Blogfinger

Cookman Creamery. 711 Cookman Ave. near Main Street. Paul Goldfinger photographs.    5/13, 2024.

By Paul Goldfinger, MD,  Editor, Blogfinger.net, Ocean Grove, NJ, across the great Wesley Lake divide to Asbury Park.

It was a Monday afternoon, and I had to have some ice cream. Normally I would head to Days, but they are only open weekends now.  So I drove into A. Park and parked right in front of the Cookman Creamery. Stephen is a big fan.

I love the AP paid parking system. It’s actually fun to use.  I paid $1.00 (30 minutes) and strolled into the shop.

A couple was enjoying their treats at a table inside the open doors.  I was greeted by a lovely young woman who was ready to prepare my choice of outrageous glorious ice cream surprises.

This store is family run, and they hand-make their small batches of creative flavors.

I spoke to Jimmy, the owner,  who was well aware that some customers are watching their fat and dairy intake, or they are vegetarians, so he has created  a selection of plant based vegan treats.

In my case, since I have ice cream rarely, I skipped all the concerns and ordered a yummy chocolate shake.  A’mya proudly handed her creation to me at the counter.

A’mya made my chocolate shake at the Cookman Creamery, and it was very special. But little did we know what fate had in store for me a few minutes later.

I took a sip; it was great.  So I strolled outside and sat down at a small table, anticipating my shake. I placed my treat on the table while I fiddled with my camera.  Just then a stiff breeze blew by and the drink flew by as well, spreading liquid joy all over the sidewalk and the table.  How embarrassing!  Should I run away ? Well that would be the worse choice.

So I hesitatingly forlornly walked back in  holding my cup, without  saying a word.  A’mya greeted me with a big smile on her face. How did she know what happened ?

“Don’t worry; I will make you another one,”  she said.

I was grateful, but how did she know what happened?

The first person to tell me how A’mya knew what had happened will win a Jack Bredin signed print by one of OG’s finest artists.  (NO WINNER.  See answer below)

I have the answer as explained to me by A’mya who had been inside and could not have seen me make my mess.

ANSWER.  A’mya had seen my body language before.  It was the way I held my cup, she said, which was what tipped her off to offer me another milk shake without my saying a word.

I went outside holding my new shake as if it were the Magna Carta–chocolate version. It was superb.

Later I learned that if you are being careful, they will make you a one scoop small sundae with anything on it. That’s my next choice at this very special ice cream parlor.  (Do you recall that term from the last century?)

BARBARA COOK  From her Live at  Carnegie Hall Concert where she performed “Ice Cream” from the show She Loves Me.