Several bar and restaurant owners in Normal Heights, North Park and South Park have pooled their funds to supply customers with free mini-bus transportation to and from their businesses. The service, called DrinkAbout, is available from 7 to 11 p.m., on the third Wednesday of every month. Busses run between Blind Lady Ale House in Normal Heights and Hamilton’s in South Park, with in-between stops made at Small Bar, Livewire, Toronado, Sea Rocket Bistro, The Station and Ritual Tavern.

The idea was launched last month by Lee Chase of Blind Lady with the purpose of sampling the libations from multiple neighborhood establishments without drinking and driving. The vehicles are commissioned from Brewery Tours of San Diego. For schedule information, call any of the participating businesses.

Tobacco enthusiasts and wine drinkers can indulge in both vices simultaneously at Excalibur Hookah Bar & Cigar Lounge, which features spacious lounge areas dressed in fine Persian décor. Tucked away on Fifth Avenue between University Avenue and Robinson Street, patrons can purchase wine and cigars as well as tobacco that goes into elaborate hookah pipes strewn around the premises. The new owner who recently took over the space infuses offers a choice of hookah water infused with various juices and wines. And for winos toting in their own bottles, the corkage charge is $10 per night rather than per bottle.3858 Fifth Ave., 619-260-8099.

Frank Terzoli, nicknamed “Frankie the Bull” by his co-stars when he was a contestant on Bravo’s Top Chef, is bringing The Big Easy into the Hillcrest bungalow that was formerly The Better Half. Due to open early next month, the menu will feature Southern cuisine “with a twist,” such as homemade chicken pot pies, crawfish po-boys, Louisiana smoked ribs and more. 127 University Ave.

Chick-fil-A is offering something other than chicken for breakfast. New to the menu is a vanilla yogurt parfait topped with granola or chocolate cookie crumbs. For only $2.25, both quality and size are decent.

Panda Express’ recently introduced Sweet Fire Chicken is a must for those who relish crunchy, glaze-coated poultry pieces from a steam table. Bits of hot chili pepper sneak up through chunks of sweet pineapple that are tossed in all-white meat.

Yucky are the new funnel cake sticks recently rolled out at Burger King locations nationwide. Sold in packs of nine for $1.79, the doughy fingers are sprinkled in powdered sugar and served with a side of gluey icing for dipping.