Canon

I must begin with ***

*** I struggled with whether to add the following addition to my "Curate Seattle" list. I have a very slight interest ("crush" is too strong) on this brand new place. Not head-over-heels. It's like the movie "One Fine Day:" not great acting, at times annoying, and not even that unique of a storyline, but for some reason I still really like it. It ends and I either want to go hug someone or watch it again.

Like the following recommendation, it certainly isn't winning any Oscars any time soon, but it will leave you in a great mood.

Canon: whiskey & bitters emporium and I share an archeological urge to dig into classic cocktail culture. We are clearly not alone, as this trend has swept the country and Seattle over the last few years.

(Here at home, think Spur, Tavern Law/Needle & Thread, Bathtub Gin, Zig Zag, Knee High Stocking).

This newest joint has a few features that are worth experiencing.

Taking over Licorous's old spot on 12th Avenue, Canon put some pre-prohibition memorabilia up on the walls and filled the shelves with old and new liquors to tempt every inkling. Things that made this place intriguing and creative:

1. The Vermouth Experiment: For $12 I got to try three rye manhattans, one with Dolin,

one with Chinato, and one with Punt e Mes.

In the bottom of each glass were these deep red, dense marinated cherries (imported from France for $200 a jar, according to the waitress), which I wouldn't share with anyone for even $5. Seriously, I asked the waitress to bring extra so others could try because I wouldn't part with mine.

2. The Hanky Panky (gin, sweet vermouth, and fernet) was served in an adorable personal-sized medicinal glass bottle wrapped in a handmade logo.

3. Cocktail books from the 20's and 30's were stacked on the bar, tempting me to keep ordering and learning.

Although I daydreamed of little tweaks to service and decor, I sincerely appreciated their passion - the details to the beverages and cocktail experience - that are necessary to continue grow my knowledge and appreciation for all the little details that make a great drink a truly great drink.

How wonderful that cocktailing is a skill worth learning - something you can enjoy in your 2o's and on into your 80's.