Hot, hot, hot, hot... Chocolate

In a city where a Remy Side Car goes for $23 in the King Cole Bar, an $8 cup of hot chocolate isn't that crazy. Not for what it is: thick goopy elegance that coats your mouth in a smooth layer of cocoa-sin. It's really something of a bargain for anyone used to living in NYC. Or, maybe I've been here too long.

Maison Du Chocolate is in the T.A.O. (Tourist Area of Operations). 30 Rockefeller Center (at 49th) and most folk, fresh from shaking signs at the Today Show, are scared off by the prices. For me, it's a convenient location on a cold and rainy afternoon. The kind of afternoon made for a Nooner at the Algonquin. But if you can't do that -- drinking hot chocolate at Maison Du Chocolate is the next best thing. Maybe it's the fourth best thing. Certainly it's in the top ten.

Friday Belt: Green & Orange Sidecar

Hands down my favorite Leather Man tartan belt. The Buchnan pretty much goes with any color because every color is in it. The orange cords are Italian, washable and they'll get you a free coffee at ING Cafe on Friday. The Golf Foxtrot threw them in the dryer and now they're very hi - water. And that's ok. They're perfect for slushing through NY winters in LL Bean Boots.

The other Friday belt is an opportunity to hoist my frugal flag: Brandy. Decaumont has been aged 10 years, it's made in France and can be had for $15 to $20. It's softer than a VSOP cognac at a third of the price. Perfect for mixing. Legend claims the Sidecar cocktail was invented during WW I in Paris by an American army captain who rode in a motorcycle's sidecar to the bar he invented it in . That makes me so proud.

It's classic and like all things classic - it's simple. 2oz of Brandy. 2oz of Cointreau. 1oz of fresh squeezed lemon juice. Shake with ice and strain into a chilled martini glass. Tart and sweet with cinnamon undercurrent from the Brandy. It's amazing.

I remember hearing old folks order these at a road house just west of Lake Bluff, IL on 176. That was 1990. Now I'm old folk drinking 'em. In my hi - water orange cords. Life is going by fast and like my father told me...it's just like a roll of toilet paper. The closer you get to the end - - the faster it goes.