Peppermint Hot Chocolate in Boston MA
Spending the holidays in Arlington MA with close friends was a delight. The Boston skyline was within view so I decided to take the train into the city. For two weeks, family and friends would surround me and it did me good to spend a day exploring on my own. Boston’s shopping opportunities were world class, with places like Faneuil Hall, major department stores and discount outlets. I could buy roasted chestnuts, shove a few bucks in a red kettle and listen to carolers who seemed to be on every corner. One of my favorite places in the world; and I’ve been around is the Boston Public Library (BPL). After spending a couple of hours of enjoying the archives, portrait art on display and the architecture of the building itself, I would enjoy a drink in the Prentiss Pub. A wall of windows in front make it great for people watching.
When I was done feeding my intellectual needs, it was on to the pub. While I liked intellectual pursuits, there was nothing like kicking back and having a drink; all work and no play make Cecil a dull man. I took a seat at a table in front of the enormous window looking towards the library’s main entrance.
“Happy holidays. I’m Mark your bartender and server. What’ll it be today?” Asked the server who appeared filled with genuine Christmas spirit.
“Hey Mark. I’m Cecil and you’ve made me in the mood for something to celebrate the season. I saw that young gentleman at the bar order something hot and chocolatey. I assume it’s cocoa with some sort of kick.”
“It’s peppermint schnapps with hot chocolate. We call it a candy cane, peppermint patty, holiday warmer, to name a few. We have homemade hot chocolate, which is outstanding. I’ll bring you one with some complimentary Christmas cookies.” Mark smiled and disappeared behind the bar.
Mark grabbed a heavy porcelain mug like the one you would find in a diner. It wasn’t fancy but sturdy and authentic. It was stamped with a curly “P”. He grabbed a sticky bottle of peppermint schnapps and poured liberally. Next, he grabbed a large stainless pitcher and gave it a stir. He filled the cup to the brim with the homemade chocolate brew causing steam to rise from the mug. For a final addition, he inserted a peppermint stick and gave it a stir. My mouth was watering as he set it on my table.
“Are you much of a romantic Mark?” I asked.
“It’s hard not to think that way around the holidays. I’m happily engaged but for others it’s fun to see.”
“As I’ve been sitting here I think I’ve witness a flame being ignited. As I was in the library going over some original works of Shakespeare. One’s that can’t be found anywhere else in their original form. I saw the young man at the bar, doing something similar to me. He was browsing; perhaps he’s a library geek as myself. He saw a young woman about the same age and attraction was written all over their faces.”
“Are you making this up Cecil?”
“Not at all. He got the courage up to speak with her although the conversation was brief. I don’t know what he said but it I guess it was an invitation to join him for a drink. She just joined him at the bar. They haven’t known each other for long because in the library they shook hands as if they were meeting each other for the first time.”
The young man was looking to order his friend a drink.
I continued. “This is good Mark. They are in need of your services. I’m sending you on a reconnaissance mission. See what you can find out about our love birds.”
While Mark busied himself at the bar, I watched the couple smiling and lightly touching each other while not invading the other’s space inappropriately. It was obvious they had each been in such a situation before on some type of blind date, whether it was arranged by friends or via the internet. I thought of the Jimmy Buffett song, Love in the Library. The whole thing made me warm and fuzzy, although it could have been the schnapps. I waved down Mark after he served the young lady the same drink that I was having.
“Mark, I’ll have another. I’m taking the train so I won’t have to worry about driving intoxicated. What can you tell me about our couple at the bar?”
“She’s Tully and he’s Seth. They only gave me their names because I introduced myself. They’re only interested in each other. I think this place could burn down and they wouldn’t notice.”
Mark left to get my second drink. I had time to inspect my cookies, which were divine. The sugar cookies were decorated in festive colors. As I slipped a silver bell into my mouth, I saw Seth placing a cookie in Tully’s mouth as they both giggled. Mark returned with my second drink.
I threw money down on the table and made sure he received $10 as a special Christmas tip.
“My trip into the city was more than I expected Mark. The drink will keep me warm on my trek home as I think happy thoughts for our couple. What I witnessed here was a special holiday treat. I hope you have a wonderful holiday with you fiancé.”
As I left, the happy couple was leaving as well. I held the door for them as they ventured out into a light dusting of snow.
“Merry Christmas.” They chirped as I held the oak door for them.
