Beginning this big western trip began quite deliciously and with dear friends in Augusta. We were lucky enough (again) to be invited to share a fabulous dining experience. Rooted. Look it up. I say that because I’m going to find it hard to write a description that will do it justice.
I suppose it is hard for me to not think of it in the same vein as the Lost Kitchen. Again, we had friends lucky enough to get their postcard accepted a couple of years ago. And we are lucky to have all these amazing friends.
Rooted celebrates the vegetarian side of local goods, save the first or first few meals that do incorporate local seafood. Going in August means our meal was indeed vegetarian and also that there were lots of yummy things in season. That said, it is clear these folks are so talented and creative that nothing would hinder their cooking prowess.
Yes, we got to eat all of that and Yes, it was as incredible as it sounds. The staff was amazing, the surroundings calm and relaxed, the dishes beautifully presented. A standout in presentation was the soup as they brought a bowl with the mascarpone and sour cream as a dollop with the dill flower. The soup was poured into each bowl at the table by one server out of a gorgeous copper pitcher, followed by another server pouring a drizzle of herbed oil. While this was the most theatrical, if you will, we would be hard pressed to pick a favorite. Though I still think Trev is dreaming of those peaches.
If you do read their website, you will see their intent is to let you linger and enjoy course after course in an warm, intimate setting. It is apparently tricky to get a spot because they have a limited season, a limited number of days they server, and one seating a night. (Note aforementioned point that we have amazing friends.)
This is also our favorite kind of meal, where it is a set menu, and fixed price, and you just enjoy what comes to the table. And oh my god, enjoy we did.
