So I was mulling this over the other night at the Book Co-op, while drinking one of Mr. Lidster’s mulled wine creations. I know, the irony screamed louder then the cloves!
What place do I frequent that I am usually happy when I am there?
Of course, Monks is a DaCola staple, but the peeps working there lately are turning into real snots.
The Hat is usually hit or miss, unless you run into Joe Sneve, which is usually full of some Jack Daniels wisdom.
Of course there is always Sunday Vikings football at The Orion and something my friend Marvelous refers to as ‘just pizza’ (it’s a compliment).
But to be honest with you, my happy place is the Book Co-op.
Doesn’t matter what time I pop into the place, I always meet someone new that either just moved here or are traveling, run into old friends or have a very funny yet uncomfortable conversation with folks.
No judgement!
And I think that is what makes the place so incredible. A school teacher and immigrant from Wales decided to open this place and after the teacher flew the coop, literally, Mr. Sion Lidster took it over.
I would have never guessed there was a lot of Bohemians in Wales, but Mr. Lidster takes on the roll very well.
Besides weird snacks from the hidden kitchen, they serve all kinds of beverages from tea & coffee, to Delta 8, to beer and wine.
While the poetry readings, concerts and freak shows are really worth the visit (and they sell awesome used books, stickers and merchandise) it is really the parade of regulars and non-regulars that make the place!
It is common place to have multiple convos about international peace, sex, gender rights, sex, global warming, sex, gun rights, sex, etc, etc, any given night you walk in there, and it is embraced!
I also love the owner Sion (pronounced SHON). You know how people say straight men can have a man crush, Sion would be mine. He loves to drink, he loves to write poetry, he loves great literature, music* and art and he ain’t bad looking.
I tell people often if you ever want to walk out of your element while in DTSF – this is your place. I always walk in with a smile, and leave with a bigger one!
*His 80’s new wave playlist is identical to my CD collection of the same era!