Morning Buzz: A Foodie Day Planner

Let's do lunch:
It's the threshold to the holiday weekend, but before stepping into the realm of ribs and brats, have a last fling with something vivid in a completely different way. SF Weekly food critic Meredith Brody recommends the sindhi chicken biriyani made with Punjabi basmati rice and kabli chana (spiced, buttery chickpeas) at Shalimar (532 Jones at O'Farrell, 928-0333).

Drink therapy:
Brazilians can make even an ordinary Friday feel like a holiday, especially with $5 happy-hour mojitos and caipirinhas on an open tab. Get giddy at Bossa Nova (138 Eighth St. at Minna, 558-8004), 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Soak up the Barbary Coast ambience at nostalgic prices: $1 off all draft beers and well drinks (not to mention the perennial $3 cans of Hamm's) at Mission neo-saloon Elixir (3200 16th St. at Guerrero, 552-1633), 3-7 p.m.