If you’ve lamented never being able to make it to Ad Hoc in Yountville for one of its famous fried chicken nights, you’re now in luck.
The newest addition to Chef Thomas Keller’s gourmet empire is Ad Hoc Addendum, a take-out operation, where you can enjoy the fried chicken, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays.
You’ll find the Addendum kiosk by walking behind Ad Hoc restaurant, past a small parking lot to a pretty picnic area complete with tables and chairs, plus lush trees for plenty of shade, and a small vegetable garden that grows provisions for the restaurant.
Addendum, which opened opened two months ago, offers a choice of the superb buttermilk fried chicken or a barbecue entree, such as tender, spicy baby back ribs with pulled pork when I was there last Friday. Of course, I had to buy one of each.
Each $16.50 meal comes with moist corn bread, as well as two sides, such as a simple potato salad and a sweet, crunchy corn succotash. Orange creamsicle ice cream is available for an extra $5.
After placing your order at the kiosk, you”ll be given a number with your first name on it to set on your table. When your food is ready, a cheerful runner will emerge from the back-door of Ad Hoc to hand it over to you in the garden. The food is packed in compostable containers. Compostable flatware is included, as well as moist towelettes to clean up with after chowing down with your fingers.
Addendum makes only about 200 orders of lunch each day. So, when it’s gone, it’s gone. And on busy Saturday afternoons, that means you’d be wise to get there before 1 p.m. or face the prospect of going hungry.
While you’re in the neighborhood, don’t forget to stop in at Keller’s fabulous Bouchon Bakery to tote home baguettes, supremely buttery croissants, and Nutter Butter cookie sandwiches.
You just never know what goodies you’ll find there. In fact, I spied something new last week: dainty, three-inch-wide English muffins for $1.50 each that are almost crumpet-like in texture.
Treats like those in the backseat always make the drive home a whole lot sweeter, don’t you think?
More: Experiencing Ad Hoc’s Fried Chicken Night
And: Ad Hoc Barbecue Sauces and Rubs
And: Ad Hoc Cake Mixes
