Photos: Thomas Keller through the years

Waiters rush by Keller, third from left, as he puts the finishing touches on dishes for the dinner crowd in 1999. (Perry C. Riddle / Los Angeles Times)

June 27, 2014 12 AM PT

With Thomas Keller’s storied Napa Valley restaurant celebrating its 20th birthday next week, it’s a good time to reflect on what it has meant. Here’s some photos of the famous chef throughout the last two decades.

Keller, center, checks out preparations in the kitchen of his New York restaurant, Per Se, in the Time Warner Center, on Feb. 5, 2004, 11 days before opening night. (Richard Drew / Associated Press)

Keller and general manager Laura Cunninham at Per Se shortly after its 2004 opening. (Jennifer S. Altman / Los Angeles Times)