Monday, January 26, 2009

Ray's Candy

Since I usually go to Ray's Candy on Avenue A for egg creams, it's rare that I go during the winter (warm weather being best for egg creams). But Bob Arihood's recent updates on the imperiled state of this landmark hole in the wall are making me nervous, so I figured it was time for a cold-weather egg cream.



I lucked out to find Ray himself behind the counter. He was looking sprightly, busy frying up some burgers for a well-heeled couple. Mixing a perfect, frothy egg cream for me, he said he was feeling well and recalled the time Hot Dog slammed a cellar door on his head.

The kindly couple whispered to each other, "I think this guy must be someone special around here," as they pulled bills from their Louis Vuitton wallets to pay for their Obama fries and burgers.

(*Last night was also Ray's birthday party, complete with burlesque dancer--no wonder he was feeling sprightly!)



Ray is seriously working the Obama angle--selling Obama socks, fries, burgers, and these air-brushy looking t-shirts. The hook seems to successfully bring in customers. While I was there, more than one touristy type came in to giddily ask, "What are Obama fries?"

They're fries, regular fries, Ray explained. Just like his Obama socks are regular, white sweatsocks (selling the sizzle, Ray has written "OBAMA" in red Magic Marker on their packages).

"Aww," the touristy type said, disillusioned by the reality of Obama fries, "Nothing special, huh?"

7 comments:

Melanie said...

All of Ray's food and products are great!!Best egg creams ever!!!best Obama fries and sauces. I love Ray and have for over 27 years!!!

Anonymous said...

"Nothing special"?

Everything about Ray's is special, tourists!

Anonymous said...

The Obama tee shirts must be new--I really love them--some of the nicest and most creative ever!!!!

TudorCity Girl said...

Found your blog while googling Ray's. Great egg creams!! I hope it never leaves the city.
Excellent blog you have.. Nice work!

TudorCityGirl

http://tudorcitygirl.blogspot.com

Eden Bee said...

Interesting party, it was!

Rutila said...

Thanks for recommending Ray's! I brought home two delicious egg creams and snacked on Obama fries last night.

Unknown said...

HELP DONATE TO RAYS

WE'RE TRYING TO KEEP HIM FROM GETTING EVICTED

PAYPAL TO SAVERAYSCANDYSTORE@GMAIL.COM

EVERY CENT COUNTS!