Root Gourmet Has Arrived (Just in time to keep me out of the kitchen!)
I like to get to the root of the matter right away, so here it is: Root Gourmet is the new take-away gourmet store on Route One in Rehoboth adjacent to Nage Restaurant, and it is a food-lover’s dream.
I had the opportunity to sample the fare at Root one night a couple of weeks ago, sit at their community table, meet the chefs and owner, and come to understand that Root is a concept whose time has come.
It’s gourmet fast fare, perfect for take-home meals for busy, but discerning, households. You cannot beat the food quality, taste, or, for this kind of excellence and convenience, the price.
Owner Josh Grapski, of Nage, has put together a terrific concept and executed it brilliantly. From the items I sampled, like the lightly charred on the outside, rare on the inside flank steak, delectable roast pork loin and incredibly savory mac ‘n cheese (with a combo of fontina, cheddar, marscapone, swiss and parmesan, no less!), plus their gourmet salad and locally grown asparagus, it was food fit for kings, queens, court jesters, and everyone in between.
According to Sous Chef Brenton Wallace (who comes to Root from some of the finest kitchens in Philadelphia) who is working with Executive Chef from Nage, Ted Deptula, this is food crafted by people who care—about health, about buying local produce, and about providing convenience for area residents.
We sat at the community table in the beautifully designed new space. Designer Steve McLerran, a name familiar around town, has left the big city and moved to Rehoboth full time now. His impeccable design credentials are on display in the casual, farm-to-table décor, using barn board materials, sophisticated style, and a sense of humor to create a warm, comfortable space.
While we were at the community table, Josh Grapski stopped by to let us know that “a healthy alternative to take out food is long overdue. At Root Gourmet you have options, eat in or take out and soon we’ll be bringing it to you,” Grapski says. (“Woo-Hoo, delivery!” says the author.)
“We’re not a big chain grocery store, so we don’t carry everything.” Grapski says, however, we have hand-crafted sandwiches, homemade soups, outstanding garden salads and you can be sure our crowd pleasing sides and ready-to-go home-style entrees will make entertaining and family meals easier than ever.”
I spent a lot of time talking with Keith Irwin, who is the pastry chef for Root—although other foodies at our table insisted on calling him The Bread Whisperer. We talked of the amazing breads and desserts that will be available, including the one I sampled: a red velvet cheesecake. OMG, I tweeted. Fabulous!
A lot of culinary ventures these days talk about the farm to table concept. But at root, they are actually bringing the farmers and chefs together, along with food artisans and people who love great cuisine but want to spend less time in the kitchen. It works for me!
It’s a great place to stop in for a creative sandwich or flatbread Panini, falafel, three-pork press, or other gourmet sandwich. The carry-out entrees include hearty luscious-looking crab cakes, pork and beef entrees, and so much more.
A featured promotion will be dinner for 4 for $44. “You can’t beat it, beach life just got a little easier,” says Root’s General Manager Rich Garrahan. “Just imagine gourmet quality food is just a phone call or email away. For $44 you will pick from a large list of entrees, sides, and salads, and our fresh baked bread is always included.”
Root is the go-to carryout for food lovers. And you simply must find out about the Tomato Jam. Just go ask!
Root Gourmet is located at 19724 Coastal Highway Next to Nage Restaurant. It is open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days a week. Delivery services will begin on or about July 1.