Root New Orleans - pure culinary magic

Upon planning my trip to the big easy, I received dozens of tips on restaurants from many friends. This was my third trip to New Orleans, yet there are so many restaurants I have yet to check out. So much to eat and never enough time.

Of the many suggestions I received, one stuck out. This was from Todd of Tasting Tampa (who just had a book released, Food Lovers' Guide to Tampa Bay: The Best Restaurants, Markets & Local Culinary Offerings) - so his advice was well received. Todd told me we had to try Root and  my parents are still talking about their meal, one of the best we had in New Orleans.

Root - a restaurant located in the Warehouse District of Nola by Chef Phillip Lopez, who proudly offers modern American cuisine rooted in traditional flavors and techniques. You simply have no idea what this Chef is capable until you try it yourself. My parents mentioned several times that they didn't think Chef Lopez slept at night, that his mind must work 24-7 to have this amount of creativity and presentation. I agree.

Todd told me that we had to get two items off the menu - Face Bacon and Foie Gras three ways.

First, the Face Bacon, something I purposely didn't google prior to eating. It was very smokey, tender and delicious. I still haven't googled it but it was seriously good.....

Second - the Foie Gras three way. Missing from this shot was the foie gras pate which was also excellent:

In this trio, we had Foie Gras dippin dots with a coconut consommé. Words cannot express this dish. Gabe and I were spoon fighting over it. It plays tricks on your mind - especially if you grew up on Dippin Dots.You expect a cold sweet treat yet you get a very rich and savory bite that melts in your mouth. Amazing (I can technically say Amazeballs here).

Next up is the Foie Gras Cotton Candy with strawberry pop rocks in the middle. When I tell you this is the best thing I have ever ate, in my life - I am not joking. It was so buttery, rich, decadent and light! Perfection in a bite.

My father ordered the Louisiana Pickled Shrimp Shrimp Stuffed Deviled Eggs, Truffled Egg Yolk Mousse. If you know me, you know that I am not big on truffle, so the mousse was hard for me but the shrimp was delicious and overall, a very beautiful presentation. (reading this 3 years later has me in stitches as truffle is my favorite thing on earth and if I see it on the menu, I order it. To think, there was once a day I disliked truffle?!)

Moving to the the entree's, Gabe didn't get passed line one on the menu - the Smoked Veal Pastrami Sandwich (Marbled Rye, Fennel Choucroute, Gruyère, Pickled Rutabaga Rémoulade). In his words, the best thing he has ever ate in his entire life. The best sandwich he has ever had in his life. The best pastrami he has ever had in his life - ok you get it. The boy loved this!

 My Mom ordered the Louisiana Oyster Pó Boy (Cornmeal Encrusted Oysters, Bread & Butter Pickles, Smoked Tomato Buttermilk, Bitter Greens) which was also delicious. Yet three days later, she was still talking about Root's homemade ketchup. Root makes everything from scratch and this ketchup was no joke. PS Root, if you read this, please let me know if I can order some of your house-made ketchup, I would receive worlds #1 daughter award - thanks!

Now it's my turn - I went to New Orleans and ordered a Banh Mi. Yeah, it is safe to say I have an addiction to Vietnamese cuisine. I couldn't help it though....it had the delicious Face Bacon we feasted on earlier which Chef turned into a jam! Vietnamese Bánh Mì (Jambon Persillé, Chicken Liver Pâté, “Face” Bacon Jam, Pâté de Campagne, Kewpie Mayonnaise, Fresh Herbs). Boys and Girls, this is unlike any Banh Mi you have ever had. YUM.

Onto dessert..............

Only a Chef as talented as Phillip Lopez could concoct this...adult coco crisps, technically known as the  Yorkie (Chocolate Covered Peppermint Pattie, Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream, Coco Puffs, Minted Milk). It was truly delicious and I ate myself into a coma.

Also presented and well received Indian Falooda  - the most beautiful Falooda I have ever layed eyes upon in my life (Louisiana Citrus, Rehydrated Basil Seeds, Blueberry “Vermicelli”, Meyer Lemon Thyme Sorbet, Moroccan Coconut Milk). It was so light and flavorful - a perfect ending to a perfect meal.

So do yourself a favor. If you are in New Orleans and want to have an out of this world meal, go to Root.  Don't give it a second thought, just go. You and your taste buds will thank me later.