Issue 459, Wednesday 20 January 2010
No place for Absinthe abstainers Absinthesalon opens
The impressionists - and those who just like to impress - will be thrilled. Absinthesalon, a salon and gift shop in Surry Hills for all things dedicated to Absinthe has swung its secretive doors open.
Press the door bell and wait to be greeted by proprietors and life partners Gaye Valttila and Joop Van Heusden. They’ll lead you past the gift shop and its stunning 70kg red brass cash register ‘Fortuna’, and through a curtained alcove before you enter their mini Belle Époque haven.
The salon seats 26, each table has its own water fountain. There’s a bar in the centre and on the far wall a striking redhead painted by a friend. Taken from an old Absinthe Blanqui poster this quintessential art-nouveau image shows what you’re about to do.
Either Gaye or Joop will give an abridged talk on the distilled herbal aperitif; why it was prohibited for a century, and which ingredient makes your tongue numb. Why the French and Swiss cry sacrebleu to drink Absinthe unmixed.
This is the only bar in Sydney with a three drink limit per visit. 16 French and Swiss, 1 German and 1 Spanish Absinthes are on offer, but ranging 45 – 74% ABV, it’s a drink you have to respect.
If you get distracted by the beautiful A La Perruche sugar cubes, Feuille spoons or fountain there’s a post card to re-hash the facts and drinking ritual.
Now you’re ready to fly with the green fairy.
Absinthesalon
87 Albion Street, Surry Hills 2010
T: (02) 9211 6632
Tuesday – Sunday 4pm – 10pm
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