Root…a hip new restaurant just came to town! It’s in the Warehouse District so it’s definitely got a city vibe…the old brick walls, wooden floors, casual cool atmosphere. So cool, I even noticed the waiters and waitresses all had Converses on! haha…Of course, I would notice something like that. I liked it…it’s very chill. Great for a relaxing night on the town…no fancy clothes, no fancy occasions, just bring your grumblin’ tummies…
Amuse Bouche. Asian-inspired dish w/ Salmon Sashimi. Fresh Herbs.
Smoked Cornmeal Encrusted Louisiana Oysters. Andouille Spoon Bread. Manchego Foam.
“KFC” Korean Fried Chicken Wings. Pepper Jelly glaze. Kimchi.
Black Lacquered Duck Tortellini. Indian Orange Mascarpone. Toasted Pine Nuts. Vanilla Tapioca. Black Duck Tea.
Nice presentation! The scallops come in this vintage looking cigar box…it helps to hold the smoke in the box so the scallops absorb every bit of smokey flavor. Let’s just say..it does the job! The scallops were delicious!
Cohiba Smoked Scallops. Chorizo Dust. Carmelized Cauliflower. Fennel Choucroute.
Hanger Steak. Crispy Sweetbreads. Sweet Kumquat Bordelaise. Pommes Frites.
Sweet Corn Caramel Flan. Salted Corn and Caramel Ice Cream. Vanilla Milk Foam. “Cracker Jacks”
Strawberry Delight. Toasted Almond Cake. Smoked Black Tea Honey Crunch. Strawberry Sour Cream Ice Cream. Strawberry Gel. Fizzy Rock.
Root’s menu is extremely creative and the presentation is just superb. I love the way Chef Phillip Lopez throws together such diverse elements and combines them to build flavors that work together so well like the duck tortellini (pictured above). Vanilla tapioca and Black duck tea?? Who woulda thought? And it tastes so good! I will say that because of the design and flair in each plate, it doesn’t stuff you so order accordingly. The other downside was the desserts…Lots of elements and full of different and interesting flavors, but I felt it was a bit “deconstructed”.
Overall, innovative dishes. Great atmosphere. So if you’re feeling like refreshing your palate with molecular gastronomy-type dishes, check out Root!
Rating: 2.5/5 spoons
