www.montereycountynow.com JULY 3-9, 2025 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 39 CHILL When almost anyone spots the magic phrase “root beer float” on a menu, there is a little tug of enthusiasm. This is true of young and old alike—the combination of the soft drink and vanilla ice cream is good-natured temptation in a glass. But there were other versions of the treat. Some, like the Purple Cow (think grape soda and ice cream) have largely disappeared. Others faded in popularity for no known reason, other than the fact that the creamy nature of root beer nestles so comfortably into a few scoops of vanilla. The Coke float is one of the latter, a restaurant rarity—although recently social media influencers have made it something of a virtual sensation. The Creperie Cafe in Seaside brought both to their new menu. While the root beer float is plush and smooth, when Coke foams over ice cream, the sensation is more distinct. The familiar savor of the soft drink rides over the vanilla. Sparks of nutty, bitter cola stand apart, yet the impression yields to a lingering creamy, almost fruity note akin to candied cherry. They serve sugar-free soda at the shop, allowing ice cream to provide all the sweetness needed. Floats became a staple during the soda shop era—and beyond. The ice cream float dates back to Philadelphia in the 1870s, although there is a more colorful origin tale set in a Colorado mining town. Soda jerk patter gave them names like “Black Cow” or “Brown Cow,” which can still be heard regionally. No matter. Coke or root beer (or even ginger ale), floats bring a smile. The Creperie Cafe, 1123 Fremont Blvd., Seaside. 901-3900. Cow, Boy Root beer is familiar, but at The Creperie Cafe you can have a Coke float and smile, too. By Dave Faries SEND IDEAS TO: chill@montereycountynow.com DAVE FARIES Voted BEST Appetizer/Small Plates ’24 Locals’ Favorite: Weekly Specials & Patio Dining Tapas Happy Hour, 4:30–6pm | Dinner starting at 4:30pm Brunch Saturday & Sunday 9am–1:30pm | Open for Breakfast daily Reservations recommended 831-375-0176. estebanrestaurant.com Adjacent to Casa Munras Garden Hotel & Spa | 700 Munras Ave., Monterey Easter Sunday Brunch April 20, 9am-2pm VALIDATED PARKING 136 OLIVIER ST. MONTEREY NEAR OLD FISHERMAN’S WHARF (831) 644-9007 WWW.BENIHANA.COM OPEN DAILY FOR LUNCH AND DINNER EXPERIENCE THE ORIGINAL Make 4th of July Weekend Reservations ♦ 3 Card Poker ♠ Century 21st No Bust Black Jack ♣ Texas Hold’em ♥ FULL BAR! BLACKJACK BONUS POINTS PAYS UP TO $20,000 SMALL TOWN BIG PAYOUTS! 1-800-Gambler • GEAR-000383, GEAR-000376, GEAR-000375 The Marina Club Casino ensures the safety and security of all guests and team members at all times, while providing exceptional service. 204 Carmel Ave. Marina 831-384-0925 casinomonterey.com ♠ ♣ ♥ ♦ Just minutes from Downtown Monterey Where Monterey Comes To Play
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