Daily Archives: November 8, 2011

As soon as I say I’ve come for a soda, Al squares himself up behind the counter, ready for action.  In front of him is a glass-topped freezer for the ice cream tubs.  There are three flavors only: strawberry, chocolate and vanilla.  As with the rest of the shop the flavors are nothing fancy, yet everyone is guaranteed one they like.  On a narrow counter behind him are the tools of his trade:  the shake maker and the ice shaver, various stainless steel containers for mixing floats and malteds, and tall glasses, some tapered at the bottom, others straight, for pouring the thick, foaming result into.  On the scarred and flaking cream-colored wall hangs a black felt board with red plastic letters stuck in it, crookedly listing the offerings:  phosphates, malts, shakes, floats and sundaes.  There’s enough room to list various syrup flavors, too.

Al plants his hands firmly on the ice cream freezer, eager to get going and perhaps using the freezer for a little support at the same time.   He eyes me expectantly, bushy grey brows waggling.  Even if you’re a regular, which I am, Al always allows that just this once you might surprise him. (more…)