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Thursday, May 8, 2008

Vessel: Forging Forth

posted by on May 8 at 15:33 PM

Despite the loss of Seattle’s first- or second-best bartender (depending on whom you ask), Vessel’s forging forth. A good-humored press release says that “Vessel’s owner, Clark Niemeyer, is fully enjoying the irony of having his establishment named one of Esquire Magazine’s ‘Best Bars in America,’ while only three weeks ago his business partner in charge of finance, Coleman Johnson, quit unexpectedly, leaving an accounting mess to untangle.”

More after the break.

The rest of the press release:

“What can I say,” comments Niemeyer, “It was a surprise, but we’re dealing well with it. Now that the issues are almost fully resolved, Vessel is so much better than before. The staff is very happy and cohesive, and business is booming.” Another twist is the recent departure of bar manager Jamie Boudreau, who Vessel sponsored to come to the U.S. from Canada to set up their cocktail program. “We were in contract negotiations with Jamie prior to Coleman’s disappearance, so his departure was merely coincidental. Vessel was conceived and developed prior to hiring Jamie. He was hired to develop the cocktail program, train our staff, and develop the recipes. We have a huge library of them. He did a marvelous job, and we wish him well. It was a mutual agreement for him to move on.” The men now behind the bar are manager Jim Romdall and Zane Harris, both passionate and experienced bartenders prior to coming to Vessel, and both mentored by Boudreau. “Jamie taught us so much about mixology,” says Romdall. “We were lucky to have him as a teacher. Zane and I are confident that we will continue the great traditions established at Vessel. My plan is to stay on the cutting edge with our cocktail program, while making all aspects of the bar more well-rounded. We serve much more than cocktails. Vessel has the best selection of premium spirits in the region, wonderful wines, champagnes and beers, and fantastic bar food from chef Charles Bradfield.” Niemeyer has plans in place to make Vessel thrive. He has applied to add outdoor seating, will expand the offerings of champagne by the glass, and promote the space as a stylish, sophisticated locale for private parties and meetings. “Vessel is better than ever. These changes are nothing but positive.”


VESSEL hours of operation
Monday – Friday, 4:00 p.m. to close, Saturday 5:00 to close
Happy Hour Monday thru Friday 4:00 to 6:00
Private events by reservation: morning, day, evening

LOCATION next to the 5th Avenue Theatre
1312 5th Avenue, between University and Union
Seattle, Washington, 98101
New phone number: 206.652.0521

RSS icon Comments

1

sooooo glad i don't work there anymore. that place was drama 24-7!

Posted by d | May 8, 2008 4:31 PM
2

Hilarious how much press this is getting!

Posted by bystander | May 8, 2008 7:28 PM

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