Rather than having coffee or lunch dates I favor the 5 o'clock drink at the Friars Club.  Not only is the mood "lubricated" by alcohol, but many interesting folks wander into the Lucille Ball Bar to add to the cheer and mix.

Last Thursday I met with two venerable Gotham members at the Friars and was surprised when neither ordered an alcoholic drink. I enjoyed my Patron on the rocks with a lime twist while they imbibed soft drinks. No matter how hard I pushed they refused to have an alcoholic beverage.

I'm not saying that the meeting wasn't a success or that they were more guarded because of their drinking choice, it was just surprising.

While we're on the subject of drinking choice, my favorites are Champagne,  tequila and white wine (Pino Grigio). What's yours?