Clandestino's inaugural journey took revelers to Lima, 1962 with craft, joy + analog connection.

Anker

Oct 10

3 min read

A magnetism borne of friendly strangers celebrating craft, joy and analog connection filled Anker House in May at the sold-out launch of Clandestino! Anker's new time-traveling, speakeasy-inspired series.

“Scene I: Lima, 1962” featured delicious pisco cocktails, ceviche and masa cake bites amidst live Latin jazz piano. The event was the first of several to honor what was Kingston House, and to welcome what is, Anker.

Event Design - Julianna Astaire

Amidst the post-pandemic malaise, Anker owner Matt Kelley and friend Julianna Astaire sought to create an event that celebrated beauty and joy in spite of human precarity.

For the series kick-off, they chose Lima, 1962—a city and year with profound personal meaning for Julianna, as her mother and grandmother lived through the political upheaval of that time, including her grandfather’s exile and the loss of their home and freedom. In honor of their resilience, Julianna researched Peruvian history and family recipes, sourced era-specific cocktails, music, and fashion. The event also marked a debut of sorts for her new business, Julianna Astaire Event Design.

Bites

Bainbridge Island restaurant Heyday Farm is known for its devotion to craft, design, and unforgettable flavor. Inspired by the recipes of Julianna's grandmother, Heyday crafted bites celebrating the bold flavors of Peru, reimagined through a modern, seasonal lens using produce from their farm:

Bite 1 — "Then": A traditional Peruvian ceviche featuring fresh halibut (or vegetarian sweet potato), topped with spicy passionfruit sauce and served on crisp endive spears.

Bite 2 — "Now": A contemporary take on pollo a la brasa (or vegan asada-style peppers and onions), served with vibrant ají verde atop a handmade masa cake.

Drinks

Kris Kelnero of Edmonds's Kelnero brought his thoughtful, transportive cocktail curation to the evening — highlighting pisco, passion fruit, coffee, and sugarcane. He went the extra mile and used pisco and bitters imported from Peru!

Drink 1 — "Then": A Kelnero-style twist on the iconic Pisco Sour, clarified and reimagined with passion fruit, banana, and imported Peruvian bitters for a surprising, elevated take on a national classic.

Drink 2 — "Now": A rich, moody Rum Manhattan made with Peruvian sugarcane rum, coffee spritz, and finished with mole bitters — a modern palette rooted in traditional flavors.

Floral Design

Sarah McGrath of Bremerton-based Manette Flower Co. brought Lima, 1962 to life through floral design inspired by vintage Peruvian rugs — echoing their playful textures, bold patterns, and vibrant colors. Her sculptural arrangements honor the shape, movement, and character of every stem, leaf, and petal while bringing the energy and ambiance emblematic of the 60s.

Entertainment

Karin Kajita is a pianist and composer specializing in classical music and Latin jazz. For Clandestino! Scene I, she created an original set list by watching archival footage of 1962 musician performances in Lima and transcribing her own sheet music. She also researched Peruvian marching songs, revolution songs, and the national anthem to thoughtfully weave them into her performance.

In a special collaboration with Julianna’s grandmother, Karin played jazz songs that were popular and emblematic of the time.

Wardrobe

Clandestino! guests became part of the Scene by sourcing vintage pieces that blurred the line between present and past. Co-host Julianna Astaire sourced her 1960’s striped fringe dress from the personal collection of Madison, the owner of Owlephant Vintage in Portland, Oregon, while Matt sourced his vintage 60s Burton wool suit at Ballard's Lucky Dry Goods. Attendees Gretchen & Jason sourced their 60s jumpsuit and bell bottoms from Iish Vintage Clothing in Bremerton. Attendees Tina & Kee sourced a vintage dress from a thrift store in NYC, a vintage Stetson hat, and 60s costume jewelry from Tina’s mother. Mitch's sartorial ensemble featured a vintage Gordon's lambswool capelet atop a Henki silk and tulle butterfly jacket.

Photography

And, finally (and so gratefully), Clandestino! Scene I was captured through the discerning eye of Claire Kerbs of Claire Kerbs Photo. Her shots perfectly capture the special evening's movement and moments of spontaneous joy.