The Dining Table

In some bygone era, 14-year-old Kevin Hickey was prepping jello shots and making burgers at his uncle’s bar in the Gold Coast. Now he has a Michelin star under his belt. In this episode, David Manilow tracks Hickey’s 35-year history in the Chicago restaurant biz — a trek from Rush and Division streets to his days as executive chef at the Four Seasons Hotel. Plus, learn why he returned home to Brid...

Chicago and its suburbs have stepped up their bakery game over the past few years, and high standards are driving a new era of fresh baked goods. In this episode, host David Manilow talks with the founders of Hewn in Evanston to uncover their biggest challenges in sourcing local ingredients and creating artisanal products. Plus, learn how Hewn was born out of an "underground bread club." Hosted by...

In this new month's edition of "Where Dave Ate," our host explores the Mexican-Indian fusion restaurant Mirra. It’s at Armitage and Damen avenues, around the corner from restaurants including Le Bouchon, TAMA and Pompette. Why is Mirra such a hot destination right now — and is it the right spot for you? Manilow answers these questions and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https:/...

Chicago is filled with world-class chefs and restaurateurs — and there’s yet another group with amazing palates as well. In this episode, host David Manilow gets recommendations from experts in the worlds of wine, whiskey, beer, cocktails and even Malört on where they go to eat and drink. Hear from master sommelier Alpana Singh, cicerone Ray Daniels, tequila connoisseur Mike Moreno Jr. and more. H...

Gene & Georgetti is Chicago’s oldest steakhouse — founded in 1941 — and is now run by founder Gene Michelotti’s granddaughter, Michelle Durpetti. So what’s the secret to the Tuscan steakhouse keeping it "in the family" for over eight decades? In this episode, David Manilow talks to Durpetti about what it takes to lead an old-school restaurant into the future. Hear about what traditions remain — an...

What's the special sauce used to produce huge food events, such as Chicago Gourmet? In this episode, host David Manilow talks with Jodi Fyfe, the founder and CEO of Paramount Group — one of Chicago’s biggest caterers with almost 600 employees. Plus, we're chatting about the tricks you can use to plan an event — whether big or small — of your own. How do you decide who to hire and what to serve? Ho...

In 1989, restaurateur Steve Lombardo, along with his business partner Hugo Ralli, opened a steakhouse on Rush Street and called it Gibsons. In this episode, we learn what's changed in the past 35 years and how this Chicago icon got past its early struggles — growing to more than a dozen locations. Its original location is now one of the top grossing restaurants in the U.S. David Manilow uncovers b...

There's a trend surfacing of Chicago restaurants chasing a retro or throwback vibe. In this episode, on our October edition of “Where Dave Ate,” we’ll share host David Manilow’s experiences at four new spots that have the feel of a speakeasy or supper club. Plus, Manilow reports on the surprising number of Michelin-starred restaurants that have closed in just the past three years. Hosted by Simple...

We always make sure to ask where the renowned Chicago chefs who chat with us like to eat on their days off. While some recommend upscale and well-known restaurants, many also share their favorite hidden gems. In this episode, host David Manilow talks with eight chefs who divulge their favorite dining spots that are off the beaten path. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adsw...

The award-winning Calumet Fisheries is nearly 100 years old — and it's making a comeback after reopening in June following a fire that forced its closure for six months. Mark Kotlick, co-owner of Calumet Fisheries on the South Side, talks on the latest episode about how he’s been able to keep the iconic smoked fish shack feeling genuine. Plus, David Manilow describes why eating from the restaurant...

Nearly a decade ago, chef Thai Dang dealt with a scandal involving one of the city's hottest restaurants at the time. Dang, the chef at the now-closed Embeya, lost out after the former owner of the West Loop hotspot misappropriated funds before fleeing the county and later pleading guilty to wire fraud. In this episode, host David Manilow talks with Dang about how he bounced back from the saga and...

It’s our first episode of a new month — and that means another edition of "Where Dave Ate." Host David Manilow shares his experience at Lula Cafe’s recent "25 for 25" event, during which 25 legendary chefs came together to raise money for five different charities. Plus, this fall is loaded with food events, including the upcoming Chicago Gourmet , a 25th anniversary event for Green City Market and...

