Saturday, May 21, 2011

In Motion

I must get better at posting! So much has happened that it will be easiest to just list the experiences that have placed me/us where we are right now:

December: Do more research on Distilling and look for classes.  I sign up for a class from ADI and Bill Owens in Petaluma and learn enough to know I could use a partner.
December/January: Meet Chris Bollenbacher, Classic Cocktail and Infusion wizard Bartender from Serafina.  We find similarities and agree to work together.  Chris has moved to Portland but will come to Seattle to start this business.
December/January: Talk with my dear friend Kenny Carlson about partnering together.  He is interested and wants to also have a winery. I give him lots of books. 
February/March: I look at Still manufacturers and for my budget, order 2 stills from Hoga Company, Spain.  A 500 litre Absinthe Copper Pot Still and a 60L as well.  Chris and I are excited and I am also nervous. I am really doing this!
January-March: We spent time looking around Seattle for a decent location that would be most cost effective.  Nothing was fitting the bill.  Chris called and suggested looking in Portland as it was 25% less exensive per square foot on average:
March: Head to Portland to check out a few potential spots and we found one that will serve us well. It also has a vacant cafe.  Possibilities are opening.
April: We agree to take both the Distillery space and the Cafe Space. Location is 6635 N Baltimore Ave in the St. John's neighborhood in Portland.  Located right next to Cathedral Park by the St John's Bridge, the location is great. Built in 1904 as a wool factory, the large building houses 200 plus tenants for cafe business and its a hip, up and coming little 'hood.  We are excited.
May:  Just signed both leases for Pure Lush Spirits and Cathedral Park Kitchen.  Chris and Sara are running the Kitchen and the buzz is growing. People love the delicious fare that Sara and Fabian, our chef and friend, put out.  Utlizing fresh local ingredients and creativity, the neighbors are Happy!
May: Pulling together the legal papers for the liquor licensing process. What a large amount of repetivie paperwork! wow.  Thinking about hiring a professional to help with the distillery license so we don't miss anything and cause delays.
Cathedral Park Kitchen First Photos
ok--we're caught up and I will post more often with more photos!  until then, check out http://www.cathedralparkkitchen.com/ if you are in Portland and stop by for lunch or get information on our Secret Chef dinners, coming soon!

A bientot!