Raising the Bar on Pub Beverages
When you walk into The Up and Under Pub, the first thing that catches your eye isn’t the rows of gleaming taps or the shelves stocked with every spirit imaginable. No, what really grabs your attention is the curious absence of those omnipresent TVs blaring the latest sports spectacle. Instead, your gaze is drawn to the impressive array of mixology equipment adorning the bar – shakers, strainers, jiggers, and an assortment of curious garnishes.
This unorthodox setup is your first hint that The Up and Under Pub is not your typical watering hole. Here, the beverages take center stage, with an unwavering focus on crafting culinary cocktails that elevate the drinking experience to new heights. As I settle into a cozy booth, I can’t help but wonder what flavor adventures await me.
Rethinking the Cocktail Menu
Jared Rasic, the mastermind behind the pub’s beverage program, is on a mission to redefine what it means to imbibe at a neighborhood establishment. “Traditional pub drinks are great,” he muses, “but we wanted to push the boundaries and showcase the versatility of spirits and mixers.”
One glance at the menu, and it’s clear that Rasic has succeeded in his quest. Instead of the usual suspects like Guinness and Coors, the taps are dominated by an impressive selection of craft beers and ciders, each carefully curated to complement the culinary offerings.
But the real showstoppers are the cocktails, which read more like a fine-dining menu than a typical pub lineup. From the Beet-infused Gin and Tonic to the Smoked Maple Old Fashioned, each concoction is a work of art, blending unexpected flavors and techniques to create a truly immersive drinking experience.
Elevating the Humble Highball
“We wanted to take classic cocktails and give them a twist,” Rasic explains, his eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. “It’s not just about making a good drink; it’s about telling a story and engaging all of the senses.”
Take the Rosey Paloma, for instance. The traditional grapefruit and tequila highball is elevated with the addition of rose water and a delicate garnish of edible flowers. The result is a refreshing yet complex libation that beckons you to slow down and savor every sip.
“It’s not just about making a good drink; it’s about telling a story and engaging all of the senses.”
– Jared Rasic, Beverage Director
But Rasic’s pièce de résistance might just be the Beet-infused Gin and Tonic. By infusing the gin with the earthy sweetness of beets, he’s created a uniquely vibrant and visually stunning twist on a classic. The vibrant purple hue and aromatic garnish of fresh thyme immediately capture your attention, while the balanced flavors dance across your palate.
Culinary Cocktails: Where Food Meets Drink
As I take a sip of the Beet-infused Gin and Tonic, I’m struck by the way the flavors seem to meld seamlessly with the pub’s culinary offerings. It’s as if the cocktails and the food were designed to complement each other perfectly.
According to the experts, this harmonious integration of food and drink is the hallmark of a truly elevated pub experience. “When you can create a synergy between the cocktails and the cuisine, that’s when you really start to see the magic happen,” says one industry insider.
At The Up and Under Pub, this synergy is evident in every aspect of the menu. The Smoked Maple Old Fashioned, for instance, is the perfect accompaniment to the pub’s decadent Maple-Glazed Pork Belly, the smoky-sweet notes of the cocktail complementing the rich, caramelized meat.
But the real showstopper is the Korean Fried Chicken, a dish that seems almost tailor-made for the Rosey Paloma. The balance of spicy, sweet, and tangy flavors in the chicken is perfectly mirrored in the cocktail’s complex profile, creating a harmonious dining experience that leaves your taste buds buzzing with delight.
Embracing the Unexpected
As I continue to explore the menu, I’m struck by the sheer creativity and attention to detail that goes into every aspect of the drinking experience at The Up and Under Pub. From the thoughtfully curated beer selection to the innovative cocktail garnishes, it’s clear that the team here is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what a pub can be.
“When you can create a synergy between the cocktails and the cuisine, that’s when you really start to see the magic happen.”
– Industry Insider
And it’s not just the beverages that are raising the bar. The food menu is a testament to the pub’s commitment to elevating the humble pub fare. The Tuna Bowl, for instance, is a work of art, with perfectly seared albacore, black rice, mixed greens, and a tangy miso dressing that elevates the dish to new heights.
But perhaps the most unexpected revelation comes when I order the Fish and Chips. As the dish arrives, I’m struck by the fact that the batter is gluten-free, a detail that sets it apart from the typical heavy, greasy pub fare. And when I take that first bite, I’m met with a revelation – the fish is sweet, flaky, and utterly delicious, cocooned in a light, crisp coating that’s unlike anything I’ve experienced before.
A New Era of Pub Dining
As I settle the bill and prepare to depart, I can’t help but feel a sense of awe and excitement. The Up and Under Pub has not only redefined the drinking experience, but it has also ushered in a new era of pub dining, where the boundaries between food and drink are blurred, and the unexpected is embraced with open arms.
I make a mental note to return soon, eager to discover what other culinary and cocktail wonders await me at this remarkable establishment. After all, when it comes to elevating the pub experience, The Up and Under Pub is setting the bar remarkably high.
So, if you find yourself in the mood for a night of elevated drinking and dining, be sure to head to The Up and Under Pub. Your taste buds will thank you.
