Kamerian Soda Fountains are dining and drinking establishments found throughout Kameria. (as well as more sporadically throughout the rest of Erdezwei). They offer seating both at the fountain itself, as well as tables away from the main serving space. The format of a soda fountain is much like that of a bar or pub, with the exception of only serving alcohol within specified evening hours. They also often sell food, but focus is placed primarily on various beverages made with carbonated water.
History
Similar establishments, in the form of pubs and taverns, have existed since the Age of the Ancients, and became a staple of everyday life in the Age of Iron; especially as a meeting place for parties of adventurers. The first soda fountains were merely taverns that also invested in early carbonation devices. The two kinds of establishment began to become distinct from one another in the Age of the Boiler. A growing taboo against day drinking among the nations of the Kamerian Peninsula culminated in bans against serving alcohol for on-premise consumption during daylight hours.
To recoup the loss in operable hours, those same taverns that invested in carbonation machines began to place heavier focus on soda beverages. This resulted in the invention and proliferation of such classics as the Egg Cream and the Fruit Rickey. People continued to meet at these establishments before heading out into the wilds, but did so after consuming these non alcoholic beverages instead. Some even came to prefer the soft beverages, finding the fizz and flavored mineral water an invigorating start to long hours in the yet unconquered stretches of the land.
Menu Items
Following with the general Kamerian conception of soda, fountains offer less in the way of preset beverage choices, and more a variety of styles, flavorings, garnishes and toppings chosen by a given customer. Where visual menus are provided, they'll usually take the form of a list of customizable options that can be chosen piecemeal, as well as a few suggestions and house specialties. Food items, however, tends to be presented on a more traditional menu format.
One notable choice that can be made at most fountains is to order the Kaiser-sized version of any drink; which upgrades it from a mere beverage to a bowl that's nearly big enough to be an entree in its own right. It's a popular choice with couples and challenge eaters. As well as those who just really, REALLY love a given soda. A kaiser can also be ordered to-go, and sipped on off-premises throughout a given day.
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