The National Hockey League lockout is finally over, and Pittsburgh Penguins fans are pretty jacked up about it, as evidenced by the thousands of people who lined up around Consol Energy Center on Jan. 16 for a free Black and Gold intrasquad scrimmage.

Turns out, the folks at America's favorite doughnut shop are just as excited about the Pens' return to the ice as we are. 

To celebrate, area Dunkin' Donuts have trotted out a Penguins-themed doughnut. Meant to evoke the team's colors, it's frosted in chocolate icing with a yellow dipping-icing drizzle.

After a certain age, birthdays can sneak up on you. To wit: can you believe Burger King's flame-broiled Whopper turns a whopping 55 years old this year? 

Today's PSA for home cooks and holiday shoppers is a reminder about the All-Clad factory sale from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. today and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at the Washington County Fair and Expo Center. Prices are 40- to 70 percent off regular retail. 

A vast selection of the All-Clad line is available and restocked over the next two days, according to a spokesperson I called this morning. Bloggers note lines to get in are heavy early and dissipate in the afternoon. 

I asked a few restaurant chefs whether they're using cast iron, copper or All-Clad and a handful gave the brand a nod for sauces, sautes and things for which you need a clean, even surface. 

Have you been to the sale before? Feel free to offer strategy in the comments.

All-Clad photo
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Tonight is industry night at Toast! Kitchen & Wine Bar in Shadyside, during which restaurant folks receive 25 percent off the food menu. 

Tonight's seasonal menu may include shrimp and grits ($9) or fried pork with cornbread ($6) as well as entrees such as hanger steak and root vegetables ($25) or beef brisket ($25) with sweet potato puree, oyster mushrooms and pearl onions.

Tomorrow (Tuesday) night diners can take advantage of a four-course, $35 tasting menu -- an appetizer, followed by seafood, salad and meat.

There may be no such thing as a free lunch, but tomorrow at area Bruegger's stores, your first cup of Joe will be on the house.

From opening (5:30 a.m. at most locations) to 2 p.m. Nov. 14, the bagel shop will offer guests a free cup of coffee. That's right, your morning or afternoon caffeine fix is completely gratis.

Yet one good turn deserves another.

Coffee lovers who take them up on their offer will be encouraged to make a donation to the nonprofit Children's Miracle Network Hospitals, a group of 170 hospitals across North America that raises money for sick and injured children.

Locally, the group benefits Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC, which this time of year is busy raising much-needed funds for its Free Care Fund through such activities as school auctions, a telethon and the annual gingerbread house display and competition at PPG Place.  

One free coffee per guest.

Bruegger's photo