Text and photo by Maureen Provencal
Quick bites with: Marjie Martini, Creator of Martinis @Midnight
PQ: What’s your martini philosophy?
MM: Martinis should be made with top shelf liqueur and very little juice. And they are meant to be sipped or savoured.
PQ: What’s the most important principle in mixing martinis?
MM: Knowing when to shake and when to stir. ie: James Bond was wrong. Shaking isn’t always necessary.
PQ: One martini you can’t live without?
MM: The Dilemna Martini. Gin, Grand Marnier, lemon and lime.
PQ: What martini should people be more open to trying?
MM: Gin martinis.
PQ: Most memorable martini you’ve ever had?
MM: The signature Apple Martini at the W Hotel in NYC.
PQ: Exact moment you decided to start Martinis @ Midnight?
MM: When I was sharing a Vanilla Sky Martini with my girlfriend at Hy’s. That night I went home and created my first column. That was the summer of ’04.
PQ: What is the concept behind Martinis @ Midnight?
MM: To use the martini as a vehicle to give people insight into their love lives and relationships.
PQ: What is the purpose of Martinis @ Midnight?
MM: At the end of the day, I would like to have a transition house and secondary transition house for women.
PQ: What are the elements of Martinis @ Midnight?
MM: The first element is the monthly mixer at the Mallard every second Friday of every month. The second element are my books and gift packs. The third element: I am developing the Martini Master’s program. It is a weekend workshop where people learn to master the art of Martini Making.
PQ: Who attends the parties?
MM: People from every walk of life, from 30 years and up: couples, singles, yummy mommies, locals, Vancouverites, internationals.
PQ: Greatest professional moment?
MM: The sale of my first book.
PQ: Where would you go for your last martini in Whistler?
MM: Araxi’s.
PQ: Who has been the most influential person on your career?
MM: My father, because he was a true gentleman of the ’40s and ’50s era. He loved martinis and shoes.
PQ: What advise would you give anyone wanting to come into the martini industry?
MM: Drink lots of water.