters, Berkeley

   • Smithsonian
   • California cuisine

2. The French Laundry begins service in Yountville

   Jan 1, 1978Labels: The French, Yountville, Schmitts

   • French Laundry
   • TKRG history

3. Spago opens, making California cuisine nationally visible

   Jan 1, 1982Labels: Spago, Wolfgang Puck, West Hollywood

   • Spago
   • CSMonitor

4. Stars opens in San Francisco under Jeremiah Tower

   Jan 1, 1984Labels: Stars, Jeremiah Tower, San Francisco

   • Stars
   • Jeremiah Tower

5. Union Square Cafe opens, shaping New York “New American” dining

   Oct 1, 1985Labels: Union Square, Danny Meyer, Manhattan

   • Union Square Cafe
   • Eater NY

6. Jonathan Waxman’s Jams popularizes “new California cooking” in NYC

   Jan 1, 1986Labels: Jams, Jonathan Waxman, New York

   • Waxman

7. Charlie Trotter’s opens, advancing the tasting-menu model

   Jan 1, 1987Labels: Charlie Trotter, Chicago

   • Michelin Guide
   • Trotter

8. Gramercy Tavern opens, blending fine dining and approachable style

   Jul 1, 1994Labels: Gramercy Tavern, New York, James Kent

   • Gramercy Tavern
   • Restaurant site

9. Thomas Keller buys The French Laundry and reopens it

   Jul 6, 1994Labels: The French, Thomas Keller, Yountville

   • TKRG history
   • French Laundry

10. Keller wins James Beard Outstanding Chef

    May 5, 1997Labels: Thomas Keller, James Beard, Outstanding Chef

    • JBF archive
    • LA Times

11. Michelin brings star ratings to the Bay Area; French Laundry earns three

    Oct 2, 2006Labels: Michelin Guide, The French, San Francisco

    • SFGate

12. Charlie Trotter’s closes, marking an end of an era

    Aug 31, 2012Labels: Charlie Trotter, Chicago, Closure

    • Trotter
    • Chicagoist