Delicatus, [del-i-kot-uhs] Latin, adj.: delicate, alluring, delightful pleasing; also (especially regarding a person)overly luxurious. German: root for Delikatessen: 1. Prepared cooked meats, fish, cheeses, salads, etc. 2. A shop where such foods are sold.
Delicatus was formed by and for those who think that dining should be an experience that resonates. Derek Shankland and Mike Klotz founded Delicatus on the simple concept that people in the greater Seattle area deserve a better sandwich. Until now, the idea of a deli in Seattle has been broadly misrepresentative of the traditional European delicatessens and the ones that European emigrants founded in the Eastern United States. Here at Delicatus our vision is to meld both local and European traditions by using primarily Northwest-sourced ingredients purchased directly from local farmers, artisan producers and suppliers of the finest regional products. Our principles of sustainability, superior quality, and commitment to service all combine to offer guests a dining experience unlike any other in Seattle.
Come join us from 5-7pm when we pour some delicious juice for your enjoyment. These selections are available for take out retail purchase or enjoy dine in for a $6 corkage. We search hard to locate boutique wines from near and far in order to provide our guests with a unique affordable experience. Bring a friend, enjoy the relaxed atmosphere, evening plates and great wine… Cheers
Actually, they’ve been making wine for awhile—they were tinkering with the stuff even before they opened Delicatus three years ago (technically, the sandwich shop turns three-years old March 11). Says co-owner Mike Klotz:
That first wine was a learning curve. We basically played around with it in [Derek's] basement. By the second year, we knew we could make good wine. At the time, all five business partners were still at Oceanaire: Klotz and Derek Shankland were bartending, while Joshua Podawiltz and Ambrose Romero were servers, along with Derek’s wife Michelle.
In 2010, they took winemaking from a three-year-old hobby to a serious business endeavor. Over the fall, they opened up a cool new venue in Pioneer Square to house it.
But let’s go back to 2007, when it all began. The crew was still in the planning stages of Delicatus, purchasing used barrels to break down and use for furniture at their future deli. Says Shankland:
The gentleman who we now use to source our fruit was like, “Well, what are you going to put in these barrels?” And we said, “Unfortunately, nothing. We’re going to tear them all apart and make furniture.” And he said if you’re interested, give me a call and we’ll try to get you something in the barrels. A week-and-a-half later, Shankland, who is the dedicated winemaker, made the largest impulse buy of his life: half-a-ton of grapes.
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