Dining out: Lou Malnati’s offers a week of surprise rewards, and Bennigan’s turns 50

How rewarding

Lou Malnati’s has launched its first Lou’s Rewards Fest, a weeklong celebration created for Lou’s Rewards loyalty members.

Running through Sunday, July 19, rewards members will receive a new surprise offer each day in their Lou’s Rewards accounts. The lineup stays under wraps until each day arrives, but expect a mix of offers like buy one, get one deals, free apps and salads with qualifying orders, bonus point drops and more, they say. On top of the daily offers, members will have chances to win themed prizes throughout the week.

Members can also enter for a chance to win one of two Chicago getaway prize packages for two featuring a two-night stay at LondonHouse Chicago, a $750 Visa gift card for travel expenses, a $100 Lou Malnati’s gift card, Wendella boat tour tickets and tickets to The Second City. Members receive one sweepstakes entry per day by either submitting through the Enter to Win landing page or placing an order, which automatically counts as that day’s entry. Winners will be notified by email by the end of the day Tuesday, July 21.

Golden anniversary

Bennigan’s is celebrating 50 years. Yes, that Bennigan’s that you may have forgotten about is still around and still making its famous (and delicious) Monte Cristo sandwiches. Did you know Elgin is home to one of the few traditional Bennigan’s Grill & Tavern locations in the country?

You can head to 495 Airport Road to experience the launch of the restaurant’s Summer Shenanigans Prime Burger Bash, a limited-time anniversary promotion featuring burgers, tropical-inspired drinks and new apps.

Now through Aug. 10, diners can mix and match any half-pound prime burger with a select appetizer for $19.99 with the purchase of a beverage.

Promo apps include Hogan’s egg rolls, the Irish tower o’ rings, and chili con queso and chips. Pair one with seven signature prime burgers, including the Mahal-O’ burger with Pepper Jack cheese, sriracha aioli, a cinnamon sugar-glazed grilled pineapple ring and house-made pineapple salsa; the Guinness-glazed bacon burger; or the St. Brigid burger with house-made pub cheese, bacon, grilled onions and mushrooms.

Summer beverages include Peach on the Beach, Coconut Island Margarita, Flirty Flamingo and the zero-proof Hawaiian Island Sunset.

Clawesome

Fresh Maine lobster in many forms currently graces the menu at Di Pescara, 2124 Northbrook Court, Northbrook, throughout July.

Classics include a one-and-a-quarter pound whole Maine lobster, steamed or broiled ($39.95), surf and turf ($69.95), twin tails ($49.95) and lobster bisque ($9 cup, $14 bowl). You can also dive into lobster mac and cheese ($22) and a lobster sushi roll ($19).

Jingle all the way

It definitely doesn’t feel like December outside, but it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas at Lucille at Drury Lane in Oakbrook Terrace.

The restaurant is hosting its annual Christmas in July brunch Sunday, July 19, with reservations available (as of this writing) from noon to 1:30 p.m. It’s $80 for adults and $30 for kids 5-12.

In addition to a chef-crafted brunch and festive cocktails, guests can get their picture taken with Santa, create holiday ornaments and enjoy live holiday entertainment.

Let’s taco ’bout it

Velvet Taco in Naperville (and coming soon to Schaumburg) is offering a new “2 for $10” meal to make every day Taco Tuesday.

The deal includes two scratch-made tacos and a fountain drink for, as the name implies, 10 bucks. For $3 more you can add any side, including queso, guac, elote, buttery cilantro rice or tots.

Velvet Taco’s 16-plus taco lineup includes unique takes such as the French dip taco, spicy tikka chicken and beer-battered cauliflower at 448 S. State Route 59 in Naperville.

• Send dining events to rwest@dailyherald.com.