I don't get down to Little Italy much in New York, but I happened to be there last Saturday night, wandering the streets as I waited to meet a friend at a local bar. I remembered the famed Florio's was nearby - a place I hadn't been in years - and decided to stop by.

Of course, this being New York under His Majesty Bloomberg, smoking is ostensibly forbidden in all but a few favored joints that have received a special dispensation. Florio's, sadly, was not among them. Still, I popped in and saw that, despite the prominent "no smoking" signs and lack of ashtrays, everybody was smoking.

I made my selection from their excellent stock. (And if you don't see what you want, just ask. He may have a few boxes in the back.) Then I started talking to the owner, Larry. Larry seems to be a fomer marine. It's apparent in not only the militaria themed decor of the place but in his whole demeanor. He can rail endlessly and justly about Bloomberg and his technocratic seizure of the city, and he is also a firm advocate of our freedom to smoke.

Anyway, this guy has incurred 65K in fines from state and city officials. He is battling it in court, his lawyers arguing that the law is unconstitutional. I asked what we, the lowly customers, could do to help. He said he wanted nothing from his customers except for them to keep patronizing his business.

And so I will. I urge everyone in NYC, the tri-state area, or visitors, to patronize his excellent establishment. He's on Grand St. in Little Italy.

By the way, I had an excellent Monte 2 that night sitting outside with an old girlfriend, sipping espresso and chianti. This is what this city is all about, kids.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Scottological,

Scott

I will make a special effort to go down there it sounds like my kind of place. thank you for leting us know ab out Florio's