Catherine Allchin of the Seattle Times Calls Us "Elixir Wizards" in Sunday's Pacific Section Story on Tavern Law

Catherine joined us for a lesson in tinctures and wrote this terrific story in Sunday's newspaper. "Tinctures spice up winter cocktails", she writes. "A year and a half ago, Tavern Law started making tinctures using biodynamic methods, a natural extension of chef-owners Brian McCracken and Dana Tough’s philosophy of serving local and sustainable food."

"On the afternoon of the new moon, I walk into a Capitol Hill bar where people are opening small bags of dried herbs.

It’s not what you think. This is Tavern Law, before doors open, where the bartenders are having a “drop party,” making tinctures to spice up winter cocktails. The curvaceous wooden bar is decorated with coriander, cloves, cedar, orange peel, fennel bulbs and dill fronds.

A tincture is a highly concentrated extract made from clear grain alcohol, herbs and spices. Used as medicinal remedies, tinctures are also important tools in a bartender’s bag of tricks. At local bars like Canon, Tavern Law and Naga, award-winning mixologists craft house-made bitters, syrups and tinctures, all destined for the drinks of your dreams."

Read the article to get a recipe for your own make-at-home tincture and to hear more of what our "wizards" Amanda and Angela have up their sleeves.

Thank you to Catherine and the Seattle Times. Photo of Amanda Reed by John Lok for the Seattle Times.

Oola Distillery Taps Amanda's Talent for the Recipe for Her Delicious Spring Cocktail

Thank you to Oola for featuring Tavern Law's Amanda Reed's Garden in a Glass
cocktail in their spring newsletter.
To learn more about what's new at Oola, visit here. Cheers to Spring.

A Look Ahead... May 4, 2013: Derby Day at Tavern Law

Four Roses Bourbon is our sponsor for Derby Day 2013.
Stay tuned for more details.

Show Your Support for Tavern Law's Brian McCracken and Dana Tough, Nominated for THE PEOPLE'S BEST NEW CHEF by Food & Wine Magazine

Show your support for Seattle Chefs Brian McCracken and Dana Tough and their restaurants Tavern Law, Spur, The Coterie Room and (coming soon) The Old Sage. Vote for them in Food & Wine magazine's THE PEOPLE'S BEST NEW CHEF and tell your friends. You'll be entered to win a family style dinner for eight at The Coterie Room. Here's how:


1. Tell your Facebook friends why you're casting your ballot for Brian McCracken and Dana Tough, and urge them to cast their vote too, by Monday at 2pm, online at Food & Wine here.

2. Share your Facebook post with us via a Facebook message to Spur here. 

One winner will be chosen randomly and announced on Facebook Tuesday, March 19th, so be watching the Spur Facebook page.

It’s such an honor to be nominated for this. McCracken and Tough are the only Chefs in Seattle on the list—with lots of competition in Oregon and even Hawaii. Vote Brian McCracken and Dana Tough!

While THE PEOPLE’S BEST NEW CHEF competition is the intellectual property of American Express Publishing Corporation (AEP), this promotional event is not sponsored or endorsed by AEP in any way and AEP does not, and will not, assume any liability or responsibility for any damage, expense, inconvenience, and/or loss to any persons or property whatsoever.

Photo of Chefs by Kristin Zwiers.

Tavern Law’s Marble Palace New Year’s Eve Party

Inspired by the lavish "Marble Palace" New Year’s Eve parties that the infamous Prohibition-era bootlegger George Remus hosted in NYC, Chefs Brian McCracken and Dana Tough have cooked up a New Year's Eve party featuring specialty cocktails concocted with barrel-aged bourbon, and house-aged rye, plus Grüne Fee Absinthe and Gosset Brut by the glass or bottle. Party-goers can order off Tavern Law’s menu and a specially themed tasting menu will be an option too. 

At Remus' “Marble Palace” parties in the 1920s each man received a diamond watch and every woman a car.  For their guests, Tavern Law offers no cover charge and everyone who makes a purchase that evening will be entered to win a TW Steel watch from Dacels Jewelers and car service for a night on the town by British Motor Coach. 1920’s party attire encouraged. Prizes awarded for best dressed.

Details:

New Year’s Eve at Tavern Law

Monday, December 31st from 5pm-2am

21 and over. No cover charge.
1406 12th Avenue, Seattle, WA 98122
www.TavernLaw.com

Photo by Chad Pryor.

Ten Best Drink Menus in Seattle? Seattle Weekly Names Their List

Thanks to the Weekly for including us in the story: "Tavern Law makes a point of searching out old, dead, lost, and forgotten mixed drinks and bringing them back to life in as close to their original incarnations as possible, sourcing all manner of super-artisan or ridiculously small-batch liquors and mixers and making everything else from scratch. The resulting drinks are not only some of the best you've ever tasted, but inarguable proof that dedicated, bookish bartenders can be just as creative and artistic as the greatest chefs out there. And also that your great-grandma really knew how to party."

photo by Kristin Zwiers

The Rosita Cocktail at Tavern Law: Seattle Magazine Reports on Barrel Aged Drinks

Seattle magazine's AJ Rathbun wrote this article on the delight to be found in barrel aged cocktails.  We were so pleased that our Rosita made it onto his list: "Bringing together Sauza Blue blanco tequila, Dolin dry and rosso vermouths, Campari and angostura bitters in the barrel, this early-evening sipper has suggestions of spices, smoke, herbs and an international presence."

