—Tri, tri again: The Chicago Triathlon By Supertri returns Aug. 23–24 and is on track to be the largest in the event’s history and Supertri’s biggest triathlon yet.
There were more than 7,500 participants in 2024, and 2025 registration already has exceeded expectations. Aug. 23 will feature the SuperSprint Race, Kids Tri Chicago and Supertri League (featuring pro athletes); the following day will feature the sprint and Olympic distance races.
And now on to culinary items…Oh, SNAP: Many small businesses that are dependent on SNAP for some of their sales are holding their collective breaths over how President Trump’s so-called Big Beautiful Bill will affect them, according to CNN.
SNAP, formerly known as food stamps, is the largest anti-hunger program in the country. However, Trump’s measure makes the largest cuts to food stamps in the program’s 86-year history, jeopardizing assistance for more than 42 million people. While large chains like Walmart, Kroger and Dollar General can absorb the hit, food experts say it’s the small, independent grocers that depend heavily on SNAP to sustain thin profit margins that will be hit the hardest. House Republicans claim the changes will “restore integrity” to the program and benefit grocers by pushing more people to work.
Green City Market Executive Director Letisha Steele issued a statement saying that while states taking on more of the program’s administrative costs in 2026 and 2027 “means funding for Link Up Illinois is secure through the 2026 season, they do signal future uncertainty and could have serious consequences for families who rely on SNAP and the local farmers who serve them, both here in Chicago and nationwide.” However, Steele also reassured people that the market’s “Food Access program, GCM For All, is still going strong,” meaning that shoppers with SNAP/Link cards can receive triple the value of their benefits up to $25 at Green City Market. To find other Illinois farmers markets that accept Link Cards, visit this page.
—Dimmi some more: Cornerstone Restaurant Group, alongside Executive Chef Matt Eckfeld, officially opened the doors of the Italian-American concept Dimmi Dimmi Corner Italian in Lincoln Park.
Located at the corner of Armitage and Seminary avenues, the neighborhood restaurant aims to bring a fresh, feel-good spin to red-sauce classics, featuring handmade pastas, tavern-style pizzas and nostalgic dishes. Starters include the “Italian Beef” carpaccio and hamachi crudo diavolo as well as signature handmade pastas such as Raviolo “Saltimbocca” and spicy vodka stuffed shells. A bubbling cast-iron focaccia by Pastry Consultant Chef Casey Doody, rotating housemade dips and a lineup of tavern-style pizzas round out the offerings. The beverage program complements the menu with playful takes on spritzes and nostalgic cocktails like the hazelnut chocolate espresso martini, and a curated selection of approachable wines.
—Farming out: Fast-casual spot Mendocino Farms—known for its fresh sandwiches and salads—plans to enter the Chicago market. It’s opening a location in Chicago’s River North neighborhood (at 508 N. Clark St.) on Aug. 26 and a second restaurant inside Willis Tower in the winter. Seasonal items include a sweet peach and goat cheese salad; and a hot honey peach and prosciutto sandwich and a watermelon “poke” salad. They’ll be served alongside signature staples such as The Farm Club, Mendo’s take on the quintessential turkey club; the “Not So Fried” Chicken Sandwich; and the Avocado & Quinoa Superfood Ensalata.
And people can actually get a free entrée each with a meal purchase. They have to sign up for a MyMendo account and select Chicago-River North as their favorite location (before Aug. 26) to receive the meals after it opens.
—Being selective: The next round of the Chef Selects menu at Old Town Pour House (with locations in Oak Brook and Naperville) has been revealed.
Until Sept. 9, the menu will include elote corn “ribs” (corn with chili-lime crema, queso fresco, tajin and micro-cilantro; $11.95), Korean smash tacos (with a smashed beef patty, gochujang glaze, miso aioli, kimchi, green onions, sesame seeds and flour tortilla with your choice of side; $16.95); boozy cream soda with Wheatley vodka, Frangelico and Sprite, for $13.45; and the Banana Painkiller (Giffard Banane du Bresil, Myers’s Rum, pineapple juice, orange juice and cream of coconut; $13.45).
—Get bento: Chef John Manion—the chef behind El Che and Brasero and a two-time Jean Banchet Awards “Chef of the Year” nominee—is the latest talent to take over Michelin-recognized TenGoku Aburiya’s Bento & Co. series.
Manion’s limited-edition bento features fresh-off-the-grill shrimp topped with a charred green onion salsa and Brazilian chili crisps; on the side, there will be egg and tofu donburi, crunchy spicy tuna maki, fresh salad and miso soup. Priced at $22, it’s available for dine-in or takeout during weekday lunch hours (11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.) at TenGoku during Aug. 19-29; a portion of every bento box sold will be donated to the Greater Chicago Food Depository.
—A wine-wine situation: Brasero, led by Executive Chef John Manion, is partnering with Amanda Barnes—considered by some to be the world’s leading expert on South American wine—for a one-night-only experience. (Yes, Marion is all over the place.)
On Thursday, Aug. 21, at 6 p.m., the restaurant will present a four-course dinner celebrating the wines of South America. Each course during the event (only for those 21 and older) will be paired by Barnes, who will be visiting Chicago for the first time. RSVP at Tock.
—It’s Greek to me: Greektown popular Taste of Greektown festival returns for its 35th year with the city’s largest celebration of Hellenic cuisine and culture on Aug. 22-24 along Halsted Street from Adams to Van Buren streets.
The neighborhood’s Greek restaurants are the stars of the show, including 9 Muses Bar & Grill, Athena Restaurant, Mr. Greek Gyros and Spectrum Bar & Grill—Greek American family legacies that have been open in the neighborhood for 25-40 years. Taste of Greektown will also offer live music and entertainment, Greek dancing, unique shopping and retail, and family activities. Admission is free to all, with a suggested donation benefitting the Greektown Chamber of Commerce.
—The waffle truth: National Waffle Day is coming up on Sunday, Aug. 24—which means the “Swaffle” (at $5 each) is returning at all 10 Fry the Coop locations. The “Swaffle” features Fry the Coop’s signature fried chicken (with your choice of heat level) topped with spicy whipped butter and warm maple syrup between two waffle pieces that serve as the buns.
—Screen time: Bar La Rue, 820 W. Fulton St., will host a Love Island Reunion Watch Party on Monday, Aug. 25, with doors opening at 7 p.m. and the show starting at 8 p.m., inviting fans to enjoy the reunion special live on the big screens. Guests can reserve a table, grab a bar seat, or simply order a drink and stand to watch. RSVP here.
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—Don’t forget that there’s SO much more dining news at SAVOR with Andrew.
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