See You There?

[Not from Ad Hoc, but still pretty good, July 2008.]

For ages I’ve been dying to go to Ad Hoc restaurant in Yountville “for the temporary relief of hunger.” It’s one of Thomas Keller’s ventures; originally it was a stop-gap until he finished his burger joint but was so successful I don’t know if he’s even planning on doing the other spot. It’s a prix-fixe menu that includes a cheese course, so of course I can’t wait to experience it for myself.

Main dishes are meat-based, though I hear if you call ahead and request a vegetarian meal you will get one; otherwise, you can eat every little delectable thing Keller offers up. Until then, I’ve signed up for their daily menu email and I am planning for the day I’ll finally tuck into the real deal.

For example …

The menu from Oct. 31:

Sauteed Gulf Shrimp with Gigande Beans
baby spinach, sweet carrots
Toasted palladin, garlic confit

Braised Beef Short Ribs
in Paella con Costra
haricots verts, piquillo peppers
toasted almonds, saffron rice
hen egg crust

The Cheese Board
marcona almonds
quince paste

Berry Bands
mixed berries
vanilla pastry cream

And from Nov. 15:

Mixed Greens Salad
fuyu persimmons, prosciutto di san danielle
watermelon radish, black olive, red wine vinaigrette

Snake River Farms Pork Loin
chantrelle and hen of the woods mushrooms
wilted spinach, toasted faro and bacon jus

La Serena
Dollarhide ranch late harvest honey
toasted walnuts

Crepes
rum caramel sauce, pecans
bananas

I mean, right?