Haute 100 Update: Thomas Keller Featured in New Documentary, ‘Master Chef: Thomas Keller Uncorked’

His dining establishments have flourished, he has launched his own line of product, and is in global demand – chef Thomas Keller has certainly established himself to be a formidable figure in the culinary industry. Now, the acclaimed chef is being featured in a KCET documentary called Master Chef: Thomas Keller Uncorked.

Keller is well known as a perfectionist with a fastidiousness that has made him the master of his craft that he is today. He is the genius behind renowned eateries like The French Laundry (with a highly anticipated pop-up location coming soon to London), Per Se, Bouchon, and Ad Hoc.

The documentary follows a day in the life of the illustrious culinary figure and reveals the Keller behind the cuisine – from an adorable boy shelling beans in the back of a kitchen to a man of obsession and perfection. The special even includes scenes of Keller painstakingly organizing and arranging his home refrigerator.

When asked about his OCD, Keller replied awkardly, “Yeah, it’s one of those things,” and quickly changed the subject. While it’s a matter that Keller would rather not discuss, it is known that his need for perfection is what skyrocketed his name to the top of the culinary list of greats.

“It’s hard to work with Thomas and not drink the Kool-Aid,” said Los Angeles Times food editor and columnist Russ Parsons in the 30-minute film’s trailer. “Because you see this devotion to getting every single detail right. Going the extra step to make things perfect.”

The full documentary airs over the weekend, Friday, September 23 at 8:30 pm PT on KCET, the largest independent public TV station in the US.

Other air times: Saturday, September 24 at 6 pm PT and Sunday, September 25 at 6:30 pm PT.

See the trailer for Master Chef: Thomas Keller Uncorked here.

Our Haute 100 list details the accomplishments of the most influential people in each of our markets. To see the entire Haute 100 San Francisco list, click here.