The Dining Table

Nearly a decade ago, Maya-Camille Broussard started Chicago-based bakery "Justice of the Pies." Since then, she has become a star on the Netflix show "Bake Squad" and has a teaching kitchen in the Avalon Park neighborhood. In this week's episode, Broussard opens up with David Manilow on why she's now more competitive with her family, even more so than she ever was on television. Plus, Crain’s Ally...

Chicago’s restaurant scene is booming again. In this episode, David Manilow covers the openings of Miru, The Bellevue, Fioretta, and Smoque Steak. And Manilow speaks with Barry Sorkin, the owner of barbecue smash hit Smoque, who is opening the doors on a new steakhouse concept under the Smoque banner. Plus, Crain's Ally Marotti reports on the long-awaited restaurants from Lettuce Entertain You Ent...

Chicago’s Boka Restaurant Group has parted ways with famed Chef Daniel Rose. Crain’s Ally Marotti reports on his departure from Le Select just four months after the restaurant opened. Plus, Vermillion’s Rohini Dey has a lot to say, including why Indian food is misunderstood. Dey is also well-known for giving Indian food a Latin twist. In this episode, she shares her next innovation with David Mani...

In this episode, we delve into the Fulton Market dining trend, which is continuing with a new event space from Avli Restaurant Group. Crain's Ally Marotti also reports on the arrival to the neighborhood of a smoothie spot that's beloved by celebs including Harry Styles and Kendall Jenner. And David Manilow chats with chef Steve Chiappetti about suburban restaurant recommendations that really deliv...

It's time to learn about the legend — and the allure — of Chicago’s most controversial liqueur. In this episode the CEO of CH Distillery, Tremaine Atkinson, talks about how he recently acquired the 1930s brand and shares his battle with the Malört recipe. Plus, Ally Marotti reports from the Crain’s newsroom on changes at McDonald’s, including the return of a nostalgic character for the Chicago-bas...

For decades, one Chicago restaurant has ruled romance. Jeff Lawler, the owner of fondue restaurant Geja’s Cafe, even has a playbook for orchestrating marriage proposals. But fondue wasn’t always the magic potion. In this episode, David Manilow uncovers how fondue became an attraction and why it may be even more alluring nowadays. Lawler also shares what was once his favorite romantic restaurant. P...

On the latest episode, Crain’s Ally Marotti joins David Manilow to report on the integration of ChatGPT with the booking app OpenTable. Is this futuristic version of the restaurant world ready for primetime? How do chefs and owners, as well as their customers, benefit? Plus, Manilow debates with food journalist Ashok Selvam about what Chicago restaurants are known for now. Selvam is the editor of...

Husband-and-wife duo Doug Psaltis and Hsing Chen are bringing the grill houses of San Sebastian, Spain, to River North. In this episode, they share why their new creation also pays homage to Chicago’s chophouses. David Manilow also taps into their recommendations for brick-oven pizza, as well as a do-it-yourself spicy chicken experience. Plus, Crain’s Ally Marotti reports on the Guinness brewpub t...

In this episode, David Manilow spotlights the just-announced James Beard Award finalists from Chicago with Ally Marotti from the Crain’s newsroom. Plus, a new book — "Made in Chicago: Stories Behind 30 Great Hometown Bites" — looks into the stories behind classic dishes made here. Authors Monica Eng and David Hammond share their favorite spots for tacos, and our host also offers his own choices fo...

The Morton family has been in the restaurant business for four generations, with steakhouses, Hard Rock Cafes, burger bars and now Amy Morton's latest, the French-Moroccan spot LeTour in Evanston. In this episode, we talk to her about growing up in the family business, as well as recommendations from her and David Manilow with some hidden spots for unforgettable Korean comfort food in the northwes...

In this episode, we are highlighting personal stories — that bring both tears and laughter — from Chef Joe Flamm and restaurateur Kevin Boehm. Additionally, David Manilow chats with Rachel Rischall and Liz Grossman, the co-founders of "Between Bites," which uses food storytelling to raise money for charitable organizations. Manilow gets to the heart of why Rischall and Grossman created their story...

On this week's episode, David Manilow and Chef Scott Harris — of Francesca’s fame — serve up recommendations for three classic seafood spots they love. Even though he now has 26 restaurants, Harris is hooked on the oysters at the same Near North Side spot he's been going to for decades. Plus, Crain’s Ally Marotti reports on the reopening of a hot spot for the City Hall crowd and other Loop politic...

