1. Au Cheval – part of Hog Salt (i.e. Publican, Gilt Bar, etc.) this place really does serve the best burger in Chicago. They don’t take reservations, but we went at 5:30 on a Sunday night and sat down pretty quickly. Their burger is out of this world with caramelized onions and we added bacon (you must do it) you’ll never go back to another place for a burger. I don’t think I’ll ever look at a burger the same way again.

2. This recipe from Ina Garten for mussels in white wine, but I put my own spin on it. Instead of cooking the onions and garlic in olive oil and butter. Cook 2 ¼" diced slices of pancetta first and use their flavorings. Remove before putting in the onions and add it back in with the rest of the ingredients before the mussels. Also add ½ cup of heavy cream with the pancetta and this makes for a meal in itself. (And everything is better with heavy cream!)

3. Superbowl Appetizers – the best part of Superbowl Sunday – in my world at least – is the food. We are attending a friend’s party this weekend and I can’t wait for the appetizers. I will be making these mini pigs in a blanket c/o Martha Stewart.

Have a great weekend!