What to Eat, Drink, See & Do in August
Photo via Clayton Hauck for Lardon
The countdown is ON to make the most of Summer 2022 - Do you have your calendar packed full of fun?! If not, you better get on it because there truly is so much fun, right at your fingertips! Whether you want to relax on a patio with a brunch cocktail, try the latest and greatest in Chicago’s bar scene, or take advantage of the warmer weather by getting outdoors, there’s a summer activity for one and all in the Windy City. What are you most looking forward to doing before Memorial Day arrives?
Grab a Sandwich from Lardon {All August}
Any month is honestly a great month to dine at Lardon in Logan Square. This hot spot is a combination of an old-world butcher shop, a corner cafe and a unique wine room… plus they serve up a delicious sandwich! Since August is National Sandwich Month, it’s the perfect time to dig in to one of their signature sandos like the Reuben or the Hotel California (smoked turkey, black pepper bacon, pepper jack, avocado, pickled red onion, and shishito pepper aioli on sourdough).
Do Date Night at Taste of NoMI: A Night of Bubbles with Billecart-Salmon {August 23}
For a beautiful evening of wine and seasonal cuisine, the Billecart-Salmon champagne house is joining NoMI in an evening showcasing the celebratory nature of sparkling wine. Taste of NoMI is a monthly dinner series hosted by the Park Hyatt Chicago, featuring a curated tasting menu with wine pairings, and this month, NoMI Executive Chef Terence Zubieta uses a selection of crisp and refreshing ingredients for his 5-course menu. That menu includes NoMI Pastry Sous Chef Solange Austin's Strawberry Vacherin dessert adorned with pink peppercorn strawberries, mint basil ice cream, vanilla bean whipped ganache, mint verjus gastrique, and topped with a macaron shell.
Celebrate 20 Years of Sweet Mandy B’s in Chicago {All August}
This extra sweet, woman and family-owned, much-loved Chicago spot is celebrating 20 years in the Windy City! And there’s no better place to bake it a delicious celebration indeed! All August-long they will have social media giveaways, specialty gift boxes and weekly menu specials, including:
Week of August 8: Buncha Crunch Birthday Bar with a buttery rice krispie base layered with melted peanut butter and Nestlé Crunch chocolate topped with Nestlé Buncha Crunch candy pieces
Week of August 15: Banana Split Cupcake with banana cake, strawberry buttercream and dark chocolate ganache topped with a cherry
Week of August 22: Confetti Party Pie of Oreo crust layered with confetti cake, chocolate crumbles, vanilla pudding, whipped cream, and confetti sprinkles
These specials will be available in addition to their rotating Anniversary Gift Boxes. Ten-percent of proceeds from all gift boxes sold will be donated to Chicago Public Schools, which sweetens this offer even more! You can also enter a few different giveaways, including a chance to win FREE CUPCAKES FOR A YEAR (just sign up for Sweet Mandy B’s new Rewards Program online or in-store to enter). Check their website and social media for all the offerings!
Have Brunch at Lyra {Saturdays and Sundays}
The Fulton Market hot spot continues to churn out memorable meals from the Mediterranean, now even during brunch! Their signature, and ever-delicious dishes include twists on brunch favorites like a Lobster & Caviar Benedict, a Breakfast Pita served with housemate sausage, spicy feta spread, scrambled egg, crispy potato, and pickled cucumber or (our top pick) the signature Lyra Omelet made with marinated sweet peppers, caramelized onions, goats milk ricotta, and carob rusks. Pair any one of them with one of Lyra’s colorful brunch cocktails and you’ll have the perfect start to a summer weekend!
via Lettuce Entertain You
Visit the Gin Commission {Fridays and Saturdays}
Do you love gin? Like, REALLY love gin?! Then this is your spot! This gin-focused cocktail bar from Lettuce Entertain You is open on weekends and located in the lower level of Quality Crab & Oyster Bah in Lincoln Park. They’ll offer a curated list of more than 50 gins from around the world, as well as an extensive Gin Tonic program and signature cocktails. Perfect for a sexy date night, intimate celebration or just when you want to dig in to the world of gin.
Lounge at a Movie Night in the Park {Through September}
Sit back, relax and take in a beautiful summer night in one of the city’s parks. Across Chicago, throughout the week and weekends, you can watch new film releases as well as old favorites FOR FREE under the stars. There’s no simpler or more fun way to enjoy summertime in Chicago, so check out the list and pick the movie night that works best for you. We’ll bring the popcorn!
Take a Bite Out of the Hannah’s Bretzel Chef Series Collab with El Che Steakhouse {August}
More National Sandwich Month goodness is coming your way thanks to a partnership between Hannah’s Bretzel and Chef John Manion of El Che Steakhouse & Bar. Order the “El Che Chimi” sandwich at Hannah’s, made with Bresola, chimichurri, beefsteak tomatoes, garlic aioli, arugula, and giardiniera for a killer weekday lunch to enjoy along the riverfront or in one of the cty’s green spaces.
By Kaleigh Glaza | Market Editor