Futbol Leschi Style

The FIFA World Cup came to Seattle this summer and one of the popular spots for a watch party was Leschi’s Bluwater Bistro. There were TVs outside on the patio and an 85-inch screen indoors with additional TVs set up indoors. And the crowds poured in. Owner Bart Evans said that for the final game between Argentina and Spain there were as many patrons as for the Seahawks Superbowl last January.

Bartender Fran Martin researched drinks to match the competing countries. If you were a French fan you could order the Serendipity, an iconic apple-and-champagne cocktail created by head bartender Colin Field at the Bar Hemingway at the Ritz Paris. It wasn’t enough to get the French to the final, but Kylian Mbappe did come away with the Golden Boot for his ten goals when Lionel Messi failed to score against Spain in the final.

Ingredients

• 3 sprigs of fresh mint

• 1 oz Calvados (apple brandy)

• 1.75 oz fresh apple juice

• Ice cubes

• 4 to 6 oz Brut Champagne

And of course they served the World Cup traditional Goal-ito with Vodka, Thai basil, lime juice, and soda water.

For the July 6 Belgium v US game, owner Bart Evans placed a Las Vegas wager predicting that the United States would defeat Belgium in a penalty shootout. If that unlikely finish happened, every guest at the bistro would have their tab paid in full—on the spot—using the bet winnings. It didn’t come to pass [pun], as Belgium took the victory 4-1, but the marketing ploy did draw in the crowds, and the hoots and hollering could be heard up and down Lakeside Ave.

~Anne Depue