Also, indoor farmers markets are popping off ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌
Monday, February 9 

Your Daily Guide

Hey architecture nerds! A Frank Lloyd Wright fixer-upper has hit the market in Austin for $350,000 — that’s less than the market median. Still more than I can afford, so I’m saving my money for wintertime farmers markets! Yes, they are a thing. More on that below, plus your daily headlines 👇

What Test City's Talking About

City Cast Chicago podcast episode, "Will Chicago Buy Back Parking Meters?"

Chicago Could (Maybe) Buy Back Parking Meters

Can the city buy back its parking meters? The infamous $1.15 billion deal in 2008 left Chicagoans feeling scammed, but getting our meters back may be possible. Meanwhile, Bally’s Chicago wants to extend the construction deadline on its River West site. All that and more on today’s podcast. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]

This is a practice quote, for building and such.

Natalia Aldana

City Cast editor

Tell Parks How to Spend Their Money

The Chicago Park District has $500,000 to spend on improvements in 2026. Got opinions? You can submit your own ideas through an online portal until March 31. Webinars with more details are coming up. [WTTW]

NEWS IS HERE

Sub-Zero Temps Cometh

Temperatures are expected to dip below zero Thursday night — and unfortunately remain there through Saturday. Meanwhile, officials are urging people to stay indoors and wear layers. [Sun-Times]

Cheese on fire at the Ithaki Estiatorio Greek restaurant.

Ithaki Estiatorio, a new Greek restaurant, is participating in Restaurant Week. (Courtesy of MADN Agency)

The Best Restaurant Week Deals — According to Reddit

During Chicago Restaurant Week, more than 550 restaurants are offering prix-fixe menus … but where are the best deals? Luckily, Chicagoans have created an extensive public spreadsheet to help you get a bang for your buck. [Block Club]

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MLK Jr. Holiday Breakfast supports Twin Cities students

This week's 36th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Breakfast brought people together to honor the life of Dr. King and raise money for college scholarships through UNCF Twin Cities. Consider contributing to UNCF Twin Cities or committing to service by getting involved in the local community through HandsOn Twin Cities.

Yes, It’s (Still) Farmers Market Season

An illustration of a farmers market, showing four stands, one that reads "Our Garden." Images of vendors and customers. Light blue background.

Have you checked out a winter farmers market? (City Cast Chicago)

Chicago farmers markets aren’t just a place to shop. They’re a playground. An event. (Personally, I go to the Logan Square market just to show off my outfits.) But the fun doesn’t have to stop just because it’s cold out!

Indoor farmers markets are increasingly popular in Chicago, and there are several coming up.

PODCAST

The Fight Over U Street's Future

For you fellow Logan Squarers missing the comradery (or flirtation) of the farmers market, there’s an indoor option at 2800 N. Milwaukee Ave. every Saturday through March 28. Vendors include Sfera Sicilian Street Food and Zeitlin's Delicatessen.

The South Loop Farmers Market is every Saturday through March 28 at the Roosevelt Collection Shops and every Sunday at Water Tower Place. Similar to a summer market, it’s a place to hang (in addition to buy food) with vinyl DJs and funky clothing stands.

In Woodlawn, Experimental Station continues its indoor farmers market Feb. 14, March 14, and April 11. Offerings include produce (including lots of pears), organic vinegar, fresh meat, sorbet, pure maple syrup, and vegan treats.

In Avondale, Green City Market is occurring Jan. 24 and 31 and Feb. 7 and 14. Trying to meal prep? In-season produce there includes:

  • Arugula
  • Beans
  • Carrots
  • Fennel
  • Herbs
  • Lettuce and greens
  • Onions
  • Potatoes
  • Radishes
  • Chestnuts
🍅 Still dreaming of tomato season?

What To Do

Monday, Feb. 9

More Test City Events
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Also … we’re hiring! City Cast Chicago is looking for an audience development manager. Think you got what it takes?

— Emmi Mack

Natalia Aldana wrote today’s segment.

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