Welcome to Beer Here, a new feature wherein beer whisperer and Eater contributor Nora McGunnigle discusses hot beer news and happenings around town. Right now, Square Root's beer list.
[Photo: Josh Brasted]
Maximilian Ortiz is pleased with how things are shaping up with the opening days of Square Root. "It's exactly where I want it to be," he says specifically about reservations but could also be applied to logistics and critical reception. He recognizes that Square Root's thirteen (or so) course, $150 per person concept is ambitious but feels the time is right to open up this dining philosophy and Chef Philip Lopez's culinary chops out on the open road to see what it's capable of.
As for the food, both Todd A. Price and Andrew Marin have discussed and photographed the opening night meal in great detail and drool-worthy fashion. Square Root sounds like the next generation of French Laundry caliber dining experience. But, now, a look at the beer.
Upstairs in the more casual lounge, Root Squared, folks looking for a less intense evening of high level food and drink can find it around the bar, on the leather sofa and chairs, or seated at one of ten tables outside overlooking Magazine Street.
The beer list, curated carefully by yours truly, has 21 bottles of beer divided up into three categories: Local/Regional, American Craft, and International. The beers are great with food or just for kicking back after work watching the bar staff play with fire. One of the $5 happy hour "tippler" cocktails is a shandy the bar manager Max Messier says will be made with a local pilsner made by Covington Brewhouse.
Standouts on the list not often found at area restaurants include Timothy Taylor Landlord Ale from the United Kingdom, and Lafayette-area Parish Brewing's Farmhouse IPA, which has an effervescence that makes it a perfect match for the housemade charcuterie and cheese available upstairs.
There is no specific beer pairing for the downstairs food yet, but beer is included in the "mixed drink" pairing option which is an additional $45 and includes everything from sake to whiskey to craft cocktails, vermouth and other fortified wines, and of course, beer.
· Square Root [Official Website]
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Nora McGunnigle
