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  • Vessel / Facebook

Back in 2006, when fancy ice cubes were still a novelty, Vessel was the original Seattle cocktail-revival spot—the first place (I think?) in town where each drink on the menu bore a date, a place of origin, and a composer. And it was contemporary-swank, and it was (arguably appropriately) snobby about vodka, and it was good.

The location near the Fifth Avenue Theater closed at the end of 2010. Now, Vessel has been reincarnated at Seventh and Olive (where the original El Gaucho was, from 1953 to 1985). Owner Clark Niemeyer has partnered with noted barkeep Jim Romdell; along with "progressive and creative" cocktails, there will be lunch and a full dinner menu. Cameo McRoberts, recently (and very briefly) at Little Water Cantina as sous chef and Pop Kitchen + Bar as exec chef, will head the kitchen.

Now I am thirsty.