While there are hundreds of restaurants in Chicago that represent a myriad of Mexican regions, there’s only one mole king. In this episode, Chef Gino Bahena talks about his new restaurant Manchamanteles, his introduction to the fine art of mole at age 11 and how he helped open Frontera Grill with Rick Bayless. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information ab...

What makes a great bar? In this episode, David Manilow talks with Peter Vestinos of Bisous and Sparrow about his "Mount Rushmore of Chicago bars." Vestinos says it’s all about remembering a good time. It could come down to a few parts, like a bartender's knowledge, the music or the atmosphere — but there’s also something about going to a place where everybody knows your name. Hosted by Simplecast,...

If you live in Chicago or are visiting our great city — say for a big political convention — you already know that we have a vast and diverse collection of restaurants. And we also have scores of award-winning chefs. In this episode, 10 of those world-renowned chefs talk about their favorite Chicago restaurants. Hear from Michelin star winners, James Beard award winners and more — including Kasama...

You’ve probably heard a lot about Maple & Ash, the glitzy restaurant on the Gold Coast. In the past year, news of conflict has sometimes overshadowed conversations about the actual dining experience at this extremely successful steakhouse. In this episode, David Manilow talks with partners Jim Lasky and Danny Grant about the headlines of the past, and their ambitions for the future. Hosted by Simp...

It’s our first episode of the month and that means it’s time for Where Dave Ate. Hear about David Manilow’s experience at three recent restaurant grand openings in Chicago. We explore the glitz, glamour and major expenses that come alongside a bold debut. How important is a lavish opening to a restaurant’s long-term success? What works — and what doesn’t? Event planning expert Karrie Leung joins t...

The food scene in Chicago thrives on the neighborhood streets dotted with crave-worthy restaurants, trattorias, bistros, bakeries and delis. One of those streets is Grand Avenue near Racine. In this episode, host David Manilow learns how Rosanna D'Amato has taken her grandfather’s creation to a whole new audience. Learn some secrets from the third-generation behind the Italian bakery and uncover w...

In this week’s episode, host David Manilow takes listeners to an ethereal space with complex cocktails and food. He unravels the mystery of a new cocktail restaurant in River North alongside its founders Chireal Jordan and Brian Galati. Their new creation, Dearly Beloved , relies heavily on the element of surprise — and, during this conversation, Manilow gets to the bottom of that. Hosted by Simpl...

Nothing goes better with dinner at home than movies and TV shows that make your mouth water. In this week’s episode, David Manilow gives listeners his picks for five foodie films that will make you think — and drive your hunger at the same time. Our host also shares his three favorite episodes from the latest season of "The Bear." Plus, restaurant reporter Ally Marotti takes us behind the scenes o...

Chef Jake Potashnick has cooked at fine dining spots all over the world from Sweden to Japan. His journey has led him back home to Chicago to open up his own restaurant in West Town. It’s an ambitious effort where dinner will feature a tasting menu of more than 30 courses. Potashnick joins David Manilow in this episode to talk about Feld, one of the most anticipated restaurant openings of the summ...

Food entrepreneur and Chicago native Erica Bethe Levin is on a mission to expand kids' palates. That's why she founded the Globowl baby food company. In this episode, she talks about how her passion led her to a spot on the current season of "Gordon Ramsay's Food Stars." Plus, host David Manilow wants to know: Are food reality TV shows real or manipulated? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company....

In the era of finding the newest and hippest spot, host David Manilow says Lula Cafe in Logan Square has created a restaurant standard that shouldn't be missed. And this week, chef Jason Hammel and his team at the nearly 25-year-old eatery won the James Beard Award for Best Hospitality. In this episode, Hammel talks to Manilow about his restaurant philosophy and what’s unique about the Chicago che...

It’s the first episode of the month and that means it’s time for Where Dave Ate. Host David Manilow shares his recent dining experiences at two very different spots: Briny Swine, which serves low-country Carolina-style barbecue in Lincoln Park, and Tre Dita, the high-end Tuscan dining at the St. Regis Chicago. Both restaurants recently opened, and one is rowdy while the other's more relaxed. Both...

David Manilow is a big believer that restaurants should provide diners with a simple feeling: They really want you to dine there. In this episode, our host has a conversation with the restaurateur he believes may be the best host in the city of Chicago. Listen in for some sage advice on service from Dave Bonomi, owner of Coalfire Pizza and Peanut Park Trattoria. This episode contains adult languag...