Your New Favorite Day of the Week

Photo via official "Meatless Monday" campaign.

I spent my recent birthday week at Expanding Light, a yoga and meditation retreat in the foothills of Northern California.

And while I went with the goal of a glam detox, I came away with valuable information that'll help me enjoy a healthier and happier lifestyle.

In addition to daily yoga and meditation classes, I indulged in the most delicious vegetarian cuisine I had ever tasted. Yes, indulged. The chefs there demonstrated that you don't have to limit yourself to salads and a bunch of veggies to get a good, satisfying vegetarian meal. They incorporated whole grains, nuts, beans and tofu for a number of impressive dishes.

And, to be frank, I'm not trying to adopt a vegetarian lifestyle, but the program I endured had me researching the Meatless Monday campaign.

For at least once a week, diners are encouraged to cut out meat in order to improve their health as well as the environment. In particular, going "meatless" can reduce heart disease and carbon footprints as well as limit cancer risk and minimize water usage.

I don't know about you, but I will be visiting some unconventional restaurants to observe Meatless Monday from now on:

Off The Grid Grubbing . . .

Tim Williams (left), Brandon Baltzley (Photo: BOOM Photography!) and Troy Graves

You're already aware of fall's biggest foodie fests, but didja know about some of the more under-the-radar events happening around town?

Here's what is going down, from a few unconventional pop-up restaurants to a cocktail party with sippin' and swagger:

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:"

People Want Locally Owned!

More than 100 hungry folks waiting in line on the first day of the new M Burger at the Thompson Center. (Photo: M Burger)

So. Here's the scene during lunchtime on the first day of M Burger at the Thompson Center.

Its 100-plus person line is proof that Lettuce Entertain You's first-ever burger concept wasn't just a fad, and that folks are willing to choose local spots over the typical big-name chains!

'3 Guys in a Booth' Looking For Fab Fourth

James Rhine (left) and Jerry Azumah are two-thirds of Three Guys in a Booth. (Photo: Three Guys in a Booth)

I was particularly intrigued when the latest dining-focused media dynamo came across my radar.

OK, it does have something to do with the fact that Three Guys in a Booth—a new webisode series checking out Chicago's hottest restaurants—are all exceptionally good looking (not exactly something that happens often in this industry!), but also because of who they are.

You'll immediately recognize former Bears star Jerry Azumah, who revealed to me his fondness of food when he excitedly gave 312DD an exclusive first look at Next.

Local Bar Stars Reinvent Chocolate Martini

Godiva Chocolate Raspberry Vodka (Photo: Godiva Chocolate Vodka)

When two bottles of Godiva Chocolate Vodka—compliments of Godiva Chocolate Vodka—arrived on my doorstep one afternoon, I decided to have some fun with them.

Instead of immediately gulping them down straight out of the bottle (so chocolaty, so smooth, so incredibly rich!), I convinced two talented, local mixologists to make me some inventive cocktails you too can make at home.

GT Fish & Oyster's Johnny Costello hooked me up with about five different cocktails, which he somehow managed to pair with the rich seafood served at the River North hot spot. He used Godiva Chocolate Raspberry Vodka. One was a Negroni-style sipper he dubbed Dark, Bitter and Sweet (Hey, is that drink named after me?!).

And Chasity "Bar Star" Beasley of Fulton's on the River created sweeter, more dessert-like libations such as the Peppermint Patty. She used Godiva Chocolate Vodka in her cocktails. Think creamy, chocolate-mint ice cream.

Wanna find out what else they made and get the recipes?! Here's the story at DiningChicago.com.

Cheers!

Namaste!

Photo via flickr.com

See you Beautiful People soon! It's time for a GLAM DETOX.

312DD will be back in action Sept. 13.

XXOO