Musing on McDonald's

When I think of McDonald's, the first thing that comes to mind is French fries. They're big on taste -- not to mention calories -- but I hate that they're inedible once they turn cold. Lucky for us fast-food junkies, the same thing can't be said about their McCafé Mocha.



The restaurant is offering customers a free sample on Mondays (July 13 to August 3) from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.; coffee lovers can choose the seven-ounce iced drink or the eight-ounce regular drink. (My neighborhood restaurants don’t sell it, so I had to settle for an 11.5-ounce iced coffee with a shot of caramel for $2.37¢.) Starting -- or ending -- your day with an energy boost is essential to surviving in New York, and this promotion even offers health benefits like warding off Alzheimer's disease.



According to Consumer Reports, McDonald's serves the best coffee. Head to your nearest restaurant and decide for yourself.

Musing on Godiva

Chocolate. Ice cream. They taste great individually, but even better together.



Godiva has put a new twist on these desserts with the unveiling of their ice cream parlor truffles, and the chocolatier's offering a free sample to customers through July 9.



After being lured through its doors by the colorful displays, an employee approached me with a tray of Mango truffles. I was touched by the show of hospitality, and helped myself to one of the pieces. The chocolate was thick but chewy, while the fruit was fleshy and sweet. Its taste reminded me of a chocolate-covered cherry, and the unlikely combination stimulated my curiosity about the other flavors (Coffee Gelato, Hazelnut Gelato, Mint Chocolate Chip, Neapolitan, and Pecan Caramel Sundae).



I settled on buying an Oranges and Crème truffle for $2.15¢. It was tart and fluffy, with no chocolate aftertaste. That made for a nice surprise -- one I wanted to experience again, but my schedule wouldn't let me. I spent a few more minutes savoring the sorbet-inspired treat before departing the store feeling lighter than cotton candy.



Godiva is providing a rare opportunity to fuel one's sugar rush without breaking the bank. Don't hesitate to take advantage of this moment of sweet indulgence.

Musing on Concerts

If you're a music fan hoping to see your favorite acts perform live this summer without ending up in the poorhouse, you don't have to deal with questionable characters on Craigslist or wait in line at a concert venue's box office -- just go to the park.



Central Park is hosting its free SummerStage performing arts festival through August 16. Genres ranging from opera and dance to hip-hop and world music are represented at the annual event, and one of the gigs I want to attend is the August 9 concert featuring Chrisette Michele, Jazmine Sullivan, and Jon B..



Another show I wouldn't mind checking out is Big Daddy Kane at Prospect Park on August 8. Having the rap pioneer do a free show to help "Celebrate Brooklyn!" -- the annual fête runs through August 15 -- is a great opportunity for me to relive my youth ... and, if I'm lucky, he'll include jams like "Ain't No Half-Stepping" and "I Get the Job Done" in his set.



Those looking for nostalgia can find it at Asser Levy Park, where Brooklyn Concerts is having its annual Seaside Summer Concert Series on Thursdays from July 16 to August 27. Among the acts taking the stage for free are Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons on July 30 and Blondie on August 13. (They also manage the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Concert Series, held at Wingate Park on Mondays from July 13 to August 24.)



These events prove that you don't have to go through Live Nation or Ticketmaster to see a worthwhile performance. Join your fellow New Yorkers at the park for some good music and even better times -- the only thing it'll cost you is a few hours.