Guest Post: Dessert for Dinner at Root Down

By Trisha Lindeman

Dessert for Dinner is a concept that shouldn’t be overlooked! And few do it better than Root Down. Samm Sherman, the Pastry Director, decided to go forth with the idea after wondering what could be better than dessert and a warm July evening on the patio.  The amuse was a house made ginger beer with lemon sorbet and edible flowers.  It was light, refreshing and the perfect start to this meal.

The first course was Watermelon Gazpacho.  The components were sweet pea & mint gelato, coconut-lime pearls, candied celery and chili oil.  Like all of Root Down’s dishes this was a combination of flavors you would never expect but want again and again.  The wine pairing was a “Rose Julee” a combination of Moscato and Riesling.  A bit sweet on its own but with the food pairing it was delightful.

The second course was my favorite.  The chevre ice cream should be packaged and sold by the bucket.  It was the perfect blend of sweet and savory.  The dish in its entirety was a Tomato Strawberry Salad.  A combination of the aforementioned chevre ice cream, basil meringue, butter crumble and balsamic & shaved grana padano.  The wine pairing was a Moscato from Piedmont, Italy.  This was nothing short of a party in your mouth.  “Everything in this dinner is sweet but bringing in seasonal herbs and vegetables just like we do for our savory items at Root Down.”

The third course and the “main event” according to Samm.  “This is what the entire dinner is leading up to….”  The chocolate terrine consisted of berry herb salad, sweet cream and hazelnut crunch paired with a ruby port.  This was decadent and rich with all of the flavors in perfect harmony.

Oh wait, we still weren’t done.

For the finale; just a bite.  This one little bite takes you back to the campfire.  A tiramisu s’more with a ladyfinger cookie, mascarpone whip, espresso marshmallow and chocolate.  Paired with a beautiful tawny port.

Three rockstar, beautifully intelligent women put this “dinner” together,  Samm Sherman, Lauren Seibert & Anne Schwegmann you did a brilliant job and for all the dessert lovers out there we look forward the next one.

Root Down is a neighborhood gem located at 1600 W. 33rd Avenue, Denver, CO 80211.  “Root Down aims to connect the neighborhood to a dining experience in the same way ingredients are connected to food. There should be a seamless bond between the elements and experience, which stimulates the senses and draws people in.”