Thank you so much to Rootstock Pours + Plates, brought to you by the owners of Andrew’s Downtown, for inviting me to their preview party soft launch last night. Rootstock, located under Andrew’s in the former Andrew’s 228 space, has had a complete renovation from an Italian vibe featuring marble and columns, to a space that is warm and inviting, perfect for a sophisticated night out with friends or a date with your significant other.
This little gem was still a construction site just days ago, but they cleaned up the sawdust just in time for a couple of private events, a soft launch last night, and a grand opening this evening. The entire restaurant was custom built from the ground up, featuring a glass wine room that greets you at the bottom of the steps, a solid black exposed industrial style ceiling, brick nooks, and a gorgeous light blue wood paneled bar. I was able to chat with the owners for a bit, Paul and Susan Roth, and although it was not their intention, when Susan stepped back and admired the end result of the space, she realized they had worked in “a bit of Chicago”, a nod to where she lived for several years before moving to Tallahassee.
Rootstock will be serving up southern-style sharable tapas, charcuterie boards, artisan cocktails, over 25 wines by the glass, and 90 wines by the bottle. I had a gin basil lemonade that I can’t stop thinking about served by some dapper gentleman behind the bar, a PB&J (pork belly and jam), an eggplant and pesto flatbread, butternut squash bisque, scallops, and shrimp and grits tapas.
It was such a thrill to be invited to this charming, sophisticated gathering. Their grand opening is this evening! Park at the Duval parking garage and walk across the street to Rootstock, or valet in front for only $2!
Find Rootstock Pours + Plates at – Website, Instagram, and Facebook.
Disclosure – The tasting food was gifted to myself and a guest, courtesy of Rootstock Pours + Plates. The opinions and text are all mine.
