Something Nice and Some Drops of Spice

This past weekend was quite warm in NYC and the cumbersome vertical a/c unit in my apartment does not have enough of a cooling effect for this Southern girl. (I know it's ironic but I don't handle the heat very well.) So I wondered outside in search of a cafe where I could find Arctic temps, possibly wifi, and a chair and table -not too much to ask for. I went over to 5th Ave remembering there was an art sale at the National Museum gift shop and a cafe right next door. To my horror, the cafe was dark and cavernous inside but wasn't the least bit cold. A quick turn and I headed toward Madison Ave. and a long motorcycle parade. This was the very end of the parade and was not as impressive as the beginning. (Cabs and all other cars were forced to slow down and wait for them to pass as the light changed about 4 times before the waiting cars could pass.) After this showcase, I sat down at Yura on Madison. A nice cup of cool cucumber/dill soup and chive biscuit made for a nice lunch. The cucumber was nicely pureed and horseradish was added providing a little extra bite. The biscuit was not as flavorful but had a nice texture and along with almost all the other baked goods was 2 for the price of one. (I think they were all day old goods. There's no tricking me.) As I was sitting enjoying my delicious soup, I spotted a candy from the past-spice drops! Growing up my grandmother always had these on her front room table for visitors. Occasionally, I would eat them just because it was accessible candy, but they were not exactly my favorite. I preferred the rotation of plain gum drops or jelly beans.

I can even remember the crystal container she'd put them in which I think made me believe I would/should like these spice drops even more, since they were worthy of such fine china. When I encountered them again today, it brought a smile to my face, and a great memory back to life.