The silver base was so shiny that you could see your reflection in it. You might be tempted to think the baristas were really good at cleaning up but actually it was just a new contraption for the shop. We inquired about this new fangled device and were told to “watch and enjoy.” The silver base held a container that seemed to be a cross between a oblong mixing bowl and a measuring cup with a handle. It was half full with fresh fruit when we stepped up to the counter.
The barista grabbed the container and began to add ingredients. Frisbee shaped chocolates and graham cracker crumbs came first. Then coffee beans were added. It seemed the final step would be the rainbow of syrups that lined the counter. The barista pumped them in with gusto. Just as we thought she was done, she threw in the strangest things. I blinked my eyes and peered at the container. No, she really did add mini cupcake liners and wax lined candy wrappers. What in the world?!
The strange container now overflowing with this concoction was put back on the shiny base. The barista looked excited and concerned and jumpy, all at the same time. She grabbed a stick about 6 feet long that appeared to have a hand attached at one end. We watched with intrigue as she stepped back warily. She then told us to stay below the glass wall that separated us from the wacky contraction. The 6 foot stick hand extended slowly, building the anticipation of what was coming. As the hand flipped the switch on the side of the base, the machine came alive!
Bouncing, rattling, gurgling, even squishing and hissing. All these could describe what we were watching. Then in a burst of fruity smoke, the container tipped over and wrapped blobs poured out! On the counter, in the sink, all over the floor. They just kept coming. The barista gave a satisfied nod and walked closer. She bent over to pick up the rainbow of wax paper wrapped blobs. You might think of salt water taffy and how it’s wrapped but the shape was more rectangular in some.
I took the first one she offered me which was called a Bubba. It was cold to the touch and a little spongy. I gently unwrapped it to find a mini cheesecake with graham cracker crust topped with fresh fruit. I took a bite and savored the delicious taste of fresh cheesecake. Then I offered the other half to the guy beside me. The second piece they handed me was called the Joanna. It had the appearance and appeal of a blob. I wasn’t certain this should be touched, let alone consumed. But it smelled like coffee and chocolate which is so heavenly that I couldn’t resist unwrapping it. Ah here was the mini cupcake wrapper, formed around the blob and keeping its strange shape. But maybe I shouldn’t judge a blob by its lumpiness. I was psyching myself up to be brave and try it. I raised the blob to my mouth and took a bite….
And then I woke up. Because this was a dream, people. And I had to pee. ??
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