Murray Stenson Now Behind the Bar at Canon

Murray Stenson, Seattle's most decorated bartender, has joined the crew at Canon, a move characterized by owner Jamie Boudreau as another step toward "making [Canon] one of the nation's elite bars."

"We are elated that Murray has decided to join our small and over-talented group," Boudreau e-mails.

As first reported yesterday by Jess Voelker, Stenson has started his first regular gig since leaving Zig Zag Café in May. While he pegged his departure to health concerns, saying the adoring crowds were driving up his blood pressure, Stenson seems unlikely to find serenity at the buzzing Capitol Hill cocktail den.

"I suppose calmness is relative," Boudreau writes, pointing out Canon's capacity stands at 48 people, or about half of Zig Zag's capacity.

Stenson's schedule has not yet been set, but Boudreau reports he'll be working three nights a week. At Canon, as at Zig Zag, Stenson will work alongside another bartender. Dual bartending is slightly complicated at Canon because there's only one well, the station which functions as a barkeep's workspace.

"While there is only one well at Canon, there has always been two bartenders," Boudreau writes. "Having said that, Canon is all about change, and if we feel that a second well would benefit the team, then we will strive to make it happen."

Murray is the latest addition to a team which includes Boudreau; Nathan Weber, formerly of Tavern Law; Brian Lee, another Tavern Law alum; and Jared Scarr, who previously served as Crush's bar manager.

Follow Voracious on Facebook & Twitter. Follow me at @hannaraskin