Did you ever wish there were a Mad Taco in the Burlington area? Starting today, there almost is. Winooski's Mule Bar, owned by the same team that owns Mad Taco, inaugurates its Taco Tuesday today with a menu similar to the small chain that has links in Waitsfield, Montpelier and Waterbury.

Each Tuesday the bill of fare will be different, but will likely always include a range of tacos, tortas and dinner plates. Today, those include several different toppings for both tacos and tortas that feature tender pork carnitas. The al pastor features salsa verde, while another is bathed in chef Jean-Luc Matecat's long-cooked mole sauce. Other meats include a beef carne asada and "roadside chicken." Vegetarians will opt for kimchee, black bean and cilantro tacos.

Since Mule Bar is focused on beer, there's a spicy option to go with the tacos: Ballast Point Brewing Company's Black Marlin, which is flavored with cacao nibs, orange peel and an intense shot of chipotle.

* * *

Another special night will debut Friday at Myer's Bagel Bakery in Burlington. Every Friday, from 5 to 7 p.m., the recently expanded bagel spot will serve pizzas made from bagel dough. The chewy crust will be covered in sesame seeds and Montréal steak seasoning, but beyond that, assistant manager Jamie Lucia says most details are still being decided.

She does reveal that a Sardinian employee known to staff as Tonino is the man behind the fresh, tangy tomato sauce speckled with garlic. The pizza toppings are yet to be decided, but Lucia says that the wood-fired pies will be served with salads. Sounds like a fine alternative for diners looking to beat the heat of the South End TruckStop.