To serve...one scoop at a time.

We have almost made it. The Dari Serv will soon remove its “Gone Fishin” sign and the citizens of Durham and Middlefield will rejoice and be merry.  There is always a twinge of sadness and longing when you drive by the Dari Serv during the cold months when it is closed. But, when I saw a little crocus peek its petals out yesterday, I knew we wouldn’t have to wait long before I could have a scoop of the most delicious cake batter ice cream.  When you live in a small town with a very limited variety of restaurants to choose from, the loss of the Dari Serv if only for a few months is a challenge. So you city folks are wondering why would a country bumpkin miss this place? In a small town, you are virtually guaranteed to see a friend at the Dari Serv. The place serves the purpose of a quick play-date for kids or little departure from reality for grown-ups.    For a half-hour, you can talk to a friend, a schoolteacher, make a business opportunity, celebrate a victory or a good report card, or contemplate your day. Even those that have moved from town will relish in the thought of the memories made there.  For some reason the scoops seem bigger than any other ice cream parlor. The black and white cow that stands out front so eccentrically seems to lure us into the parking lot.  It has etched such a memory in Peter’s head that he created an exact replica of the Dari Serv made out of Legos for the Durham Fair.  God only knows why it is spelled Dari Serv, but based on the amount of local schoolteachers that are regulars; I guess it’s OK because they don’t seem to mind the misspelling. So the truth is that perhaps there is a reason that the name contains the word, “serve”. It serves a small town and its people on a personal level helping create smiles.  The success of this ice cream gem proves that small businesses will always have a place in our hearts.  I hope the Dari Serve continues to add flavor to our lives one scoop at a time.