Drinking and writing

I’m learning to drive a stick shift, and my roomie is patient enough to tutor me. A cruising lesson found us at Gunther’s Ice Cream Shop (2801 Franklin Boulevard). A clown cone, four scoops and three embarrassing stalls later we were home, but not without Gunther’s homemade eggnog in tow. A quart of the perfectly balanced holiday brew is $3.65. It’s silky and creamy, but not too rich, and sweet with just the right hint of clove and nutmeg spice. You don’t even need the brandy, although it wouldn’t hurt. No driving after that, though—manual or automatic.