Yeah, yeah…another Ad Hoc post. I know. I’ve been meaning to write about some of the cooking I’ve been doing, including baking my first brioche or my thoughts on liking traditional waffles more than Belgian waffles, but when Ad Hoc’s daily menu email update arrived in my inbox yesterday morning, the words “Maine Lobster Rolls” jumped out at me.
This was the full portion for two people.Ad Hoc recently started doing barbecue nights on non-fried chicken Mondays, but for Memorial Day, they decided to offer the Maine Lobster Rolls to give dinner more of a picnic vibe. Now, I’ve never had an authentic New England lobster roll, but I think I may have spoiled myself by having this one, which features lobster from the same purveyor that supplies The French Laundry, a custom sweet roll from Bouchon Bakery, shaved celery, red onions and garlic aioli.
The sweet, housemade pickles were excellent, too.The meal started off with fried French Laundry chickpeas that were like fried, salty edamame—an amuse bouche of sorts, but they don’t use words like that at Ad Hoc. :)
The leek salad featured more French Laundry vegetables and some crispy Jamon Iberico, what Bac-O’s aspires to be when it grows up.
The cheese course featured Rogue Creamery’s aged and creamy Caveman Blue, raspberry-vanilla jam and beer flatbread.
The toasted lemon pound cake with chantilly cream and macerated blueberries ended the meal on a surprisingly light note.
I was content to spend Memorial Day chillin’ at home and watching Game 4 of the Lakers/Nuggets Western Conference Finals battle, but since the Lakers ended up playing poorly and losing, I’m glad I spent my time up in Yountville enjoying the sublime comforts of a great meal instead of stressing out at home yelling at the TV.
Possibly Related Posts:
- Pulled Pork Adobo Sandwich at Cafe Gabriela – Oakland, CA
- Ad Hoc Block Party on Oct. 9 to Benefit Clinic Olé
- Eating Downtown Oakland – Cam Huong and Battambang
- Know Your Ribeye, a.k.a. New Year’s Eve at Ad Hoc
- The French Laundry (with an Ad Hoc chaser)
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
Lakers over Ad Hoc? I think not!
Can’t wait to get there someday soon.
omg…so jealous…drool…
I love these posts! My sister in law worked at Bouchon for a while, so I ate up there a lot.
OMG the green chicpeas bring back such happy childhood memories! Here they are called green chana or harbora. Love to roast them with a wee bit of oil. When we buy them they come hidden in the leaves, so we have to fish them out. It’s so much fun to eat!
I can’t believe how many times you’ve eaten at Ad Hoc. You are my hero! ;)
I’ve had the lobster roll — but as a special at Bouchon Bistro. Oh my, was it good. Served with a huge tangle of fries. I think it was the most expensive lobster roll I’ve ever eaten. But boy, was it worth every bite!
I had a lobster roll in Maine this summer. They are everywhere and everyone claims that theirs is the best. I am not a huge lobster fan (texture) and can say that I didn’t love the lobster roll. I think you’re right, you’ve probably set the bar a wee bit high with the ad hoc verson. What did I enjoy in Maine? A classic Whoopie Pie for dessert.
Thanks Arnold, I have yet to try this. It looks super ono!