THE HIDEAWAY'S CHOCOLATE MARTINI

I found out some of my favorite people in the world were moving to Boulder, and it was totally bumming me out. I figured The Hideaway on Dunvale (3122 Dunvale Rd., 713-977-3515) would be the perfect place to shake off my blues, and, boy, did I hit the jackpot. First, Big Daddy Ernest mixed me up a chocolate martini that was so good, it made my toes curl. Then there was the amusing drunk girl pontificating on the pleasures of life — loud enough for everyone in the bar to hear. Sex was number one on her list, and she was adamant that women must have sex every day. Right on, sister, I'll jump on that bandwagon. Number two on her list was the subject of careers, and I have to admit she was a little less coherent about this, but she did say not to work at a job you hate. More than a few people around me said amen to that jewel. When she moved on to music and proclaimed that the '80s produced some of the best music ever (now that's just crazy talk), I decided to head out and see if I could at least accomplish number one on her list.

1 1/2 ounces well vodka

1 1/2 ounces crème de cacao

Generous squirt of Hershey's syrup

Mix all ingredients in a shaker and pour into a chilled martini glass.