The religious among us know that yesterday being Fat Tuesday, today is Ash Wednesday. And thus, this coming Friday, March 11, is the first Friday of Lent. And thus, on this day (and every Friday until Easter) eating meat is a no-no.

The Stranger points out that Bookstore Bar, a true delight among downtown eateries, will mark this initial meat-free Friday by serving $1 bowls of clam chowder starting at noon. Look for the slinger set up outside the restaurant near the corner of First Avenue and Madison Street, across the street from BOKA.

Happy Lenting.