A Trip To Randall's

Maloki (real name Matt but college nicknames sometimes stick) and Mary and Heidi are coming over this evening for fondue. Maloki's doing a chocolate dessert that starts with a milk chocolate base and contains cherry liqueur. He called a little while ago and mentioned that he and Mary hadn't found the liqueur yet but were going to try again.

"Why don't you try Randall's?" I suggested. Randall's, for those who don't live in St. Louis and for those who are not borderline alcoholics, is a huge liquor store at Jefferson and 44. Amazingly huge. I've been there many times, looking for specific things like Liquor 43, as well as a good reasonably priced bottle of white wine. They are set up with large warehouse style shelving units and each type of alcohol has its own section. I didn't know they made that many kinds of gin. That sort of selection.

I offered to go for him, and he took me up on the offer. I like going there.

There were at least 6 different cherry liqueurs. I was stymied for a moment but decided if I just chose something middle of the road, I'd probably be fine. I mean, we were going to cook with the dang stuff. It didn't have to be the $50 bottle from Amsterdam or whatever.

I grabbed the bottle and walked on up to the cashier.

Who promptly carded me.

I giggled. I've never been carded in my life. She didn't crack a smile, and so I gave her my license. Then she smiled. "I've been working here about 6 weeks and I'm learning I'm a lousy judge of age."

"Hey, no big deal," I told her. "You made my day."

She kinda did.