It's A Busy, Busy January . . .

Big Star truck is setting shop outside Koval Distillery later this month. Photo via Time Out Chicago.

Not everyone is hibernating this month.

Those taking the boozy tours at Ravenwood's Koval Distillery can finally get some sustenance, well at least on Wednesdays. That's when Food Truck Wednesdays happens, featuring a different meal on wheels each week. They'll set up shop an hour before each tour begins and will be outside when it's done.

First up this Wednesday is Getta Polpetta, which specializes in gourmet meatballs. Duck N Roll (Jan. 18) offers tasty Vietnamese cuisine, while TaqueroFusion (Jan. 25) features Latin-influenced eats. Look for the trucks at 7pm.

A special event happens Saturday, Jan. 28 with ChicaGourmets and the Big Star Food Truck, which will serve up a DIY taco bar. That occurs 3 and 5pm.

Other cool stuff going down in January:

Why Paul McGee Should Stay in Logan Square

Paul McGee photo via This Is A Cocktail Blog

Last week, The Whistler's head mixologist Paul McGee made a shocking announcement that he was leaving the popular Logan Square cocktail lounge to head up a future project by Jerrod, Molly and R.J. Melman.

The new project is based in River North, and I'm guessing that it'll be the planned Melmans' country and western-themed lounge.

Personally, I think the bar would be better suited in Logan Square, especially if the rumors of McGee's involvement are true. Why?!

Here are my reasons:

Keep That 'Healthy Eating' Resolution Intact

Union Sushi's black rice sushi sampler. (Photo: Union Sushi)

The worst part of your New Year's resolution to "eat healthier" is that it gets bland—quickly—because chowing down on salads every day just isn't cutting it.

Sooooo, 312DD dropped by the set of The U's You & Me This Morning Friday to introduce anchors Melissa Forman and Jeanne Sparrow to some local spots that whip up healthy, hearty and delicious dishes.

From mango jerk chicken wings from Flavor 180 to the Indian-inspired delights at Bombay Wraps to the sensational black rice sushi sampler at Union Sushi + Barbeque Bar, these items did not disappoint.

Watch the video right here!

Rodelio Aglibot Lands at the Dana Hotel

Chef Rodelio Aglibot. (Photo: Sunda)

For the past few months, there's been speculation about where former Sunda Executive Chef Rodelio Aglibot was going next.

There were whispers in the industry about him returning to the River North area to focus on another Asian-inspired concept, but an Ultimate Insider tells 312DD that only half of that is true.

Free Breakfast Jan. 6 at Protein Bar!

(Photo: Protein Bar)

Here's some breaking breakfast news for you!

Google Places Chicago is splurging on your breakfast this morning (Jan. 6!) if you get to the Protein Bar at Wells & Washington from 8-10am.

The first 100 people to join Google Chicago and show their Google Places app (available for free on Android and iPhone app store) will enjoy free breakfast burritos, granola bowls and blended drinks.

What's better than a free breakfast? A healthy, delicious, and FREE breakfast! Don't forget to review your favorite Chicago spots on Google Places, and enter the Get Fit With Google contest.

They are giving away seats in a FlyWheel Sports Spin class, Bar Method class in Lakeview and a Whole Foods Wellness Club Cooking class. Just log into Google Places, start reviewing and enter here.

Cheers to a healthy start to 2012, and to your Friday!

'Top Chef' Star Hosts 'First Bites Bash'

(Photo: Stephanie Izard)

There's still hope that a Chicagoan will win this season's Top Chef, making him or her the second local chef to earn that honor.

But in the meantime, we've still got Stephanie Izard, who's not only the only Chicago winner, but also the only female winner of Bravo's competitive chef show. The star chef of Girl & the Goat is also known for her tireless efforts to help raise money for worthy organizations like Greater Chicago Food Depository, so it's no surprise that she signed on to host the first-ever First Bites Bash.

The kick-off event is for Chicago Restaurant Week, and 100 percent of the proceeds benefit the organization.

Paul McGee Leaves The Whistler in February

Paul McGee photo via This Is A Cocktail Blog

Just got this email from Paul McGee, the master mixologist at The Whistler:

"After three and a half years at The Whistler, I am moving on to an exciting new project with RJ and Jerrod Melman. My partners at The Whistler, Robert Brenner and Billy Helmkamp, remain great friends, and the wonderful and extremely capable staff of The Whistler will continue the great work we’ve done together since the beginning. My time behind the bar there will end on February 1st, with the final installment of our Book Club Series.

"Thank you so much for your support over the years, and I am looking forward to keeping you updated with the details of my next adventure. While you may not be able to find me behind a bar for the next few months, I’ll be keeping my blog updated with my activities and whereabouts."

Sounds to me like he'll be in charge of the cocktail program at this upcoming Melman spot.

Chicago Restaurant Week(s) Return!

Brace yourself.

A slew of local restaurants are set to participate this winter in a number of events meant to celebrate Chicago's vibrant dining scene.

First up is West Town's first-ever Dining Around event, happening Jan. 15-mid-March. Popular Near West Side spots like Arami, Leopold and Ruxbin will add special dishes to their menus and diners get "passports" to track their eating adventures. They'll be able to use the passports for special dining deals in the future.