Protesters Want to Save Taco Bell Near Wrigley Field + More Intel

— Organizers say it’s a tongue-and-cheek stunt, but there’s a group “protesting” the inevitable demolition of the Taco Bell near Wrigley Field at 1111 W. Addison St. There’s a Facebook event page, and one supporter brought a sign and her agenda to Lollapalooza. The protest is scheduled for Aug. 26. Thankfully, the Cubs are in Philadelphia that night so Clark and Addison won’t be even a bigger traffic disaster. The fast-food restaurant is slated to close to make room for a new mixed-use building. So far, more than 1,100 people on Facebook are “going” to the protest.

— Lockdown, the prison-themed burger spot on Western, also has a neighboring barbecue restaurant, Lockdown Smoked Meats, 1022 N. Western Ave. The new restaurant was only open on the weekends, but ownership has just expanded its hours. They’re now open 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Wednesday to Friday; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sunday. They’re closed on Monday and Tuesday.

— Anyone who wants to know more African wines should get into West Loop’s Bin 36 on Tuesday as they launch a class detailing wines from South Africa. Owner Enoch Shully knows a bit about the country, as he lived there. Tickets cost $35 and are available at the link.

— Aviato Eats, the acai bowl restaurant from the owners of Aloha Poke Co. in Chicago’s French Market, have added “Brazilian Bowls.” That’s chicken or beef over white or brown rice/mixed greens with corn, black beans, pickled onions, cilantro, and a “Brazilian” vinaigrette. While the acai bowls are more for breakfast, this gives Aviato another lunch and dinner option as ownership plans to scale the brand much like they did with poke bowls. UPDATE: This has been changed to reflect the correct name of the Chicago’s French Market restaurant, Aloha Poke Co.

— Does a cruise on the Chicago River with music and a sampling of food from Chicago’s Chinatown sound appealing? That’s what’s happening on Tuesday thanks to an event held by The Chicago Chinatown Chamber of Commerce. The Taste of Chinatown Cuisine Sunset Cruise goes from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., departing and returning from Ping Tom Memorial Park. Get tickets here costing $75 per person and $65 for chamber members. Cruisers will get a taste of Chinatown with a smattering of food. Vendors include Phoenix Restaurant, Ahjoomah’s Apron, Go 4 Food, Evergreen Restaurant, Emperor’s Choice, Tai Ho Yee Food Co., Phoenix Bean, Dim Sum House, Chiu Quon Bakery, and Chinatown market. There’s a cash bar, and a live band. DNAinfo had the details first.

— Last week, Chicago Public School high school students competed in Rising Chef Challenge at the University of Chicago. That’s a mentor program where chefs affiliated with The Trotter Project charity organization and United Airlines work with students in the Careers Through Culinary Arts Program. Chef Marcel Taylor and Bill Kim’s (BellyQ) team won the competition. That team consisted of Swahdreeznya Rosier (home schooled), Deja Dorns (Simeon Vocational Career Academy) and Jada Harris (Lindblom Math & Science Academy). David Kulasik and Sari Worsham’s (mfk) team placed second.

Nick Murway