Can't Afford To Eat At The French Laundry? Buy A Scratch-Off Lottery Ticket

As if it weren't already all too clear that most people cannot afford a meal at Thomas Keller's celebrated French Laundry in Napa Valley, the California State Lottery has just announced a new scratch-off lottery  opportunity: lucky winners could score an 18-course dinner and wine pairing at this temple of gastronomy, along with as a two-night stay at the Napa Valley Lodge with spa treatment included.

From now until January 30, anyone (over 18) who buys an Emerald 10's scratch-off ticket from the California State Lottery will have the chance to enter the online contest being dubbed the "Ultimate Foodie" contest. You have to include a photo of yourself clearly holding the scratch-off ticket, as well as a 500-character caption on whom you'd share the prize with and why. The winner will be announced this Valentine's Day. He or she will have to wait a bit, though. The restaurant is currently undergoing renovations and will re-open this summer.

The lottery organization has confirmed that it is not affiliated with The French Laundry in any way, and simply purchased a "Black Card" experience from the restaurant. The entire "Ultimate Foodie" prize has been valued at $2,500.