1. Ad Hoc
What started in 2006 as a temporary six-month pop-up by Thomas Keller has since become a crowd favourite brunch destination in Napa’s Yountville county, as the instant popularity made it impossible to shut the restaurant down. The format is simple: the prix-fixe restaurant boasts four sizeable, delicious courses during the week, and three for Sunday brunch, all served family-style. Their famous buttermilk fried chicken isn’t always on the menu, so be sure to call ahead of time to confirm and plan accordingly. The ambience is friendly and casual, and prices are reasonable, especially if you’re not ready to commit to spending big bucks on the tasting menu at the world-famous The French Laundry; Ad Hoc is your perfect gateway into the wonderful world of Thomas Keller.
Ad Hoc, 6476 Washington Street, Yountville, California 94599, USA; +1 (707) 944-2487; www.thomaskeller.com/adhoc