Middleton’s Tavern was always busy during a nice spring afternoon and today was no exception. Out on the nice patio, people were enjoying respectful conversation while enjoying their meals and – thankfully – not being very raunchy.
Alfred Jones and his newfound friend walked up to the red-painted wood of the tavern as the younger was explaining more about all of the cool places they had seen. The small ringing of the bell alerted the store owner – who was always present – to the two entering men.
“Hey, Al!” The elderly gentleman greeted from behind the counter of the classy sports bar. “Who’s this?” He asked, tilting his head toward Arthur. Al was always a welcome face and was quite the regular but almost never brought guests with him even though he was quite popular over at the local college – St. John’s.
“Hey, Mr. Rockford!” Alfred smiled and introduced the pair, explaining how he was taking him on a personal walking tour of Annapolis while he was stuck here. Even though the day had barely started, they had already covered many of the historic places – which of course Al knew like the back of his hand – such as the Naval Academy, the Carroll House, St. Mary’s Church and Church Circle. It was about time they took a lunch break.
“Well, y’ won’t do much better ’n Al if y’ want a good tour.” Mr. Rockford admitted as he showed them to an empty table on the patio. “Here,” he set down a local beer for Arthur and a Diet Coke for Alfred and two plates of crab cakes. “on the house.”
“Thanks a bunch!” The latter smiled again, already digging into his food.
Of which looked incredibly bizarre to the Brit. What on earth are these things? He thought. However, he was a British gentleman and refused to be rude. So, taking a small and polite bite, he decided to taste the peculiar dish.
And found he extremely enjoyed it.
