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| - While Root 174's food is beautiful and interesting, their flavors are only decent. The decor could be better and the wood-bench seating is uncomfortable.
Our drinks were great. I recommend the Pickle (?)--it tastes like a pickle and is made with cava--and the Root Remainder, which hints of root beer!
Our appetizers were decent. The texture of the crunchy, sweet corn in the watermelon, tomato, feta, and mint salad was very nice, although the watermelon could have been sweeter. The bone marrow creme brulee tasted of butter, and the bacon-pepper glaze on the brussel sprouts appetizer was amazing (anything soaked in that sweet glaze had better turn out well).
Our entrees were underwhelming. My companion's pork belly banh mi disappointed--the meat was too fatty, the duck liver mousse was an awkward and disgusting tasting addition. My roasted chicken breast with chickpeas, pistachio and tomato was overwhelmed by spice. The wagyu beef and flat iron steak dishes were good, but the potato, carrot, and onion side was too thick and heavy. Not one of us finished our entrees!
The highlight of our evening was dessert--unfortunately, it could not save this meal. The flourless chocolate cake with beet ice cream and the bread pudding with white chocolate powder and ground hazelnut were delicious.
Overall, our first meal at Root 174 was decent. However, at this price point, a better value and experience to be had can be found at Eleven, my standard for good American food in the city.
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