Keeping With The Current

Let’s face it—it’s pretty hard to find good quality cuisine around Chestnut Hill. So when I do come across a worthy establishment near campus I feel an obligation to let my audience in on the secret.

This gem that I uncovered wasn’t just some hole-in-the-wall sleepy joint. This place provided a unique experience that is unlike any other I’ve had. The service was superb, the atmosphere was jovial, and the food was absolutely mouth-watering. The best part of the experience is that I came across this place purely out of chance. Or maybe it was simply just fate. Well, let me recap the serendipitous tale of uncovering this diamond in the rough.

A couple Thursdays back, I had an urge for a delicious ice cream treat, so I made my way across the street to White Mountain to get a milkshake. I was on my way through campus when I nearly ran into this little joint. The aroma of the grilled meats filled the air, and immediately my appetite for dessert was switched for seared sausage and chicken. It was as if some greater outside force was pulling me toward the restaurant—or should I say, the stand. I couldn’t resist.

I walked up to the jolly attendant and inquired about the selection of the bistro. The employee graciously pointed upward to the sign above. In front of me was an appetizing array of options—the restaurant seemed to specialized in beef and pork sausage, offering the likes of kielbasa, Italian sausage, and hot dog. A specialty chicken dish rounded out the menu.

I elected to try the hot dog, which at $4 was a tad pricey. Nevertheless, I decided to trust the smells and make the purchase. The server then asked me if I would prefer to add peppers to my dish, which I presumed to be some sort of new age fusion that the head chef was spearheading. I took a chance and agreed to the suggestion.

I dove into the meal immediately upon getting it. I was by no means disappointed. Wrapped in a warm and cozy roll, the perfectly cooked beef link blended seamlessly with the medley of peppers. It was, simply, a perfect meal.

I was so enveloped and overwhelmed by the meal, however, that I irresponsibly forgot to check the name of the establishment. I made a vow to myself to begin a search for the stand so I could spread the good word to my friends and family. Yet, after several hours of research, I had found no leads.

I remained in a state of bewilderment until last weekend, when, at last, I came across it again. It came after I went out for a night on the town (aka Comm. Ave.) and had indulged in a few hoppy drinks. I was feeling right and returning home when I smelt that magnificent smell once again. I turned the corner and there it was—the same stand and the same good-humored employee.

Out of habit, I chose the hot dog with peppers and confidently forked over the money. Perhaps recognizing my recurring patronage, the attendant suggested that I add the shop’s patented sauce. I complied.

I really couldn’t imagine a meal better than my first trip to the stand, but, somehow, the second time exceeded all expectations, with the sauce adding a special and sweet zing. I didn’t seem to be the only one who was captured by the soothing aroma, as a boisterous line piled up behind me. The food, it seems, has the uncanny ability to get better and more popular as the night grows longer. It’s an anomaly that warrants a thorough investigation.

However, upon seeing a good friend, I was quickly drawn into a conversation and slowly pulled away from the food. Once again I had forgotten to learn the name of this soon-to-be legendary cafe. I was dejected and filled with a sense of failure, only to find comfort with my enchanting meal.

So, here I stand—obsessed with a restaurant that I can’t even name. I plead to my readers for any information regarding an establishment that fits this description. I feel that I am not the only one who knows of this well kept secret. Help bring this glistening diamond out of the rough.