Champs-Elysees

The place: Place Pigalle, 81 Pike St., in Pike Place Market, Seattle, 206-624-1756.

Quote: "It's pungent and slightly sweet. It's an elegant kind of cocktail." — lead bartender Shea Saxe.

Comments: We were immediately smitten by Place Pigalle, a romantic spot where they ask that you silence your cellphone. As we settled onto worn bar stools at the diminutive restaurant, we wondered if we could remember our high-school French. Hmm, non.

But we still wanted Paris. Classic cocktails command much of the attention at Place Pigalle, and Saxe touted the liquor collection — "I'm a bourbon guy" — but he obliged our wish for France.

The persimmon-tinged Champs-Elysees ($7.50), a house signature drink, can challenge a classic cocktail any day. The subtly sweet combination of brandy, Yellow Chartreuse, fresh lemon juice and simple syrup is tempered by a dash of bitters. It's a drink to linger over after dinner at one of the tiny tables built for two.

Place Pigalle feels like a protected alcove, where we could hide from the rain and the market's hubbub while drinking cocktails. It is extra peaceful early in the evening.

All was perfect. Almost.

We looked at each other.

"I wish you were a boy," Pam said.

Champs-Elysees

½ ounce Yellow Chartreuse

1 ounce fresh lemon juice

½ ounce simple syrup

A dash of bitters

Shake ingredients together with ice and strain into a cocktail glass. Garnish with lemon peel.

Got a favorite cocktail we should try? Drop us a line and tell us where to find it:

Nicole Tsong: ntsong@seattletimes.com

Pamela Sitt: psitt@seattletimes.com