September 14, 2007

A Shot in the Dark

Venik Lounge Opens

Mark Twain allegedly said that the coldest winter he ever spent was a summer in San Francisco.

What would he have said had he witnessed this year’s fickle Seattle season?

We’re thinking he would have hit the bottle — and would have been a fixture at South Lake Union’s Venik Lounge, the perfect place to while away drizzly days.

Opening today, the sister spot to traditional Russian spa Banya 5 specializes in house-infused vodkas made with all-organic ingredients. Try cheery fruity flavors (cherry, blueberry, cantaloupe) or chase away your sorrows with a medicinal garlic-and-hot-peppers-laced shot.

Old-world, spa-inspired plates (chilled borscht, meat, cheese, and honeycomb) are ideal precursors to a massage and bone-warming session in Banya’s 115-degree steam room next door. Check the schedule first: They have all-female and all-male days.

And never the twain shall meet.

Venik Lounge, 227 Ninth Avenue North, between Thomas and John Streets (206-223-3734 or veniklounge.com).