What, where to eat in suburbs on Black Friday

You've cataloged the ads showing the best prices on Xbox One and the Disney Frozen Castle and Ice Palace. You've filled the gas tank and cleared all but the jumper cables and ice scraper from the trunk of the car and you've programmed the GPS to get you to the mall in the shortest amount of time. You're ready to head out on your annual Black Friday marathon. Or are you?

Like a runner carbo-loading before hitting the street for 26.2 miles, you need to fuel, and refuel, yourself for maximum shopping efficiency. Before heading out, eat. You don't want a grumbling stomach to take your focus off quizzing salespeople about the advantages of TV A over TV B.

Coffee's fine to get that morning jump-start, but pack on some protein too: eggs, bacon, leftover turkey, perhaps? to keep your mind sharp and hunger at bay.

As the day progresses, you'll want to be ready when it's time to refuel. Here's a list of yummy options:

Soup and sandwiches: Start the day with a hot focaccia and egg sandwich at Gianni's Espresso Deli near Deer Park Town Center and return in the afternoon for a grilled chicken Panini and a gelato. Fresh baked pita cradles warm chicken shawarma and some of the best hummus you'll ever eat at Naf Naf Grill in downtown Naperville. Add a cup of lentil soup to complete the Mediterranean-style feast. Tortilla soup at Rooster's Barn and Grill (a bit east of Stratford Square Mall), spiked with a drop or two of hot sauce, hits the spot every time.

Veggie booty: Crispy kale and brussels sprouts combine in one heckuva good starter at e+o Food and Drink at Randhurst Village in Mount Prospect. At Cibo Racconto in Rosemont, relax with salad composed of beets, mandarin oranges and goat cheese and a glass of pinot grigio before or after binge shopping at the nearby Fashion Outlets of Chicago.

Roll with it: No use getting upset over losing out on the last Elmo. Shake it off with a smoked salmon, mango and cream cheese Crazy Monkey Roll at RA Sushi by Yorktown Mall. Or, settle into a seat and grab what tickles your fancy off the rotary sushi bar at Sushi + near Fox Valley Center.

Perk up with pork: In the shadow of Woodfield and just before you jump back on I-355, there's Tokio Pub. Barbecue pork belly nachos are the bomb! Wash them down with a craft IPA if you're not the one driving. The Yucatan-style pulled pork torta topped with pickled red onions at Mago Grill and Cantina in the Arboretum of South Barrington pleases every time. As does Mago's pomegranate sangria.

Waist watchers: Fettuccini Alfredo on the Lighter Take menu at Maggiano's (multiple locations) won't leave you wanting a nap and will have you ready for a second go around the mall. If you find yourself near Oakbrook Center, stop into Freshii for a vegan chili with avocado and broccoli served over brown rice or try the Metaboost salad mounded with spinach, kale, mangoes, carrots, edamame, almonds, goat cheese and a balsamic vinaigrette.

The new Black Friday: Shopping kickoff has evolved, expanded