The Root Restaurant & Bar
White Lake, MI
I rarely start a review with a history lesson, but did you know that James Rigato, owner/chef of Mabel Gray (smokin’ hot Hazel Park eatery), also started The Root? It has since changed hands, but The Root has some legit rockstar roots.
I don’t want to be accused of burying the lead, so let me just say this: The Root is worth the trek. Its location is a bit obscure, tucked into a shopping plaza headlined by what must be one of the last stand-alone JC Penny stores anywhere. Happily, once inside, I immediately forgot about said plaza. The Root’s simple, dark décor was sophisticated yet welcoming.
My joy was amplified three-fold when I took my first peek at the menu. Vegan options abound: starters, soups, salads, flatbreads, entrees. What’s a gal to do? Try a little of this, a little of that, of course. And although my low carb carnivore lunchmate couldn’t be persuaded to aide in this feast, I didn’t let that stop me. My smorgasbord of selections included mushroom bisque, avocado toast, herbivore flatbread, and spaghetti squash sauté.
The bisque was flavorful and light. The avocado toast, pretty and lively. The flatbread, savory and even better with hot sauce. And the spaghetti squash sauté? Spiiiicy! And yes, I was warned. They use Fresno peppers (similar to jalapeños) and boy did that heat come through. The chef offered to prepare me something a bit more mild, but I opted to take the sauté home. Ever the MacGyver, I paired it with a nice crema to temper the peppers a bit. (My go-to reheating trick? Use whatever method the chef used originally to reheat your leftovers. So sauté that sauté. Pan fry those fries. Bake that pizza.)
It was a Friday, so I decided to splurge with dessert. An easy choice, as I couldn’t resist the vegan chocolate tart. The almond crust delightfully anchored the smooth, decadent chocolate. Perfectly satisfying with coffee post meal.
Indeed the fabulous service and fun selections make The Root a fine spot for any vegan (or carnivore)! Enjoy the generous portion sizes, fresh tastes, but watch of for those peppers!
