The Scene:

Located along Washington Street in central Younteville, which is prime Keller country, Ad Hoc was originally slated to become a different kind of new concept dining room by the French Laundry crew. While plans were being solidified for something far more revolutionary, the staff decided to create a pop-up eatery that would feed the overflow food masses that were constantly displaced by a full reservation lists at both Bouchon and French Laundry. The resulting restaurant, Ad Hoc, was initially only supposed to be open only until 2007. But given the resounding success of the restaurant and its frill-free dining room of walnut wainscoting and simple tables topped with sheets of butcher paper, the spot is now a permanent landmark of local Keller-style casual dining.