Dining Out: National Waffle, Pork Chop and Dog Day specials, lobster season at Shaw’s and more
National (fill in the blank) Day part one
National Waffle Day is coming up on Monday, Aug. 24, which means it’s Swaffle time again at Fry the Coop locations. The $5 handheld chicken and waffle sandwich is topped with spicy whipped butter and warm maple syrup. Fry the Coop has suburban locations in Bolingbrook, Darien, Elmhurst and Prospect Heights.
National ___ Day part two
Wednesday, Aug. 26, is National Dog Day, and Lazy Dog is teaming up with Pet Partners, a nonprofit that registers and supports therapy dogs. From Aug. 24-27, the restaurant chain, which offers dog-friendly patios, will donate $1 to Pet Partners for every Dog Bowl (made with grilled chicken or beef over brown rice and veggies) ordered in the restaurant. Those guests also will receive a card for a free Dog Bowl on a future visit with the purchase of an entrée. As part of the celebration on Aug. 26, the first 50 dogs on the patio at each participating Lazy Dog location will receive a Lazy Dog bandanna, while supplies last.
Lazy Dog has suburban locations in Buffalo Grove, Naperville, Northbrook, Oak Brook and Vernon Hills.
National ___ Day part three
National Pork Chop Day is Thursday, Aug. 27, and Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille is offering its iconic signature pork chop as part of a special one-day four course for $44 offering. Guests can choose one each from four different starters, salads and desserts. Entrée options include the 18-ounce pork chop, char-grilled salmon, chicken Oscar, vegan skillet chopped steak and more.
Perry’s has suburban locations in Oak Brook, Schaumburg and Vernon Hills and the special menu is available for dine-in only upon request from 4 p.m. to close.
Friends at the Hearth
The Greggory in South Barrington will welcome multiple-time James Beard Award nominee and “Chopped” champion Chef Zubair Mohajir for its next “Friends at the Hearth” collaborative dinner on Tuesday, Aug. 25.
The chef behind acclaimed concepts including Mirra and the recently opened Muhajir will join forces with Executive Chef José Sosa to tell their stories through a five-course dinner rooted in their shared passion for live-fire cooking and spice. The menu will be complemented by sommelier-curated wine pairings.
Tickets are $250 and are available at OpenTable. A portion of proceeds will benefit the local chapter of Giving Kitchen, which supports food service workers in crisis through financial assistance and community resources.
Lobster love
We’ve reached lobster season, and Shaw’s Crab House in Schaumburg is bringing back its annual Lobster Festival with limited-time menu items until Sept. 7.
The menu is highlighted by a three-course lobster boil ($95 per person++) that starts with lobster bisque or Caesar salad, followed by a 1.5-lb. Maine lobster boil served with sweet corn, red potatoes and coleslaw, and key lime pie or chocolate cake for dessert.
Other specials include lobster fritters, lobster risotto, lobster maki roll and more.
Wine time
Violi in Oak Brook is inviting wine lovers to its first “Happy Hour Wine Series” from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 26. Guests will enjoy a guided tasting featuring four curated wines, each paired with a chef-crafted bite, including hamachi tartare, smoked cheese croquette, harissa marinated halibut and grilled wagyu. The evening will offer an opportunity to learn about the featured wines while enjoying a relaxed happy hour experience. Tickets are $50 per person and can be purchased via Tock.
• Email dining events to rwest@dailyherald.com.