Merge

The Northgate Soda Shop---perhaps you've heard of it? It exists on the outskirts of Main Street, after you could swear you've entered strictly residential territory. And they don't lie when they claim that sundries await you inside. Upon entering, your face is melted by the vast array of vintage bottles and other knickknacks from a bygone era, an era of attack waitresses, hot caramel soda, and condemned buildings.

The atmosphere is cozy, and I salute the Soda Shop for actually having a circular table big enough to fit all seven of us comfortably. Their menu is chock full of variety, yet each of us played our cards close to the vest and ordered something with the word burger in the title. But Mike went out on a sturdy branch and decided to partake of the Chris Evans Burger, a treat that is no doubt based on a proud Evans family tradition of slapping a fried egg onto an otherwise nondescript bacon cheeseburger. Most of us also enjoyed a side of crinkle fries and coleslaw, and still others drank their fill of Cherry Pepsi while I settled for a strawberry milkshake.

Our experience was quite indicative of what one would expect from one of these "hole in the wall" joints---a pleasant dining experience that doesn't knock your socks off, but still provides a laid-back setting for friends and coworkers to gather and discuss such matters as must-see films or upcoming video game tournaments. More is likely to be said of these endeavors in due course. Until then, the brainstorming commences for next week's Phunky Phriday, which I am confident will extend the streak of Xtreme Phunkiness we have already enjoyed.