Burnt ends: Apparently a localized barbecue delicacy, burnt ends are the most delicious form of barbecue I’ve eaten yet. They’re the ends of the brisket that collect all the smoke, fat and salt into chopped, charred cubes of edible beauty, mixed with a little barbecue sauce to add sweetness and tang. It’s been a while since I found a mesmerizing food, but with the emphasis on char and seasoning, it’s like these things were invented with me in mind.

Founders Double Trouble Imperial IPA: And speaking of foods invented with me in mind, this beer has both the appetizing citrus bouquet and the bracing extra-bitter IPA bite that I’ve always valued separately in beers, only to find together in this dream of a brew. I tweeted that this was my perfect beer — and it’s even from Michigan. Good job, Grand Rapids — I feel like a solid 5-10% of my friends somehow hail from you, and now you produce the world’s most sublimely balanced beer. Sadly this beer seems to be just a tough-to-find seasonal, but big ups nonetheless.

I do miss December in New York. As much as the city often drove me up the wall, Christmastime was always a highlight.

I hope everyone’s Christmas is full of good times and tasty treats. Since this is a holy day, in the spirit of Benjamin Franklin’s adage that “Beer is living proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy,” I recommend a glass of this Chicago Christmas treat when you get a chance:

Merry Christmas!