Last night Brni and I met up with an old friend of his from his grad school days. Robin is gorgeous, energetic, smart and very interesting. I look forward to seeing her again someday.

We met at Monk’s Cafe, a very lively (a good hour wait for a table) restaurant/bar with very good food and a dizzying array of Belgian beers. Robin recommended a delicious, hoppy beer, the name of which I can’t remember (sigh). The mussels and pommes frits are to die for, but you probably can’t go wrong with anything on their menu. This is the third time we’ve been there and have never been disappointed with the food.

It was a lovely night, the air crisp but not too cold, parking was unusually easy for the city, and there was a nice, easy energy that was so welcome after the harried, somewhat tense Christmas holiday.

Now, for a second cup of coffee and then maybe a nap. I don’t get out much.