With a shiny new liquor license, Chocopologie has expanded its bistro offerings, serving wine, beer and specialty drinks. There is also a wide variety of coffees and teas. Of the wine list, Fritz says, \"I agonized over the choices. Because I cannot store the bottles for an extensive list, I wanted it to be suitable to our style of food (European), affordable and top quality.\"

Daily specials include soups, sandwiches and salads. Stuffed buckwheat crepes are wonderful for brunch, lunch or supper. Signature specialties include a classic French onion soup. Favorite appetizers are the lovely crab cakes, loaded with crabmeat and lobster- stuffed raviolis. Aside from the ever-popular Nicoise and Cesar salads is a new special for fall - arugela and watercress salad with roasted potatoes, walnuts and blue cheese. Favorite entrees include coq au vin, NY strip steak and grilled duck breast over arugela with toasted almonds , figs and star anise sauce.

A four-chocolate dessert is a signature standout which stars a combination of chocolate ice cream, chocolate mousse, molten chocolate cake and layers of ganache and caramel. It\'s an easy service for two but some diners eat the whole thing!

Holiday diners will find a prix fixe menu for November and another for December. The November menu features: pumpkin raviolis in a sage coulis with toasted pumpkin seeds: herb-roasted sliced turkey breast with prosciutto and baked apples with honey, all served with green beans and home fries with an apple balsamic reduction. Dessert is a lush cranberry Cr?me br?l?e. The prix fixe - is a thankful $39. Wine not included.

The December prix fixe menu starts with potato and leek soup with bacon and truffle oil. Herb-rubbed roast tenderloin of pork, in a tangy tarragon/Dijon sauce; it\'s surrounded by grilled root vegetables; dessert is rice pudding with fruit compote served over chestnut cake. The December dinner is also $39, not including wine, drinks or tip. November and December prix fixe specials will be served all day and through the dinner hour.

Fall and winter holiday confections include a Thanksgiving -appropriate dark chocolate truffle filled pumpkin-flavored white chocolate and topped with a pumpkinseed. Fall flavors are captured in a pear-ganache filled truffle that is rolled in walnuts. Christmas chocolates are available in red or green boxes and in blue for Chanukah. Specially designed, custom-made cakes are a lovely addition to any dinner party.

(by Nancy T. Maar, a Stamford Plus and Norwalk Plus magazines food columnist)