Bellylicious 

The way it crumbles: Did you miss National Cookie Day, Dec. 4? Don't let that stop you. My top pick: Cowboy Cookie in Downtown SLO. Get the chocolate chip cookie sandwich with oatmeal ice cream in the middle. It's like grandma's love, only sweeter and with less off-putting social commentary (cowboycookie.net) ... There's a new taco joint in town, and it's "a Leonard Cohan Production!" Yep, the Renaissance man has opened shop in the SLO Creamery, which is absolutely doing business during the ongoing construction. You can expect house infused margaritas, fresh papaya salads, and (duh) tacos ranging from al pastor to carne asada (follow the journey on Instagram for pics from construction to opening day @laesquina_taqueria). Δ

Hayley Thomas Cain played her first local musical performance at The Merrimaker, where drinks are strong and the locals are soft-hearted. She can be reached at [email protected].