Who Dat?!

(Photo: 312 Dining Diva)

This talented, award-winning pastry chef sported some mighty funky-looking socks Monday at the Cafe Des Architectes' benefit for the Greater Chicago Food Depository.

Can you guess who she is?!

We're Digging On This Delightful Holiday Treat From West Town Tavern

West Town Tavern's holiday ice cream sandwich is a work of art. (Photo: West Town Tavern)

I'm a sucker for a great ice cream sandwich, so I couldn't resist this latest offering from West Town Tavern.

They've combined two festive favorites of the season—Christmas cookies and candy cane ice cream—to create this delight that should please young and old. To make it, they've folded crushed peppermint candy into their rich vanilla bean ice cream and put between sugar cookies with a hint of lemon zest. It's then drizzled with berry and chocolate sauces.

Fitness Experts' Sound Advice on Dining & Drinking During the Holidays

Shred415 instructor Mark Beier. (Photo: Shred415)

You're pretty disciplined with diet and exercise most of the time, which may tempt you to slack off during the holiday season. But a few fitness experts around town advise that while it's okay to treat yourself occasionally, don't allow the indulgence to completely throw you off your plan.

Further, recommends Flywheel Chicago instructor Antonia DeSantis, eating healthier on your own when you're not at holiday gatherings is more important than ever.

"Make sure you are eating extra clean when you aren't celebrating," DeSantis says. "Your daily food intake should remain healthy to offset the heavier foods at the parties."

That's some pretty solid advice! Here are some additional tips from DeSantis as well as other fitness experts on what to eat and where they enjoy wining and dining in Chicago.