75 Years Since the Repeal of Prohibition

Seventy-five years ago Friday, the nationwide ban on alcohol production and consumption, a not-so-Noble Experiment imposed by constitutional amendment in 1920, came to an inglorious end. No more gangsters, speakeasies, moonshine, bootleggers or bathtub gin! Instead, we have all manner of beverages, fermented or distilled, based on the mood-enhancing properties of organic hydroxyl compounds. Says Robert Hess, founder of the Museum of the American Cocktail, the anniversary of Repeal is a "chance to celebrate, and hopefully remind people what cocktails were once like."

Which is where Jamie Boudreau comes in. Canadian-born, a Seattle resident and world traveler, blogger (SpiritsandCocktails), and barman at Tini Bigs. His signature creation here is La Bicyclette, a seamless blend of Plymouth gin, sweet vermouth, St. Germain Elderflower, and a dash of peach bitters. Though his creativity doesn't stop there. For his popular Chocolat Cochon, inspired by a bar called PDT in New York, Jamie infuses Woodford Reserve bourbon with bacon (a technique known as "fat-washing"), then blends in cherry, chocolate, amaro and bitters. Mexican Cloud and Chamomile Sour are both topped with eggwhite foam. Breakfast Collins includes boysenberry preserves. Drinks are assembled, not thrown together; there's no heavy hand with the cheap gin. Cocktailing is a craft, with graduated beakers, measuring cups, eyedroppers; you might even set fire to the volatile oil from the orange peel garnish.

NY Times published a nationwide survey yesterday of top two dozen bars and bartenders; Seattle's Murray Stenson of ZigZag Café is on the list, so is Jamie. Reason to celebrate! Cheers!

And here's another reason to celebrate: a five-course, $75 wine dinner tomorrow night with winemaker Brian Carter and sommelier Dieter Shafer. It's at the Portfolio Room of the Art Institute of Seattle, 2600 Alaskan Way. Special price for Cornichon readers, $65 (tax and gratuity included). Call 206-239-2363 or write to Dieter, WineDieter@cs.com. Knock twice and tell 'em Cornichon sent you!

Tini Bigs, 106 1st Ave. N., 206-284-0931
ZigZag Cafe, 1501 Western Ave., 206-625-1146

The International Kitchen
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The International Vineyard, a new way to learn about wine in France, Italy and Spain: three-night programs for wine lovers in less-traveled regions.

The International Kitchen, the leading source for culinary vacations in France and Italy.

French Word-A-Day, fascinating lessons about language and daily life in Provence

Belltown Messenger, chronicle of a Seattle neighborhood's denizens, derelicts, clubs, bars & eateries. Restaurant reviews by Cornichon.

Small Screen Network, where food & drink celebrities like Robert Hess have recorded terrific videos.

French Chef Sally is my friend Sally McArthur, who hosts luxurious, week-long cooking classes at the Chateau du Riveau in the Loire Valley.

Local Wine Events.com, the worlds leading Food and Wine tasting calendar. Spirits and Beer events as well. Post your own event or sign up to be notified when new events are po sted to your own area.

VinoLover, Seattle wine promoter David LeClaire's bulletin board of tastings, dinners and special events.

Wine Educator Dieter Schafer maintains a full schedule of Seattle-area tastings and seminars for amateur wine drinkers and professional alike.

Nat Decants, a free wine e-newsletter from Natalie MacLean, recently named the World's Best Drink Writer at the World Food Media Awards in Australia. Wine picks, articles and humor; no ads.

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