The Dining Table

One thing Chicago has not had recently is a strong presence with delis, especially when it comes to Jewish delis. Jake Schneider is trying to change that. In this episode, host David Manilow talks with Schneider about the nostalgia that has inspired his two Schneider delis. Plus, hear from Rosanne D’Amato of D’Amato’s Bakery, Chris Cunningham of JT’s Genuine Sandwich Shop, and Hannah Tillett of Ti...

Chicago’s had a long history of private clubs: the Standard Club, Metropolitan, Union League, University, Mid-America and more recently, Soho House. In this episode, host David Manilow talks about how these clubs are stepping up their food game. Plus, you’ll hear what defines a great private club experience from the Astor Club’s co-founder Victoria Bilter and chef Trevor Teich. Hosted by Simplecas...

Smyth — Chicago’s only 3-star Michelin restaurant — is getting a fresh face in the kitchen. In this episode, host David Manilow talks with Smyth’s John Shields about his exhaustive international search for a new chef. Plus, chef Conor Dalton joins the conversation to share what lured him across the Atlantic. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our co...

As the autumn days get shorter, host David Manilow offers his short list of favorite places for each meal — breakfast, lunch and dinner. In this episode, we hear from Chicago chefs who are getting their props nationally. Manilow revisits his conversation with Adam McFarland and Tom Rogers of John’s Food and Wine in Lincoln Park. Plus, we’ll share highlights from our chat with Mirra’s Zubair Mohaji...

This week, host David Manilow explores the evolution of Greek restaurants and Greek communities in Chicago. Manilow is joined by the founder of Diamond Wine Importers, Ted Diamantis . Back in the day, Greektown was packed with bars, eateries and grocery stores. In this episode, get a history lesson on the past and learn why Chicago is in the middle of a Greek dining renaissance. Hosted by Simpleca...

The Gibson’s Restaurant Group is making its move on the Fulton Market District. In this episode, host David Manilow talks with Liz Lombardo Stark about her family’s Gibson Tavern concept, and why it will stand out in the West Loop. Stark shares their plans to expand to Nashville, as well as the challenges of her role as board chair for the Illinois Restaurant Association. You’ll also hear what it’...

Chef Omar Cadena’s restaurant is a celebration of his Chicago upbringing. In this episode, host David Manilow talks with Cadena about how Omarcito’s Latin Cafe acquired the influences of Cuba, Ecuador, Guatemala, Colombia and Puerto Rico. Plus, hear what it takes to be big on service, and what the chef's pet peeves are when it comes to dining out. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm....

Over the past several years, host David Manilow has heard from Chicago’s greatest chefs about where they go to dine. In this episode, hear those recommendations and what kind of hospitality is most appealing to them. Manilow has assembled suggestions from another list of award-winning chefs including John Manion, Hsing Chen, Doug Psaltis, Stephanie Hart, Oliver Poilevey and more. Hosted by Simplec...

Chef Khalid Kamal grew up on a farm in Morocco near the Atlas Mountains. In this episode, host David Manilow talks with Kamal about how he has created a sense of home with Shokran , his restaurant in Old Irving Park. Hear why his passion for sharing his native cuisine requires patience and persistence. Plus, Kamal shares how his connection to agriculture deepened his appreciation for food. Hosted...

If a restaurant owner told host David Manilow they're planning to do one thing for breakfast at 7 a.m., another thing for lunch at noon, and a completely different thing for dinner at 7 p.m., he’d probably say they're doomed to fail. But, somehow, Daisies in Logan Square and its chef/owner Joe Frillman pull it off. In this episode, hear how Frillman makes it work, why he has a service charge at th...

Feld’s Jake Potashnick was named Best Chef in the Great Lakes region by the James Beard Awards. In this episode, host David Manilow talks with Potashnick about his journey cooking at fine dining spots all over the world, from Sweden to Japan. He returned home to Chicago to open Feld in West Town two years ago. Hear about this ambitious effort where dinner features a tasting menu of more than 30 co...

A massive new Greek- and Levantine-influenced restaurant on the riverfront is without question one of the hottest reservations in Chicago. In this episode, host David Manilow talks with the owners of Naia , Luke Stoioff and David Rekhson of DineAmic Hospitality , who are also partners in spots such as Lyra, Fioretta and Siena Tavern. Hear why their vision for Naia on the Chicago River took more th...

