The Can Can kicks butt. Although we didn’t have the best experience with Seattle Goth clubs, Rose and I found a welcoming home on Saturday night — bursting with absinthe, burlesque, and a friendly LGBT/alternative crowd. Can Can Cabaret, we rate you a 10 out of 10!

Everyone who reads this blog knows I’m sort of obsessed with absinthe. (Type in “absinthe” in the search box on the right sidebar, and you’ll see.) We went to The Can Can two nights in a row to taste local varieties of the green fairy. Pacifique (made in Washington State) is creamy delicious, as was the last remaining bottle of Marteau (a superb label from Oregon). The bartender, Zach, impressed us with his class and skill.

The red walls and gold frames suited us very well.

We couldn’t stop smiling and cheering when The Castaways took over the stage. Their flirty, fun act defies categorization: there’s burlesque, circus acrobatics, humor, modern dance. For one song, choreographer Rainbow Fletcher stripped and bounced on this giant rocket. We loved the Siegfried and Roy parody, where a harmonic dance ends in a white tiger mauling.

The Castaways held my attention the entire time. Each act was creatively executed, with fierce costumes and a kicking soundtrack that included 1980s, electro, Dresden Dolls and Rasputina.

The Can Can Castaways bring in a breath of fresh air to stale burlesque. Watch out for this act.

Owner Chris Snell is a hyper, pink-wigged mastermind: aka the perfect host. The Can Can is truly a gem, from the open and friendly atmosphere to the absinthe and performances. We can’t wait to return!

Are you fond of burlesque? What are some of your favorite cabarets, troupes and performers?

PS: My Scottish Fold cat Basil Farrow was nominated for the 2010 meowing championship! Please VOTE for him — we must prevail! (All it takes is leaving a comment on this site; you can connect via Facebook.)

Japanese Word of the Day: Kosaji = Teaspoon
Song of the Day: Erasure – Always (The soundtrack to the Siegfried and Roy white tiger act.)