Doughnut for a Snowman
We recall a frigid winter day in 1998 when snow fell in Buena Vista Park. Real snow, not overzealous flocking caught on the wind. Our father had mentioned seeing such a thing during the mid ’70s, but we chalked this up to wishful thinking abetted by the indulgences of the age. Then it happened in Berkeley in 2008. Still, even if we could guarantee snow on city streets every 10 years, it would be rarer than reindeer poop. Thankfully, we’ve got Snow Day in the Gourmet Ghetto. Not since the Cheese Board brought the baguette to Berkeley has such a lovely tradition grown from this fertile enclave. (OK, real coffee and Chez Panisse were a nice touch). The weather report between Rose and Vine promises a 100 percent chance of snow flurries — rain date: Dec. 13 — with a 78 percent chance of holiday wishes coming true if you visit the Snow Queen. There will be singers, trumpeters, brightly festooned ponies (wish fulfillment does not include ponies), hot cider, doughy confections, balloon animals, and snowball fights for all.
