The Spirit World

This month the Cocktail Club met at Marcus’ Martini Heaven in Pioneer Square. This place has been open for several years but this was my first visit. Located in a building that gives you a peek into Seattle’s past it has the feel of a special little secret place.

On street level is the entrance and sign but once you enter you head downstairs to the bar. As with so many businesses in this area, you are now in “Underground Seattle“, the original streets of Seattle that were abandoned once the founding fathers realized that flooding from the Puget Sound posed a huge problem here. Today’s streets are built on top of the old city but here and there you get to dip down into these old structures and catch a glimpse of the past. Marcus’ Martini Heaven is located in what used to be a hotel lobby. Behind the bar is a brick wall that used to be part of the seawall, built to try to keep the sound at bay.

Our meeting happened to be on Presidents’ Day and it seemed that the holiday was taking its toll on business. I arrived at 7:00 to a virtually empty bar. The only other people in the place were the bartender, RH who was joining the club this month and, presumably, a cook as later food was ordered and appeared from the kitchen. Soon after I arrived R and JB showed up. The four of us would be the group for this evening.

The bartender was very nice, knowledgeable and not afraid of learning a few new things. From that aspect alone this makes Marcus’ a good candidate for a return visit. Even better he poured good drinks and was familiar with the more obtuse cocktails and the ingredients they require that we sometimes order.

When I arrived RH was working on an Algonquin, made famous by the hotel of the same name in New York. He pronounced it “good”; it tasted as he had expected. I started off with what I thought was an easy request, Vodka Martini with a Twist. It was easy, except that the first two vodkas I requested were not available at the time. The third try was a charm - although by this time I was actually looking at what was currently lined up behind the bar - Ketel One fit the bill. After that little disappointing start the rest of the night went smoothly. JB was feeling a bit under the weather and he ordered a Whiskey Hot Toddy. It arrived piping hot and was just what the doctor ordered. R ordered a French 75 and was also pleased with the drink she received. Our bartender was off to a great start.

With JB being under the weather and R deciding just to stick with her French 75 for the night it was up to RH and I to try a few more items. RH gave the bartender his recipe for the Black Feather and so I had a chance to try it out. At first it is a bit sweet as the vermouth is the first taste to hit your tongue but that is quickly followed by the brandy and Cointreau so the finish is dry and crisp. Give me a fire to go along with this cocktail and I would be perfectly happy! Other choices throughout the night included a Jasmine, an Original Martini (with orange bitters) and a Turkish Chocolate made with Cointreau instead of rose water.

As I mentioned earlier the bartender was great and all the drinks were crafted with care. I especially liked that we were there at a slow time as it gave us a chance to request some not so usual beverages.

We only gave the kitchen one small test. JB ordered a Grilled Turkey Sandwich. It looked great, he said it tasted good and he was especially happy that it came with Tim’s Potato Chips!

All in all this was a very enjoyable evening and you’ll find me back at Marcus’ Martini Heaven sometime soon!

Marcus’ Martini Heaven
88 Yesler Way
Seattle
206.624.3323