"Sixpence Gin & Jam" Cocktail at Tavern Law Lauded by Seattleite: "Signature Washington Flavors Combine with Deliciously Potent Results"

Congratulations to our team's talented Monica Buntha for this spotlight on her delicious cocktail.

"Every Seattleite knows how closely the smell of gin resembles the natural outdoor scent of the Pacific Northwest — junipers are evergreen, after all. Arguably, it’s the quintessential Seattle spirit — and thanks to Monica Buntha, it’s now part of the quintessential Seattle drink. The manager of Capitol Hill’s Tavern Law, Buntha created this sweet drink after a visit to Pike Place Market. 'After…drawing inspiration from seasonal produce, I put unexpected flavor combinations together to create a familiar cocktail,' she said."

Click link here to get the recipe to try Monica's drink at home.  Or join us at the New Year's Libations event January 19 with Seattleite. Tickets are available at http://newyearlibations.eventbrite.com/

Food & Wine magazine Names "America's Best Bars": Tavern Law on the List

Thank you to Food & Wine magazine for including us on your list of the country' best bars:  http://bit.ly/ucHK7b

The story describes us, "From the duo behind the gastropub Spur, Tavern Law has classic cocktails, lots of whiskeys and fancy bar snacks like oxtail banh mi sandwiches. Through a heavy vault door is Needle & Thread, an upstairs bar where drinks are custom-made."

We're honored Food & Wine. Thank you.

Tavern Law's Chef/Owners Dana Tough and Brian McCracken Named "Chef of the Year, Seattle" by Eater

What news! Eater has named our Chefs, Brian McCracken and Dana Tough, as "Chef of the Year, Seattle". The announcement read:

"In over 50 categories spanning thirteen cities, the winners comprise a diverse bunch of the finest and most interesting chefs, operators, and characters in the country. We applaud them. You are hereby instructed to applaud them".

The entire story can be read here.

Thank you to Eater's editors and all of you who also voted. We're humbled and so look forward to seeing you at Spur, Tavern Law and The Coterie Room soon.

12th Avenue Neighborhood Festival on Sunday

Seattle Met reports, "Ever looked at 12th Avenue on Capitol Hill and seen just one long smorgasbord? That’s exactly what it becomes from noon–6pm on Sunday, August 14.
It’s the second annual 12th Avenue Neighborhood Festival, and more than 32 food and retail vendors plan to open their doors or set up tents on 12th Avenue between Madison and Pike Streets...Tavern Law is flying by the seat of its pants, serving ice cream they won’t create until the day before the fest. It will all depend on what inspires the chefs on Saturday night, so we have our fingers crossed for tequila-flavored gelato."

We'll surprise you with a delicious ice cream Sudnay, so come by to say hello.

Click blog title above to read Seattle Met article.

Tavern Law Tip from Kathy Casey in the Wall Street Journal

In the Wall Street Journal, locals like Dale Chihuly, Howard Schultz and Kathy Casey were tapped for tips on the Insider's Guide to Seattle. WHAT MAKES THE EMERALD CITY SHINE? "The Foodie Seattle-based chef, restaurant consultant and cookbook author," Casey suggests: "Secret Sipping: Needle & Thread (upstairs at Tavern Law). When you enter, head towards the bank vault door, pick up the old-fashioned wall phone and ask for a seat. If lucky, head upstairs to this sexy speakeasy, where the bartender will craft you a custom cocktail. Just name your spirit and how you like it. 1406 12th Ave., tavernlaw.com"

Click blog title above to read all about the City's don't miss spots.

Thank you Kathy and the Wall Street Journal.

The List is Out: Best Bars 2011: 10 Top Seattle Bars Right Now

The Best Bars of 2011? And Tavern Law plus our little upstairs spot made the list!

Seattle Met mag wrote, "Tavern Law attracts a comely crowd that sips expertly wrought flips, slings, sours, and punches while snacking on small plates (foie gras, fried oysters) rich enough to hold up against those potent pre-Prohibition potables. But the real magic is upstairs at Needle and Thread, the bar’s second-level spirits sanctuary. Lined with artisan bottles and sepia-toned nudie photos, this 30-seat “speakeasy” benefits from the undivided attention of one silk-vested, mustachioed barman who crafts each drink to order. (There’s no menu, so prepare for a conversation). Tavern Law, 1406 12th Ave, Capitol Hill, 206-322-9734; tavernlaw.com"

Photo of The Last Word by Ryan McVay for Seattle Met. Thank you Seattle Met!

