Dinner at Ad Hoc in Yountville.
Ad Hoc, meaning "for this purpose" in Latin, has an interesting story behind it (link here). Its a casual, laid back, family-style restaurant from the Thomas Keller Restaurant Group.
Exterior.
Entrance.
Bar Area.
Ordered this Blue Apron Ale, which is exclusively brewed in Brooklyn for his Per Se restaurant in NYC. It had a nice aroma and strong flavor but super smooth. We ordered two 750ml bottles (one just wasn't enough).
Then the waiter comes out with Kenzo's Rindo wine that we didn't order. Turns out, Julia from Kenzo Wine (blog here), who had recommended this restaurant to us (and previously worked here) knew that we were dining there that night, so she called ahead to keep us a bottle.
So extremely generous, thank you Julia!!
Started with: Frisee & Watercress Salad
Smoked Duck Breast, Pixie Mandarins, Toasted Hazelnuts, Kalamata Olives, Shaved Red Onion, Breakfast Radish and Citrus Vinaigrette.
Main: Snake River Farm's Kurobuta Pork Shortribs
Marble Potatoes, Cippolini Onions, English Peas, White Corn, Roasted Broccoli Rabe, Fried Hen Egg, Fuji Apple Mustard.
Cheese Platter: Patacabra
Palladin Toast, Marshall's Farm Wildflower Honey.
Dessert: Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp
Vanilla Ice Cream.
They only serve one 4-course menu each night for $52/person (menu changes daily). The main shortribs were incredibly tender, not overly flavored and you can taste the natural sweetness of the pork. I really enjoyed each dish, loved the homey vibe, energy and atmosphere.
Towards the end of our meal, we noticed Thomas Keller himself eating there. My mom got super excited and asked him to sign that day's menu. She said he was super friendly and welcoming.
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