Growing up, I lived in a world of reading stories such as The Hardy Boys and Sherlock Holmes. Just the notion of having a mystery sitting right in front of you in the pages of books provided not only great entertainment but also a sense of comfort. Maybe it had something to do with solving problems on your own terms? You can put the book down and come back to it as you please, yet the problem you are solving saved its place in the universe for you to come back to. As an adult, I still very much adore these types of whodunit stories. Last week I completed The Inheritance Games book series which was a wild ride. Now I am eagerly awaiting Dan Brown’s sixth installment of his Robert Langdon series, part of the Angels and Demons and The Da Vinci Code sequence, this September.
My love of whodunits has also heavily inspired my own books I write and the research I have had published. Disentangling mysteries to discover what’s behind them has been a worthwhile pursuit, and I sincerely enjoy it. There is also a puzzle anyone of you can solve, and it is right in the heart of downtown Portland.
Before I get to this puzzle, the journey has to begin at Black Cat Frozen Custard. Housed on 2nd Avenue, they serve up some delicious potions that the whole family will enjoy. As you can tell by their name, custard is their specialty. Here you choose your base between chocolate, vanilla, or vegan soft serve, then select your vessel, such as a cup, cone, or banana split. Lastly, you pick your toppings, which include Marshmallow Crème, Strawberries, and Cheesecake pieces. They also serve up some unique drinks, such as their Orange Blossom White Chocolate Mocha and a Lava Salt Caramel Latte.
Black Cat Frozen Custard is open every day except Tuesday, and the hours are 11:00 am to 11:00 pm, but on Fridays and Saturdays, they are open until midnight. The legend behind this shop is that a witch inspired these desserts, or charms and elixirs as they like to call them. Once inside, you will feel the sense of being in a magical apothecary when between these walls. There is also a mysterious, hidden entry located somewhere inside this building, accessed only by knowing a secret passcode.
I cannot tell you the answer to the riddle because that would be too easy. What I can tell you are some hints that can get you closer. Also, while this is a family-friendly journey, you must be 13 years and older to enter. So, for the parents with teenagers, this can make for a great activity to do with them. The answer to this puzzle involves quietly saying three words, and I have come up with my riddle to help get you closer to the answer:
That of which swords are made of,
Lies the opposite of After,
Waving a white flag.
For those unsure of the answer to this riddle, you can visit the Conspirators’ Coffee Lounge website, where the answer may or may not be. Once you know the answer to the passcode, you will need to enter through the front doors of Black Cat Frozen Custard shop. From there, go to the end of the counter where dark shadows are playfully lurking and whisper it to one of the witches (employees). From there, they will place an object in your hand that will gain you access to a hidden haven. Once inside the Conspirators’ Coffee Lounge, you can choose from the same coffee and soda menu as Black Cat, such as their Chili Mocha and London Fog.
This place is a ton of fun and only slightly spooky. It also makes for a perfect outing to do with your teenager. Unfortunately, I cannot describe the inside of this coffee lounge, as it is reserved for those who have figured out the three-word passcode. However, I will say it is a unique environment that you and your family will surely love visiting.
There seems to be two sides to American coffee culture. The first one is to grab your morning coffee on your way to work or to run some errands. This fast-paced side of coffee is my most common method. For anyone wondering, we make most of our coffee from home, and my typical drink is an iced Americano with extra ice and five shots of espresso. That gives me the jolt needed to complete my daily tasks. The second side of American coffee culture is the one that moves slowly. The relaxing sips of a white chocolate mocha or enjoying an espresso from a demitasse while listening to music or reading a book. Coffee rightfully serves many purposes. If you crack the code to enter the Conspirators’ Coffee Lounge, you will find this enchanted side of coffee culture, all while getting quality time with your family.
Alex is a devoted husband and father born and raised in Portland, Oregon. He is a professional artist, author, and advisor for both Yale and Harvard University’s arts departments. His books, ‘Selling Leonardo: The Art World’s Greatest Scandal’ and ‘Holy Ghost: Decoding Leonardo da Vinci’s Final Painting’ are available wherever books are sold.