The Ultimate Catch: Intriguing Seattleites

Zane Harris

28 | Seattle, WA

Hometown: North Bend, WA

Occupation: Artist, Bartender, Consultant

Why We Heart Them

Zane is a Seattle-based bartender, bar consultant and artist. As the first-born child of restaurateurs, he was suckled at the teet of the food and beverage industry. From his earliest years, he would sit on the counter next to the stove-top watching his father cook up culinary masterpieces. Zane would try over and over again to stick his hand in the simmering sauces, only to have his protective padre stop him before any harm came to him. Eventually his father allowed him to touch and learn for himself about heat. Zane’s fate was sealed that day: he would not be a chef, but rather a bartender with a deep appreciation of ice (but who still can’t resist the occasional bursts of exposed flame).

Zane worked in his parents’ restaurants throughout his childhood and began bartending as soon as he was legally permitted to do so. Thanks to his culinary background, his inherent creativity, and an almost unhealthy obsession with old cocktail books, Zane quickly became an expert in classic and craft cocktails. He went on to work at Seattle’s now-legendary Vessel, as well as the revered Spur. In 2009, along with his long-time partner Anu Apte, they realized their ambition to own and operate their own bar. Rob Roy was the fruit of this ambition. Their bar program emphasizes an extensive spirits selection, block ice, fresh juices, local produce, housemade syrups and other delectable ingredients, and the utmost attention to the details of crafting perfect drinks. Zane has since moved on from Rob Roy to start new projects and to focus on his art.

As an artist and art consultant, Zane tends to be rather eclectic in his mediums. Photography, wall sculpture, mixed media, painting, street art, or anything he can gets his hands on.

“I help people define what kind of art they actually like and then they either commission me to make pieces for them in that style or I help get them in contact with other artists or galleries that can get them what they need,” says Zane. He went to school for graphic design at the Art Institute of Seattle, specializing in bars and restaurants. Currently Zane is working on his own gallery show that will hopefully open early next year.

Zane has consulted for bars and restaurants, been a participant in the Grand Marnier Mixology Summit, performed  guest bartending stints at Bourbon & Branch and Alembic in San Francisco, Varnish, Test Kitchen and The Edison in Los Angels. He also taught classes on spirits and mixology at Seattle’s Sorrento Hotel and demonstrations on ice at Tales of the Cocktail in New Orleans and the Manhattan Cocktail Classic in New York. When Zane isn’t in Seattle working on art and new bar concepts, he also works with the A.K.A. Wine Geeks. And finally, in an informal poll, Zane was voted by his peers as the bartender most likely to survive the Zombiepocalypse. Ask him why and he’ll happily tell you.

Are you intrigued and like what you see? Let us know! Email us at catch@seattleite.com.