this **** is bananas, b-a-n-a-n-a-s!
A long oh no with a hint of remorse as we join the usual long queue. ʻʻDon’t worry, Kate,’’ my boyfriend attempts to calm me down, ʻʻyou deserve it.’’ Okay, I do. After all, I got the job.
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We’ve been wandering around Camden Lock market all day long. The initial I-just-need-to-get-my-mom-earrings has matured into bankruptcy in a physical form of a CD, a non-gmo set of skincare products and an indulgence in Columbian street food and nachos, all vegan of course. More than filling but the latter needs to be finished off with something sweet. And there is no other better place for that than Cookies and Scream. Sounds familiar? I know; I was here just a couple of days ago with my friend. Good thing I live in London and don’t need to pull my swimming suit out of the drawer.
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ʻʻWhat would you like to have?’’ a charming lady with pin up curls interrupts the discussion my boyfriend and I are having; a very meaningful one.
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Chocolate shake with peanut butter, cookies and cream for him, alright. And for me?
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Cookie sandwich has always been my go-to when visiting this multilcutural and artistic borough of north west London. Should be given a loyalty card or at least some form of privilege as an acknowledgment of reaching Camden as my destination more frequently than my wallet might consider to be necessary…
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I’ve had multiple foodgasms with Ginger Ninjas and Chocolate Hombre cookie sandwiches. Perfect amount of salt, which is highly valued in my eyes. Or taste buds. Be safe and go for this or let the waitress surprise me? Inspired by my boyfriend’s rather creative mix, I opt for the second one. Never been much of a donut lover, therefore I decide to hand my last banknote for a thick slice of banana bread with a scoop of ice cream. Why not go full on with a cheat meal? Or a cheat day.
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Within minutes, a glass of a thick shake with chocolate cookie balls and ice cream on top is ready to be followed by warm banana bread. To the invitation to try his creamy drink, I say no and dig straight into the cake.
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For a couple of minutes, there is no polite encouragement coming from me for my boyfriend to have a spoonful of banana bread. Or a spoonful of goodness.
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Melted dark chocolate chips contrast with warm banana bits joining together in a scrumptious and somewhat sensual duet. Sensual seduction in Snoop Dogg’s words. Vanilla ice cream infiltrates the bread as if it were a sponge and mixes with gooey chocolate. No words come over my lips that are covered in ice cream; eating manners are the least important matter when at Cookies and Scream. But being the kind and generous soul I am, I push my plate towards him. He takes a bite as I am licking my sticky fingers not to let any chocolate get wasted. Not because of my inner Scrooge but because it’s chocolate; moreover, dark chocolate.
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Just like always when we go out to eat, he admits ʻʻThis is so much better than mine,’’ as he offers me his beverage. I have a sip. And I do agree; maybe women do have a more trustworthy gut feeling after all.
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As he slowly sips his way through his £4 calorific disaster our morning run certainly does not require, two young women stand behind us. Without finding out their intentions, I become a sales assistant. ʻʻGet this or the cookie sandwich,’’ a strong recommendation while having my final climax of dizziness and enjoyment. No reluctance or doubt; the waitress will soon serve two more customers. Or maybe three, an instant thought as I finish my dessert.
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This time, however, student life is not something I could joke about – I am actually broke. But do not hesitate to give me a call when going to Camden. Payday’s soon.