The new Marx Bros. restaurant in the Anchorage Museum expansion - the retro-hip Muse - has obtained its liquor license and ladies and gents, that is a very, very good thing.

I stopped by last Friday for a drink with a friend and to check out the general scenery while perusing the cocktail menu. One of the highlights was that Muse appetizers are all half price from 4:30 to 7 p.m. each weekday, a tasty tidbit our server informed us about -- and one that lasts later than many other Anchorage appetizer haunts.

The cocktail menu was varied and creative -- my friend had a drink involving the British classic summer beverage, Pimms, and I had a Bellini with honest-to-goodness real peach juice. The restaurant makes most of their juice from scratch, and boy does it make a difference.

The decor was lovely and relaxing if slightly rectangular, but I would definitely recommend the venue for dinner, and after-work drink, or just a place to relax, listen to jazz and rest your feet before moving on to another art exhibit.

If you're interested in checking out the venue in style, the restaurant is presenting a tasting dinner on Wednesday (September 9) at 6 p.m. featuring Dan Gorden with Northwest Core Collection. The price is $70 per person and the meal features four courses including duck spring rolls, beef carpaccio, seared duck breast and chocolate velvet cake. Wine pairings include Bethel Heights Chardonnay, Rex Hill Pinot Gris and Penner-Ash Pinot Noir.

Call 929-9211 for more information and reservations.