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Don’t cry over steamed milk? Why not?
Posted on March 16, 2007 by kraus2686
Filed Under Clinton, Downtown, Noah's posts |
Steamed milk. I know it sounds like something you’d give to a baby who won’t go to sleep. Well, maybe that says something about myself, but I love the stuff. Throw in a shot of amaretto and it’s like chicken soup for the soul — except it’s milk … and it’s for the stomach. It’s just good, OK?
The Basket Beanery has been one place in town I’ve been able to find it on those particularly stressful days when deadlines are staring me down. I won’t be able to get them there anymore. Beanery Owner Fran Oyama says she’s closing shop by the end of the month — and she wouldn’t tell us on the record why. Of course we all know that downtown Clinton is a tough place for small businesses.
More importantly, though, the closure of the Beanery is just one more local service establishment going the way of the dodo bird. Remember Mary Jane’s? Man, those were good doughnuts. I was always convinced they could substitute as a spare tire if they weren’t so soft and creamy.
Where do you get your coffee? We’ll stay on this story and have more for you next week.
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26 Responses to “Don’t cry over steamed milk? Why not?”
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“Remember Mary Jane’s?”
I think you mean Betty Jane’s…
Wow, have they been gone for so long that I’ve forgotten their name?! You’re right, it was Betty Jane’s!
Too bad the shop is closing. It seemed like it was a nice place.
I’ve heard that there has been several police investigations since John Rousseau has been spotted there and the owner shut down because of that.
@ Crystal:
Um, yeah. Source?
Crystal, the Times & Courier has a source who says they are willing to go on the record about the closing after the end of the month, but we’ve heard nothing about John’s presence having anything to do with it.
That was Crystal’s lame attempt at trolling. Forget it…
The Beanery has been my favorite local place for cappuccino and a bagel or pastry for almost two years. Over time, I got to know several of the “regulars” and always enjoyed their casual conversation. There, I have purchased many custom-made baskets and even some toys and jewelry. From my very first time at the Beanery, after being greeted by Fran or by one of her part-time workers, I always felt welcome and enjoyed my stay.
Concerning the reason that the Beanery is closing, I believe that only Fran has the details and it is not fair for anyone else to speculate on this matter. I do know, however, that the closing is not because of John Rousseau. It is not because someone regularly sits there and plays her flute or because someone talks loudly on his cell phone or because someone’s child sits in another customer’s seat.
I also know that I will miss the Beanery and all that Fran has done for her customers and for the local community.
The reason that I mentioned John’s name is because he told me that the Beanery was closing and that he feared because he is dating the owner that his record and the news story on his selectmans election was the reason because he is always in there. Me and John were in there a couple of days ago and it still looked like it had alot of customers. I met John there when I first moved to Clinton. It is too bad that we are losing another landmark in town.
It should come as no surprise why the shop is closing. Clinton is a very difficult place to run a small business and even more difficult when you are located on High Street.
John Rousseau is certainly not the reason for the shop closing and it is comical that some would think that he the reason. There is limited parking available and not only that but the rents are not getting any cheaper up there. The cost of the supply has gone up but the damand has leveled off and lately is seems that is even starting to go down. With the economy in its current state this is just more proof that the American dream of owning your own business is much harder than we ever thought it would be.
It’s disappointing to see a great little shop like The Beanery closing. While I’m not from Clinton, I have spent a few afternoons there getting to know some of the local people. I’m disappointed that I will not be able to stop by when I’m in town. I wish Fran the best in whatever future plans she may have. I’m sure some Clintonians will feel somewhat displaced after loosing The Beanery. The heart of your community can be seen in that little shop and the people who can be found there.
Dear Crystal,
About Mr. Rousseau.
To say such a statement is infantile and nothing more than moral repugnance.
You seem to be yet another clinton citizen that has been overtaken by the “John Rousseau Fetish”.
Go figure, can people not let somebody get on with their life?
I thought that was what the american society was about, if not, i am very mistaken and ashamed to be a part of such peoples presence as it constitutes behavior contrary to the public good.
