Chewing

This week on Chewing, we talk about Lunar New Year eats and treats. Monica goes to Crumbs.nd. Creams and talks to the co-owners of Chicago's home of Sylvanas, the Filipino frozen sandwich cookie. Then, Monica talks with founders of Every Body Eat, allergen free snacks and then dares Louisa and Iris to taste some of the so-called "clean crackers," but will they eat it?

This week on Chewing, we talk about markets, chaos and scoby snax! Monica does a ride along with Blue Hill at Stone Barns chef Dan Barber to talk about his Row 7 Seed Company, and makes a trip to the farmers market. Ecologist Mark Easter tells us about his James Beard nominated book The Blue Plate: A Food Lover's Guide to Climate Chaos , along with more Beard nominees including chef and filmmaker...

This week on Chewing, we talk about babes, pizza, and hot stuff. First, Monica talks to My Pi pizza founder Larry Aronson about his last pizzeria closing in Chicago after 54 years. Then, Professor Steve Balkin talks about the death of Maxwell Street as he makes Monica some homemade matzo brie. Lastly, James Park talks about his cookbook "Chili Crisp: 50+ Recipes to Satisfy Your Spicy, Crunchy, Gar...

This week on Chewing, we talk about international street food. First, Monica talks to Faraz Sardharia about his new restaurant Rickshaw Pakistani & Indian Street Eats, which raises funds for unhoused people in Chicago. Monica also talks to women's rights advocate Rohini Dey about transforming her pioneering modern Indian restaurant Vermilion into a women-centric "cocktail den" called Sanctuary in...

This week on Chewing, we talk about plants, Feld, and krill. First, Monica talks to Washington Post Food and Dining editor — and bestselling author — Joe Yonan about his new book, "Mastering the Art of Plant-Based Cooking"! Then Louisa talks to the chef and owner of one of the most polarizing new restaurants in Chicago — and former guest of Chewing, Jake Potashnick of Feld. Monica talks to the own...

This week on Chewing, we talk about how sisters are doing it for sustainability! First, Monica talks to legendary author and editor Ruth Reichl about her new documentary film Food and Country . Then, we talked to Hewn Bread founder Ellen King and Volition Tea founder Annie Xiang about their big expansions. Finally, Monica talked to Upside Food COO Amy Chen who offered Monica a taste of their culti...

This week, Monica and Louisa talk Honey and Fun Guys. First, Monica went to the inaugural George R.R. Martin Summer Intensive Writing Workshop, where she made Malaysian rice balls with fellow fellow, Honey Ahmad. Monica also talked to author and filmmaker Curtis Chin about his book "Everything I Learned, I Learned in a Chinese Restaurant." Finally, Monica talks to Josh Noel about his new book on M...

This week on Chewing, Monica and Louisa report back from the James Beard Awards. Monica talks to Outstanding Chef winner Michael Rafidi, Best Chef: Great Lakes winner Hajime Sato, and Lifetime Achievement Award winner Ruth Reichl. Then, Monica chats with Capriole Goat Cheese founder Judy Schad and Prairie Grass Cafe chef and co-owner Sarah Stegner. Louisa talks about her story on The Bear and dare...

This week on Chewing, Monica recaps her Chicago adventures in beef, beer, bowls, and baseball. Then, she tastes fake fish and talks to Aqua Cultured Foods co-founder and CGO Brittany Chibe! Lastly, Louisa dares Monica & Iris to eat black jello from Costco and dares our dogs to eat treats from José Andrés!   chewing.xyz chicagotribune.com/chewingpodcast facebook.com/chewingpodcast Insta Louisa Chu...

This week, Monica and Louisa talk about mole, French food, and corned beef. First, Monica talks to veteran chef Geno Bahena who's now cooking at Manchamanteles. Then, Monica talks to Emil Stefkov, founder of La Grande Boucherie, which claims it's the biggest restaurant in Chicago. Finally, Louisa reveals details on the corned beef sandwich at John's Food & Wine, where they're paying their cooks $3...

This week, Monica and Louisa talk about the next gen of chefs and King Cake season. Monica interviews chef Erling Wu-Bower who just opened Maxwell Trading, plus chef and TikTok star Jacob Potashnick who's planning to open Feld in Chicago. Then, Louisa gives us the rundown on Roscas, and what she's hoping for King Cake season.   chewing.xyz chicagotribune.com/chewingpodcast facebook.com/chewingpodc...

This week, Monica and Louisa talk about the holidays, health, and drinks! Monica interviews Zooey Deschanel about her health app. Monica attends the 90th anniversary party for Malört and talks to our pal and James Beard award winning writer and pop-up maestro Mike Sula about his secret homemade drink made with wormwood. Finally, Louisa shares her experience at CosMc's, the futuristic new concept f...

