I love spontaneous day trips! A recent weekend without prior commitments led us to our favorite Bay Area getaway. We never get tired of the wine country. We’ve been curious to try Ad Hoc for some time now so we jumped at the opportunity when we found an available timeslot for brunch.
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| our table |
The restaurant’s interior is warm and inviting with chunky wood furniture and soft leather padded seating. Simple, comforting, yet polished. Much like their food. The fixed menu started off with a Berry Sangria mixed with sparkling wine.
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| brunch cocktail |
Though good, it didn’t quite wow me… it got me worried. Will Ad Hoc turn out to be an over-hyped restaurant in the Thomas Keller empire? I remained hopeful as the next course came. A refreshing salad with cucumbers, watermelon, cantaloupe and radish with a watercress dressing and topped with crème fraiche and lemon zest – sweet, slightly crunchy and tasting like summer. It was unique and it tasted amazing. We’re back in business!
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| dishes served family style |
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| the perfect summer salad |
The main event was Steak and Eggs – tender and perfectly grilled skirt steak topped with sautéed mushrooms. A buttery toasted brioche hid under sunny side up eggs. It came with grits complimented with sweet blistered tomatoes. While I enjoyed the grits, I would’ve loved a potato dish instead. Perhaps that was too predictable?
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| decadence |
Dessert was a beautiful combination of peaches and caramel on a buttery crust, topped with sweet cream.
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| a perfect ending |
The service reflected the overall feel – casual and friendly but, again, polished. We have every intention to come back and excited to try their dinner menu.