Tavern Law’s Needle & Thread Makes Worth Magazine’s “Elite List of the Top Ten (Secret) Hot Spots” in the World

The Top Ten. Claire Willett’s article in the February - March issue of Worth magazine begins, “Walt Disney holed away with Hollywood bigwigs at Club 33. Parisian cinephiles built a cinema beneath the Trocadéro. International artists create forever hidden work in abandoned New York subway tunnels. Man’s fascination with the clandestine is strong. Today, secret places are more likely to be luxe and exclusive than dangerous or debauched. The following 10 have the additional bonus—and challenge—of being rather difficult to find. Something hidden this way lies..."

From London to South America, Sydney to Hong Kong, and straight to us here in Seattle— check out this great story on where to travel around the globe for a bit of hidden pleasure.

Thank you Bob Peterson for the wonderful photo of Tavern Law’s not-so-secret main bar and to Worth magazine for deeming us worthy of the list.

Tavern Law's Nathan Weber: Answers 5 Questions from Seattle Met Mag

Jess Voelker interviewed Weber for today's "Five Questions for the Bartender" feature while photographer Anne Dixon snuck in to snap this portrait.

The mag writes, "Weber brought his impressive resume—which includes stints at San Fran’s Washington Square Bar and Grill and Solstice Restaurant and Lounge—to the cocktail bar on Capitol Hill, and the rest was history.

“I worked with old masters of bartending, who instilled a very old-school approach in me. Working at industry hangout Solstice, Weber met heavy weights like Neyah White and Dominic Venegas. “Spending time with great bartenders really advanced my understanding of building craft cocktails,” he says.

But it was the late, great Neil Riofski who inspired him to be a bartender in the first place. “I watched him and I thought, ‘I want to learn how to do that.’""

Click on blog title above to read the entire story by Seattle Metropolitan magazine. Thank you Jess!

2011 Must Drink List: Tavern Law Honored to Make Seattleites' List

The kind editors over at Seattleite let us know that the cocktails here at Tavern Law are some of the City's best. In fact, Ian Cargil's Monical drink has made the list of the five best.

They write, "Try these top five sip sensations the next time you hit the town. The colder weather calls for this surprising sipper. The drink begins with a firm earthy and peaty taste from the Ardbeg Scotch (cited on its web site as “perhaps the most peaty malt whiskey in the world”) and slowly changes flavor gears to a semi-sweet apple for the finish. An excellent starter drink for those looking to enter the world of scotch."

To take a tour of all five drinks, and to see the recipe for Ian's Monical, click on link above.

Thank you Seattleite.

A secluded spot for New Year's Eve: sneak into Tavern Law's hidden Needle & Thread

A few select spots will go on sale this evening for one of the City's most sought-after New Year's Eve celebrations. Join the award-winning bartenders of Tavern Law's "Needle and Thread" (cited in the Top 25 Bars in America list by GQ Magazine) for a proper send-off to 2010 in our lush upstairs enclave. Chefs Dana Tough and Brian McCracken have crafted an evening with special touches like complimentary caviar appetizers and more.

The $100 package will reserve you a spot from 7-10PM or from 10PM-1AM. Each two tickets purchased will receive a bottle of champagne (or a split for one). Special prize drawings, favors and a champagne toast at midnight await those who secure a spot in advance through a private red carpet entrance. Festive attire is encouraged.

Please call 206/325.0133 and leave a detailed message with your preferred reservation time with us that evening. All inquiries will be replied to in a timely fashion.

Tavern Law cocktail by Nathan Weber Spotlighted on Nordstrom.com

Bartender Weber's 30th Century Man cocktail was recently selected by the creative forces at Nordstrom to anchor the virtual bar in their Country Cocktail Party fashion and lifestyle spread.

Head on over to Nordstrom.com for their party ideas (from fashion to menu) and for Nathan's cocktail recipe. Click on blog title above.

Thank you Nordstrom!

The Seattle PI Reports on the History of Seattle's Speakeasies

Prohibition emptied the front rooms of bars like Seattle's own New Pal Bar shown here. The PI reports, "On January 1, 1916, Prohibition began in Washington State, making the production, distribution and possession liquor illegal. The law passed three years before the Eighteenth Amendment prohibited liquor in the rest of the nation, and it lasted seventeen long, dry years, until December of 1933. But Prohibition didn't mean the end of party - it just meant the party went underground. Washington State, in particular, became a hot bed for thinly-veiled speakeasies due to corruption within law enforcement and proximity to Canada (where liquor remained legal). By 1931 a survey reported that Washington State, alone, was home to approximately 4,000 speakeasies."

To read the entire article with a historical look from the Museum of History and Industry, click blog title above.

GQ Magazine's Top 25 Bars in the USA Party at Tavern Law

The talent behind some of the country's best bars is getting together on October 10 to celebrate GQ Magazine's Best Bars feature in the October issue. #1's Murray Stenson and Ben Perri of Zig Zag will be guest bartending along with #25's Nathan Weber and crew of Tavern Law.

The evening starts 10/10/10 at 7pm at Tavern Law and will showcase 25 cocktails from the nation's winning bars along with a prize drawing and cocktails from sponsor Cruzan Rum. A photographer will be on hand to shoot guests. Attire's GQ Fashion Forward-- interpret how you like.

Photo by Chad Pryor.