In addition to his thriving city restaurants such as DeNucci’s, Gemini and Sophia Steak, Ryan O’Donnell has significantly impacted high-end suburban dining around Chicago. In this episode, host David Manilow talks about this and more with the founder and CEO of Ballyhoo Hospitality . Hear how O’Donnell continues to learn and evolve as he opens Zenzi Den in Glenview. Plus, he’ll share his decision-...

Host David Manilow has interviewed more than 150 chefs, restaurateurs, food writers and culinary entrepreneurs on this show. At the end of each conversation, he always asks about their favorite restaurant. There’s one Lincoln Park spot that stands alone with the most mentions. In this episode, you’ll hear why this one restaurant has earned love and respect from chefs Donnie Madia, Taryn Huebner, Z...

On this week's episode, host David Manilow talks with Taryn Huebner, who was Oprah Winfrey's personal chef for more than a decade. Hear about her travels all over the world with Oprah, and how that led Huebner to create The Kismet Table , a gourmet market and kitchen in Lincoln Park. Plus, she’ll share some tips on what to get mom for Mother’s Day. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm...

David Manilow and food writer Kevin Pang discuss the 25 best places to eat in Chicago, right now. Manilow talks with Pang about his criteria for contributing to The New York Times list, and its evolution over the past few years. Hear why food culture is obsessed with what’s trendy, and how many classic Chicago spots still manage to survive. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz...

Robert Cervantes traded a life working at some of Chicago’s most celebrated restaurants for global pursuits in the wine industry. In this episode, Cervantes talks with host David Manilow about why he’s returned to Chicago, as well as the craftsmanship behind his acclaimed wine bar Apero in Lincoln Square. Plus, hear how changes in drinking habits affect what he serves. Hosted by Simplecast, an Ads...

For restaurant designers, the small touches are what make a space feel welcoming. In this episode, host David Manilow talks with Aida Napoles about how she brought a vision inspired by childhood memories to Carnitas Uruapan in Little Village. You'll also hear how Napoles applies her instincts for residential design to help restaurants feel more like home. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company....

Claire Parlette is a server at the iconic French restaurant Le Bouchon in Bucktown, where she handles a packed house of diners every night. In this episode, host David Manilow talks to Parlette about her innovative project "Comedy and Caviar."   Parlette is bringing the stand-up community together with restaurants to serve up new experiences. Plus, hear about Parlette’s journey to Chicago and how...

Decades ago, Donnie Madia and his company One Off Hospitality helped define the West Loop with restaurants including Blackbird, avec, and The Publican. Now his remarkable instincts for style and atmosphere are hard at work transforming The Publican in ways that still honor its origins. In this episode, host David Manilow talks with Madia and Publican’s executive chef Rob Levitt about what’s new ab...

We’re going to fill your plate with a multi-course conversation about the history of Chicago dining. In this episode, host David Manilow talks with food journalist Michael Gebert about his newly released book, " The Chicago Way: An Oral History of Chicago Dining ." Hear the backstories on the pivotal players who have made an impact on the city’s dining scene from the 1960s through today. Hosted by...

Without question, Chicago is known for our steakhouses. In fact, the past year boasted more new places for meat with a cultural twist. In this episode, Crain’s Ally Marotti joins host David Manilow for a conversation about the evolution of Chicago’s steakhouse scene. Plus, one relatively new spot is proving they're booming in the suburbs, too. Manilow talks with owners Gregg Horan and Bill Veremis...

Among the most anticipated restaurant openings this winter is a cozy, fire-driven spot tucked away on an Evanston side street.  In this episode, host David Manilow talks with chef Tom Carlin and Rachel Canfora-Carlin — the husband and wife proprietors of Burl . Hear how their family move to Evanston inspired their new neighborhood restaurant. Plus, the couple shares the influence of their collecti...

Chefs Zubair Mohajir and Rishi Kumar join host David Manilow to talk about the history of Indian and Mexican restaurants and how they fused them together at Mirra in Bucktown . Plus, hear about their unexpected Michelin Bib Gourmand nod, what makes Napa like Narnia, and why food is the best way to tell immigrant's stories. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for informati...

Chef Theo Gilbert may be working outside the grind of restaurant ownership, but he’s still cooking up a storm. In this episode, host David Manilow talks with Gilbert about making homemade pasta in the window at the former Terragusto and his journey to creating pop-up dining experiences through Chicago Bite Club. Plus, hear how he got hooked on cooking all over the world. Hosted by Simplecast, an A...