Do you have anything to support your outrageous statement as to whomever he may or may not be seeing? I find it rather odd that he is seen everywhere and to no avail, never with a female. I am not insinuating anything as to his social life but meerly stating the obvious and not some sort of pipe dream.
I have a really great idea.
This whole situation has not a thing to do with John Rousseau.
There is not a hint of a shred of anything confirming such so lets keep to the topic of frans coffee shop closing.
Period.
Thus lets knock off the ANARCHIC RABBLE-ROUSING and keep on topic.
Not much of a surprise, another High St. business closing. It is easier for me to get in my car and drive to Dunkin Donuts or even Starbucks in Leominster, where I can get there and back before I’ve even found a parking spot on High Street.
I agree with An Outsider Looking In. There is no reason to think Jon Rousseau is the reason for the Beanery closing its doors but it is odd that Jon’s name is brought up so much. It almost seems like he may be this “Crystal” person just to attract attention to himself just like his possible run for the Selectman’s seat. Whatever the situation may be I wish Fran the best of luck with her on line business.
i can tell you for sure HE IS NOT this crystal person! i also wish fran best wishes….
KitKat, are you yet another person caught up in the “John Rousseau Fetish”?
I highly doubt that he would have to do that to get into the spotlight, there has been plenty of times where he has done that without the help of others.
Also, this is not a forum that is displayed like a discussion forum would be, I know he is on a few.
Also, you are getting off the topic, its about the beanery, plain and simple.
wow kit, youre sure hot about my publicity and my politics..
you cant even spell my name right..yet another person thats mad at me that has to learn gooder english..
oh well, seeing that im here, id like to thank all of my supporters and will see you next year at the polls..
seeing that im “dating the owner” and have “brought police investigations there” and thats why the beanery is closing, mabye i should cash in my shares and stock options and retire to the bahamas…
RIGHT!!!
frans a great person and a caring mother, to trash her and then to trash me because of me being there is stupid..
she provides a great place to sit and watch high street while eating a pastry or drinking a coffee or both…
it sucks that shes closing and i hope she does great online and is able to continue with her business…
good luck fran,
john
If John is Crystal than he slimmed down about 150 pounds. It is great to see that some people secretly admire John so much and have such an obsession with him that they always seem to find a way to include him in the conversation no matter it may be about. Oh well maybe when I choose John Rousseau as my running mate for the next election I can take advantage his popularity so that the voters will stuff the ballot box. His attention will save me from buying votes.
9m, thanx, ill be sure to be your campain manager, ill even vote for you too..
Since the unfortunate closing of the Beanery is inevitable, many sitdown and takeout customers will have to seek other establishments for their coffee, tea, bagels, pastry, etc.
Personally, I have already replaced those former peaceful morning sitdown experiences with several coffee houses, diners and cafes in the surrounding towns.
I do feel badly, however, for the few regular customers who rely on this local experience as part of their daily routine and do not have the means to travel daily to other communities.
Regarding the woman who regularly plays the flute and the man who continually talks loudly on his cell phone and the child who, with his parent’s knowledge, sits in another customer’s chair, it is my hope that they keep their activities local.
Fran, I wish you the best and look forward to seeing your new store online. Your community will miss you.
“and one time at band camp………”
looks like the pied piper brought out the rats and drove out the business patrons
toot toot on the magical flute, if you play it here the consumers will scoot
you sit and play both night and day, darn it all you drove all the people away
you playing causes us to cry and to weep, thats only because it gives us the creeps
thats all for now i gotta run, but youll be back you son of a gun
but before i must go please let me to say, get in that big car and just keep driving away
let me say im sorry for whats been said
the fried piper is after all one of the greatest fables of all
sorta like rumpled fore…….
alright, thats enough….
this is about the beanery, not its visitors…
once again the point is fran leaving…
ENOUGH TROLLING!!!!!!!!
well, its over, the sign was taken down and the keys handed in…
as of before midnight on march 31, the beanery was finished and closed…
good luck fran
beans beans theyre good for your heart, the more you eat the more you f@rt……
the more you f@rt the better you feel, so well grind beand for every meal…..
great luck fran, roast em, toast em, and brew em up nice!!!!