I Want Mussels!

One of my good girlfriends almost passed out when I sent her info on the seventh-annual Mussels Festival, which kicks off Friday and continues through Sept. 30.

Apparently, they're at their peak this time of year, so a number of local restos that make up the Chicago Originals take advantage and celebrate with unique offerings on their menus.

And what's even better is that if you go to the Chicago Originals website, you can print out coupons for 50 percent off regular prices at participating restaurants like Cyrano's Bistrot, Hemmingway's Bistro, Oceanique and May St. Cafe.

Looks like we're having mussels every week until the end of the month!

The Best Fries in the City?!

Foie Gras Fries from Big and Little's. (Photo via Serious Eats)

Betcha didn't know today was National Double Cheeseburger Day. And what goes better with a juicy, homestyle burger than a perfect side of crispy French fries?!

These days, however, some places specialize in fries so well that they can stand out on their own.

And so you don't have to traipse all over town looking for the best ones around, Serious Eats did all the hard work for you with its Chicago: 10 French Fries We Love rundown.

In their quest to pick superior spuds, they "measured texture (that important balance between crisp outsides and fluffy insides), cooking styles, toppings, and most importantly of all, flavor:"