This week, Monica and Louisa catch up after getting stuffed at Thanksgiving. Monica talks to America's Test Kitchen's Kevin Pang about his new book co-written with his dad, "A Very Chinese Cookbook: 100 Recipes From China And Not China (But Still Really Chinese)." Then, Monica chats with Emmy and Peabody award-winning journalist Michele Norris about her new podcast "Your Mama's Kitchen." Lastly, n...

This week, Monica and Louisa talk about migrants, immigrants, and spirits. Monica talks to Laura Tillman about her experience writing her latest book "The Migrant Chef: The Life and Times of Lalo García." Plus, Monica talks to award-winning author Grace Lin about her new bestselling book "Chinese Menu: The History, Myths, and Legends Behind Your Favorite Foods." Finally, Louisa dares us to taste "...

The ladies are back from summer break and ready for autumn! This week, Monica and Louisa share their Midwestern Adventures. Monica visits a South Side baseball chef, a Michigan jerky butcher, and a legendary Italian restaurant owner! Then, Louisa visits a West Side chef turned farmers market manager in the historic Austin neighborhood! The ladies finally test out the bone conduction lollipops from...

This week, we talk about the big drama behind the scenes of the James Beard awards, and if Monica won after SIX nominations this year! Then, she goes back to France to visit her football player son and brings back an encore madcap recap. Have you watched The Bear? We talk about whether or not we've watched the hit Chicago-based streaming series, and why. Finally, Louisa brings a haul from the Swee...

This week, Monica tells us about her whirlwind trip to Europe. Back in Chicago, Monica and Louisa visit Stephanie Izard's new Little Goat Diner. Then, Monica learns about puppy chow cake from pastry chef Leigh Omilinsky at Daisies. Lastly, Louisa gets influenced to buy Chinese casseroles from Costco, but Will They Eat It? chewing.xyz chicagotribune.com/chewingpodcast facebook.com/chewingpodcast Lo...

This week, we talk spring break and Chicago cheesesteaks. Louisa talks to Al's Beef owner Chris Pacelli about Chicago cheesesteaks. Then, Monica shares her plans to visit her son in France, and our producer Iris shares her first trip to San Francisco's Chinatown. Finally, Monica dares Louisa and Iris to eat salmon skin and salted egg chips from Singapore, but Will They Eat It?   chewing.xyz chicag...

This week, Monica and Louisa talk about Americans abroad! First, Monica has a conversation with her son about what he's eating in France. In contrast, she talks to restaurateur Kevin Boehm about bringing French food to Chicago. Then, Monica talks to video game and filmmaker Josh Tsui about Korean Chinese food in LA and Chicago. Finally, in what may now become a tradition, Louisa dares Monica and I...

This week, Monica tells us about her new book, "Made in Chicago: Stories Behind 30 Great Hometown Bites," co-written with David Hammond. Then Monica interviews former Obama White House and Chicago restaurant chef Sam Kass about his organization Do Good Chicken that reduces food waste by putting it towards their chickens' diet. Then she talks to Niman Ranch and Mariano's representatives about stock...

This week, we're celebrating Lunar New Year and talking BBQ. We start off by giving some updates on holiday health scares. Then Louisa gets the story behind the Lexington Betty Smokehouse barbecue style. And then the ladies are presented with a spicy Chinese  snack that's gone viral and chocolate fortune cookies, but will they eat it? chewing.xyz chicagotribune.com/chewingpodcast facebook.com/chew...

This week, we're talking about holiday foods and new chefs. Monica visits the Christkindlmarket to find some fishy treats. Then she talks to TikTok chef Jake Potashnick who has plans to open a sustainable restaurant called Feld in Chicago. Louisa goes behind these scenes of Omarcito's Latin Café to find out more about chef Omar Cadena's family recipes. Finally, Monica shares a spread of sunflower...

This week, we're gearing up for Thanksgiving by sharing our traditions (and disasters). Monica talks to Frankie Gaw, aka Little Fat Boy, about his first generation Taiwanese-American cookbook. Plus, she checks in with former Chicago Tribune restaurant critic Paula Camp at her cidery. Lastly, Louisa surprises Monica and Iris with a Thanksgiving pastry from Loaf Lounge.   chewing.xyz chicagotribune....

This week, Monica explains the big news about the Jewel and Mariano's grocery store merger. She also shares the new grocery report card on antibiotic policies. Then, Louisa and Monica share grocery tips and talk about the politics of grocery store decisions. Plus, the ladies try beer and brat flavored potato chips from...you guessed it...Aldi!

This week, Monica concludes her conversation with Oprah's former personal chef Art Smith. Plus, she talks to James Beard award-winning chef Greg Wade about his debut cookbook. Louisa tells us about her search for the woman behind the historic pot pie recipe in Chicago, and then we hear about some delicious ghost stories.