A Yountville Moment: Ad Hoc is Top Notch
By Jennifer Fratarcangeli and Mary Lynn Earle
On Christmas Eve 2025 at Ad Hoc, I (Jennifer) had ordered two large buckets of their famed fried chicken to bring home to Lafayette for a family dinner held in remembrance of my late grandmother, who deeply loved fried chicken. We were honoring her life that night, and because of the timing of our gathering, I needed to pick up the order earlier than the restaurant’s posted pickup time.
Despite the holiday rush and the demands of Christmas Eve service, Ad Hoc’s Alejandro Ortiz-Calderon graciously accommodated my request and personally ensured the chicken was prepared early so I could make it home in time. In addition, noticing that my children were waiting in the car, he thoughtfully added a few extra pieces of chicken for them, a small but incredibly meaningful gesture that went far beyond expectation.
Alejandro’s kindness, attentiveness and genuine empathy transformed what could have been a stressful logistical moment into one filled with warmth and gratitude. His actions allowed our family to focus fully on honoring my grandmother and sharing a meaningful meal together, without worry or rush.
In a season centered on connection, remembrance and generosity, Alejandro exemplified the true spirit of hospitality. Acts like these often go unseen, yet they leave a lasting impression and remind us how powerful simple kindness can be.
This is our family’s heartfelt acknowledgment of excellence in service, as well as a celebration of the individuals who bring humanity and care into their work, even on the busiest of holidays.
We appreciate all that Thomas Keller’s restaurant group does for our community. We love Yountville!
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