I recently read an article in a fitness magazine about the health benefits of a weekly, 24-hour fast. According to its author, the scientific evidence backing up the argument for a self-inflicted, one-day denial is overwhelming.

I'm usually not one for jumping on bandwagons but since my metabolism is slowing at the same rate the gray hairs are taking over the landscape, I thought I'd give this ''diet'' a whirl.

I was gung-ho about skipping breakfast but when lunch time rolled around, I was famished. What was I thinking? I can't even go two hours without feeling like Gandhi on a hunger strike. That evening, my stomach still on empty, I wound up on Hollywood Boulevard.

I couldn't resist living vicariously at Chocolada Bakery & Café (1923 Hollywood Blvd.), where customers are inhaling divine desserts. The flamenco guitarist was a distraction. I dug deep and moved on.

Wondering east, I stumbled into MegaBite Cyber Café at 1754 S. Young Circle. A kid sporting a white tank top was playing The Beatles' Dear Prudence and it was much more satisfying than even a slice of pizza. His eyes were closed, his head tilted to the side as he effortlessly strummed his Stratocaster. The musician, Stuart Simone, reinvents and transforms classic rock songs into ballads that you'll find intriguing. The café also presents reggae and rock, so call 954-237-2888 for the nightly music schedule if you want to hear Simone. On Fridays, there's an open mike/karaoke night.

Aside from music, the café is known for its bubble teas. General manager Donna Powell says they blend green tea with a scoop of ice cream -- and the cooling drink is finished off with tapioca pearls or coconut jelly. Will power prevailed and I nursed a bottle of water.

MegaBite Cyber Café has three rooms -- one looks like a hip, Greenwich Village-type java joint. Track lighting illuminates high top tables and plaques simply tell you to: ``RELAX.''

There's another room filled with computers and desk chairs; the third is for live music. Eclectic is an understatement. The blue walls are covered in Dali-esque paintings. The four couches look like they came from the basements of four families with drastically different tastes. The piano in the corner looks like it was played in the Ragtime era. And the weathered chandelier looks like one you'd see in your parents' wedding album. Perfect setting for Simone's haunting renditions of the Police's So Lonely and Blue Oyster Cult's (Don't Fear) The Reaper (more cowbell!).

It's a welcoming place to hang when you want to take a break from the typical bar scene. There are plans for beer and wine, but for now, indulge in pastries, flavored coffees, hot teas and of course the delicious bubble tea (which I can vouch for, because I finally gave in and ordered one to go).

COMING UP

• The Hush Sound, The Cab, Steel Train, The Morning Light and Hey Monday are on stage at Culture Room (3045 N. Federal Hwy., Fort Lauderdale); 7 p.m., $14 at the door.

• Extreme, King's X and Kidd Havok play Revolution Live, 200 W. Broward Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, on Saturday. The show starts at 8 p.m.; tickets are $24.

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