It has occurred to me, based on various inquiries, that I should share how I got my reservations to French Laundry. Let me tell you, it was no easy task - it's harder than getting a table at Chez Panisse. There are a few basic things to know:

The restaurant takes reservations two months in advance, between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m.

There are certain times of the year (not sure when) when the restaurant shuts down (including the reservation line) for a staff holiday.

When you call, the line will inevitably be busy. By about noon, all the reservations will be taken.

My suggestions are:

Redial, redial, redial. The phone company's automatic redial function (call the operator to find out the code) comes in handy. Some phones are equipped with a hardwired automatic redial as well. I used both.

Use as many phone lines as possible. I had access to 6 different phone lines, plus my cell phone.

Enlist friends, coworkers, spouses, fellow diners-to-be, and so forth to redial, use multiple phone lines, etc.. Are you sensing a pattern here?

Put yourself on the waiting list. I wanted to have a larger party than the reservation that was available, but I asked the restaurant to let me know if there were any more openings. About a week before my reservation, they called to let me know that something had opened up.

I have also heard that if you show up on their premises, the restaurant will take your reservations. I think this is probably the best way to do it if you're in the Bay Area - all it takes is a little jaunt to Yountville, which isn't so bad, especially if you decide to make a day of it. (think about it - picnicking, wine tasting, outlet shopping...)