Fresno Famous

I was down in the Fulton Mall a few weeks ago to see my sweety for lunch.  We took our lunch on the Mall, savoring Victor Gruen's vision, as thread-bare as it was.  Having a yummy burger and fries I spotted the Fresno Brewing Company and thought I'd diddy-bop in for a cup of joe to caffinate my afternoon.  Wandering in to the place (which looks like it's closed from the mall, for goodness sakes) and stepping up to the coffee bar I waited a while before the cheery bearded proprietor appeared, took my order, gave me a to-go cup and directed me to the caraf area.  I pressed my cup full of what appeared to be a steamy transparent tan beverage.  I was reminded me of past thin brews, weak and unsatisfying.  OK, well, that's the breaks, I thought, securing the lid on the cup for the walk back to my babie's gummint job.  Out on the mall, awash in the crass mexican commercial merchandice and aural sensations that reach out and touch the passer-by, I took a sip, expecting the disapointment that comes from cheesy preparation.

But wait, what's that?  Floral tones,  body and flavor?  I started to consume this cup of coffee that was robust and not bitter or harsh but ...can I say, subtle and delicious?  Jesus Christ! (yes, I prayed right there) This was a completely different experience than what I was expecting.  And then it was gone, leaving only a memory as I drove back to Tiny Clovis.  Once day, soon, I shall return to the Fresno Brewing Company to see if lightning strikes twice!