Neighborhood Notes

The vortex of evil delights is now open.

Cupcakes. Ice Cream. Craft cocktails. You don’t have to die and go to heaven for these rich rewards — simply walk to the Meddle Building at 10th and Everett! The newly renovated mustard-colored building is home to recently opened Cupcake Jones and Ben & Jerry’s, but tonight the focus is on the building's third tenant, Teardrop Lounge.

I was firmly convinced that the Meddle Building existed to exploit all of my weaknesses -- but I didn't expect to develop a new one! Last night, we attended the soft opening of TearDrop Lounge and discovered the critical difference between drinking a cocktail and experiencing one. In a world of frou frou drinks and bar scenes -- where quantity is confused with quality -- we've not only drowned our appreciation of good drink, we've managed to kill our palate for it as well. Is the merit of a drink based on a large freepour or its ability to mask the spirit beneath?

Not at TearDrop Lounge. The cocktails here are crafted in pre-prohibition style: balanced recipes of premium spirits and house-made ingredients. Owners Daniel Shoemaker and Ted Charak are on a mission to reacquaint patrons with the craftsmanship behind the bar and in the glass.

Craftsmanship

During Prohibition, those who wished to imbibe were forced to produce their own spirits. These spirits were often of such low quality that fruity concoctions were added simply to make them ingestible. Today, there are premium spirits that can be enjoyed minus the slushy vehicle and TearDrop pours only the best.

Daniel and Ted make their own bitters, ginger beer and other cocktail ingredients on site. Look above the bar and you'll see apothecary jars full of steeping fruits and herbs. Some take as long as two months before they are cocktail ready.

Another example of their artistry is in the preparation of the cocktails. Every drink utilizes a classic recipe that is precisely measured. Achieving balance is the primary goal. They squeeze everything to order and every drink is crafted by hand.













The Cocktails
Last night, Shooter and I were joined by Shae Benfit (the lead baker at Cupcake Jones) and between the three of us, we sampled nearly every cocktail on the menu. We each have our favorites, but here are some of the highlights:

Little Cloud | Farm fresh elderflower syrup, aviation gin, lime

DeeCee's Fuego | Scotch, pomegranate molasses, carpano antica formula vermouth, burnt orange

Araby | Muddled ginger, vodka, tamarind nectar, palm sugar, thai chile rings

Sake Sangria | farm fresh seasonal fruit, hakutsuru sake, Oregon pinot gris, brandy, house spice blend

In a word, the drinks are exceptional. The spirits are balanced nicely with the ingredients, not masked by them. Daniel and Ted are attentive to everyone's needs. They work the island-style bar in tandem and despite the labor-intensive work of producing handcrafted cocktails, they take time to answer questions, discuss and share recipes.



Details

TearDrop Lounge is open Monday through Saturday at 4 p.m.
Happy Hour, 4-7pm

In addition to cocktails, TearDrop Lounge also offer beer, wine and sake. Don't forget to sample from their "nibbles" menu! But most importantly, GO!