Fine Dining With a View: The Root Restaurant in the Soo

The historic Root River Golf Course has a very long history in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. A popular staple with golfers and locals for over 100 years, it’s seen many changes in both the golf and restaurant industry. Currently owned by the Grondin and Frazier families it was owned by the Barsanti family for several decades before them.  

The nine-hole golf course remains a beautiful, well-kept grounds surrounded by forests. It’s a private/public membership golf course, and the dining room welcomes all for both lunch and dinner during the golf season and for dinner only during the rest of the year. Inside the main building, the original post and beam architecture remains intact, but the dining and bar area has received a welcome refresh. The menu for The Root restaurant has received lots of updates to the surprise and enjoyment of all who dine there. 

Chef Mike Treadwell Offers Dishes Made In House With Locally Sourced Ingredients

I recently sat down with Chef Mike Treadwell. He is the head chef as well as the food and beverage manager. “I have been at the Root Restaurant for just over two years now and have been given the opportunity to update and change the menu and put my own stamp on what The Root has to offer.” 

Chef Mike moved to the Sault from Southern Ontario, where he honed his skills in various fine dining establishments. He has family here and spent many summers here, so it was an easy transition for him to move north. He is a Humber College Culinary Arts graduate, passionate about cooking authentic dishes. Using ingredients sourced locally and making many menu items in-house, like pasta, dressings, sauces, dips, and desserts, Chef Mike has updated the menu where both French and Italian cuisines are highlighted.

“We change the menu every three to four months, while the seasons change and based on what is available," says Chef Mike. “Some of our popular dishes include Beef Wellington with beef from Penokean Hills Farms, lobster rolls with Atlantic lobster and Chicken Cordon Bleu. For dessert, we make a very popular phyllo-wrapped cheesecake. It’s got ‘sex appeal’ and accounts for 60 to 70% of our dessert sales. Our chocolate lava cakes are also very popular. I like to attend the Soo Market, farmers’ market to talk with and buy from local producers. As well, we recently started working with Cobbs Bakery to develop several custom breads for us. Fresh fish from Agawa Fishery is another favourite menu item.” 

For those with dietary requirements, The Root offers gluten-free options, as well as delicious vegetarian choices on the menu.

On the beverage side, The Root offers an excellent variety of cocktails, mocktails, domestic and imported beer and wines. 

“Changing and getting creative about the menu keeps me excited and passionate about my job,” says Chef Mike. “I have great staff working with me and I am always open to their ideas and suggestions. I love teaching up-and-coming young staff who want to pursue their culinary skills.”

The Root restaurant has built a reputation for fine dining in Sault Ste. Marie. Unpretentious, but excellent quality and service. Thanks to the owners, Chef Treadwell and all the staff at The Root, I am looking forward to seeing them flourish for many generations to come. 

The Root Restaurant At Root River Golf Course

85 Old Highway 17 N,  Sault Ste. Marie
Web: www.rootriverco.com
PH: 705-759-8776 To make a reservation or to check hours of operation
Facebook: www.facebook.com/rootrivergolf
Instagram: @rootriverco

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