Should you ever play word association with your Hedonista and select the word “cocktail” do you know what word I’ll come up with?

Clive’s. (I have been both hosted as media and a willing, eager customer in my own right.)

Swarovski crystals in aquatic hues cast an oceanic ambiance in this lovely lounge.

Clive’s Classic Lounge – the ultimate old school cocktail lounge – is located in the Chateau Victoria Hotel & Suites. Named after hotel owner Clive Piercy, the ambiance of this place is wonderful – think Rick’s Café Américain (sans gambling) meets under the sea. Decked out in richly thoughtful and characteristic details such as soft, Swarovski crystal lighting and fab mirror ‘n’ Pacific Northwest-themed glass pieces designed by local artisans.

Even the cocktail glasses are vintage crystal, carefully and lovingly sought out by Clive’s beloved head bartender, Shawn Soole – a fellow writer (associate editor of Chilled Magazine), sommelier and bar tool designer (founder of The Liquid Revolution) who heralds from Brisbane, Australia (soothing accent and all). A true mixologist of the people, he also makes a mean … well, everything lovely, liquid and libatious.

Clive's head bartender Shawn is an Aussie who makes a mean absinthe the way it should be made.

A goodly portion of the beautiful beverages are a tip of the ol’ hat to pre-Prohibition cocktails that date as far back to 1806. Of course, they date right up to modern-day concoctions from folks right here in the Pacific Northwest (such as Seattle’s own Murray Stenson). Many are made with fresh-squeezed juice and fine, often rare and fantastically foreign fermentations to boot. I recommend the absinthe … mmmm … herby-licorice-delicious goodness. The Clover Club (circa 1880) is also grand: gin, fresh lemon, raspberry syrup and topped with egg whites. Tart ‘n’ fresh – pucker up!

So when you feel like Rick – or Ilsa, for that matter – saddle up to the bar and/or snuggle down in one of their comfy leather chairs and/or cozy up to one of their two elegant fireplaces.

When you do, don’t forget to raise a glass to Clive – whether or not you meet him in person. We owe him. Big time.

Note: In order to comply with FTC Act 16 C.F.R. 255, Heed the Hedonist would like to disclose that it does receive media “comps” and/or media discounts – but not in exchange for favorable coverage, or for withholding unfavorable coverage, of the given venue/meal/performance/product/service.