Scenic Root is my new favorite restaurant. I loved everything about it. The ambiance, the food, the people and of course, the people I dined with, as I had invited them to join me for my annual Friendsgiving dinner party.
Presentation – I ordered the special, which was broiled haddock, asparagus and wild rice. I was able to substitute the rice for french fries. I was drinking champagne and I never drink alcohol (well, obviously, VERY rarely to never). The fries helped as “sogging” to use Graham Norton’s Irish friend’s phrase about food consumption as it relates to spirits.
They brought ketchup for the fries, and salt and pepper to the table in case I needed it – I didn’t ask for them so I delighted in that anticipatory set. It all looked amazing. My friends had calamari, the eggplant, a salad, shrimp tacos and I can’t remember the rest. Scenic Root has a great menu.
Taste – I ate everything and when the singularity of vision dissipated, I noticed that everyone else in my dinner party had eaten only half their meals and packed them up for a second portion for later. In my defense, it was soooo delicious. Fish was fresh – watery, buttery, lemony goodness. The fries were not at all greasy.
Restaurant Experience – This was my first time at Scenic Root. My work colleague suggested it as a place to hold my Friendsgiving event this year. Friendsgiving is always the Friday before Thanksgiving. I have been doing this for several years. Last year, Friendsgiving was a party of two because only one person wasn’t afraid to go out to dinner with me during what was the 8th month of the pandemic. Previous years’ Friendsgivings had gotten really out of control with friends of friends showing up. Searching for a venue that can offer space for that many people without taking a deposit is the stuff of nightmares, especially for a person (me) who doesn’t even eat that much/is lazy when it comes to planning anything or doing anything that requires responsibility. I decided to downsize this year – twenty became twelve and finally, there were eight of us and it was totally blissful.
The bar area is tight and so, we did not linger there as I had planned. We arrived a half hour before the table was reserved and luckily, within fifteen minutes it was ready. The staff at Scenic Root is amazing – so helpful, kind and enthusiastic about our event. All of the food came out at the same time even though everyone ordered something different. There were no complaints. Just gratitude and thanks in abundance. I love my friends.
Location – Scenic Root is next to the swan pond in Manlius, NY. It is located at 301 Fayette Street, Manlius, NY 13104. They are open Tuesday through Saturday from 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm. Call (315) 682-3000 for reservations.
Parking – The parking lot is rather small because it is shared with other businesses in a small plaza. However, there is more parking across the street and also next door because there is a huge parking lot on Arkie Albanese by the other plaza, the library and the ice cream stand. Manlius rocks!
Oh, and P.S., I can always manifest a parking space. It’s all about timing and expectation. There was exactly one space available when I pulled in to park (yes!!!).
Thank you, thank you, thank you to the universe for supporting me and guiding me on the journey to everything I desire in this life. I am grateful for this wonderful restaurant and for my amazing friendships. Thank you, Katy, Meghan, Penny, Jimmy, Bob, Marie and Kim. <3