On this week's episode, David Manilow talks about an eye-opening experience during a festive downtown solo happy hour crawl. Then, from the Crain's newsroom, Ally Marotti reports on the business of beer and what craft brewers want most from Illinois lawmakers. She also shares the story of a downstate micro-brewery that forages on their own property for ingredients. Plus, Manilow talks with attorne...

Digital creator Soo Park is in the influencer game. She works to motivate foodies to check out spots around the city with her posts on Fab Food Chicago. But what’s the secret sauce? In this episode, David Manilow chats with Park about influencers and their impact on the restaurant business. Plus, Ally Marotti reports from the Crain’s newsroom on the dining concepts that seem to be working after th...

Bruce Finkelman has helped build an empire of food and music venues that have entertained millions of Chicagoans. From the Empty Bottle to Longman & Eagle to Thalia Hall, Finkelman has married his passion for food and music throughout the city along with his longtime business partner Craig Golden. The Salt Shed, his biggest venture yet, begins indoor concerts this week. During his chat with David...

Chicago's preeminent "dough-boy" is Rich Labriola—from artisan breads to pizza and doughnuts. In this episode, Labriola reveals why it took two years for his collaboration with Stan’s Doughnuts to fully bake and we learn about the bread-making class that changed his life. Ally Marotti from the Crain's newsroom also stops by with a story about cannabis and cupcakes making waves in Wheeling. Plus, o...

Gene Charness has a superhuman sense of taste. His gift for pairing food and drink is renowned and has led to a journey around the world as a whiskey-barrel picker. But what Charness loves most is discovery. In this episode, learn what it takes to find your unique flavor profile. Plus, from the Crain’s newsroom, Ally Marotti is back to break down the James Beard Award nominees. They also do a deep...

Much of the private club-based social experience has been defined by exclusivity. When Kim Bosse sought something more inclusive, she joined forces with a childhood friend to create Birch Road Cellar, a neighborhood-based BYOB social club. In this episode, Manilow explores what communal socializing means, especially when it's not in your own home. Manilow also visits with Ally Marotti from the Cra...

What is it about beef over an open fire that stirs the soul? Chef John Manion has harnessed that secret; he’s been hooked ever since he was an 8-year-old living in Sao Paolo, Brazil. Now he’s adding Chicago flavors into some of his favorite dishes. David Manilow also checks in with Ally Marotti from the Crain’s newsroom on why opening a new restaurant is riskier than ever. Plus, on this edition of...

When an idea strikes a food creator, they start inventing—but the real challenge is scale. David Manilow dives into the story of two tireless business founders: Danielle Tubbs, who uses her Jamaican heritage to spice up her line of creative cookies, and Emily Groden, who went from a blue chip Chicago law firm to the frozen waffle aisle. From the Crain’s newsroom, Ally Marotti reports on the storie...

Italian restaurants are everywhere in America. In this episode, David Manilow visits with Chef Federico Comacchio of Gioia in the West Loop with a deep curiosity: What’s the secret to a genuine Italian dining experience? From the Crain’s newsroom, Ally Marotti joins Manilow to discuss the outlook for restaurants in 2023. As chefs and their owners manage the realities of inflation, what will be the...

Few people know Chicago like celebrated hotel concierge Philippe Gills. In this episode, he’ll share a local attraction that is so special, it’s a must even for native Chicagoans—a music and arts experience that feels forbidden. And after 24 years in the business, Gills tells us what to look for in a great concierge. From the Crain’s newsroom, Ally Marotti and David Manilow discuss 2022's biggest...

In this episode, Ray Daniels, one of the foremost experts on beer in the country, explains why expert certification is critical to his industry and why beer is the most misunderstood beverage. From the Crain’s newsroom, Ally Marotti reports on the lavish dining events at the Barrington estate of Chef Fabio Viviani. Plus, in this edition of “Where Dave Ate,” David Manilow guides us on dining extrem...

In this episode, Farmer’s Fridge CEO Luke Saunders walks us through the daunting creation of his company. He explains how his vision went from a vending machine convention in Las Vegas to now include more than 500 locations. Saunders also explains why Chicago is a mecca for food entrepreneurs. From the Crain’s newsroom, Ally Marotti reports on "friendly fraud," a scam that is costing restaurants....

In this episode, filmmaker Rebecca Halpern shares what inspired her to tell the story of one of Chicago’s most well-known chefs. As the writer-director of the documentary "Love Charlie: The Rise and Fall of Charlie Trotter," Halpern chronicles Trotter's quest for excellence and his complicated relationship with fellow superstar Chicago chef Grant Achatz. From the Crain’s newsroom, Ally Marotti rep...