The Dining Table

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...

In this episode, go to butchery school with McCullough Kelly-Willis. She’s the founder of the Chicago Meat Collective, and a trailblazer in a male-dominated field. McCullough is an educator in the humane treatment of animals as part of the food system. From the Crain’s newsroom, Ally Marotti is back to report on the future of the fast casual drive-thru business. Plus, in this edition of “Where Dav...

In this episode, meet A.J. Heindel and a bottle of bourbon worth more than $48,000. Hear how high-end spirits reach the auction market, and who exactly is buying whiskey that costs more than $1,000 a bottle. From the Crain’s newsroom, Ally Marotti reports on a new feature for users of reservation platform Tock. Plus, in this edition of “Where Dave Ate,” host David Manilow walks us through his dini...

In this episode, we meet Chef Fab, a boutique owner-turned-restaurateur. Fab’s creations aim to feed "flexitarians" the comfort foods they miss while eating more plant-based diets. From the Crain’s newsroom, Ally Marotti reports on the surprise early closure of Gold Coast steakhouse Tavern on Rush. Plus, in this edition of “Where Dave Ate,” David visits a Bucktown address that has been home to six...

In this episode, Kaze Chan explains how a Chicago blizzard led him to become a master sushi chef. He also talks about the mystery behind selections for omakase, a style of dining focused on the chef’s choices for the meal. From the Crain’s newsroom, Ally Marotti reports on the next chapter for the creators of Uncommon Ground. A story that begins with how a rooftop garden became an urban farm. Plus...

In this episode, Food Network superstar chef Tyler Florence confesses his love for Chicago. The chef and TV host discusses his new venture with Cooper’s Hawk, which is bringing his aged-beef creations from the San Francisco Bay Area to Oak Street in the Gold Coast. From the Crain's newsroom, Ally Marotti reports on the high-end dining experiences planned for the St. Regis Chicago, a hotel slated t...

In this episode, David unpacks chef Abra Berens' passion for locally sourced ingredients. The Michigan-native always had one dream—to cook from a farm. Take a trip from a deli in Ann Arbor to chef school in Ireland, with some storied Chicago eateries along the way. From the Crain’s newsroom, reporter Ally Marotti covers an intriguing joint venture between Levy Restaurants and Boka Restaurant Group...

On this journey of "Where Dave Ate" we dive into intriguing taco experiences, plus Crain's Ally Marotti digs deep on the pivots in Chicago fine dining. For Chef Mona Sang, food has always been a matter of emotional survival. During this episode, you'll hear her refugee story, and why Cambodian cuisine is unique. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information...

On a Divvy cruise for a cheeseburger, Dave stopped at Leavitt Street Inn . His next visit was Big Star in West Town, then up Ashland Avenue to Alegrias , all part of "Where Dave Ate" on this episode.  David also made the rounds at Chicago Gourmet , including the Tacos & Tequilas event, hosted by Rick Bayless. This week's conversation with Chicago Magazine dining critic, John Kessler, led to raves...

On Dave's adventure in outdoor lunch spots, he made stops in Hyde Park at Nella's Pizza e Pasta then headed for River North and Beatrix , the final stop was in Andersonville at Fiya .   Crain's Ally Marotti reported on two openings including Yardbird for fried chicken and the new bakery Levain, in the West Loop.  Chef Michael Kornick also shared his favorite Chicago places to dine, including Andro...

David's journey with food takes us to Brigtsen's in New Orleans, and then back home to Red Light Chicken on Sheffield.  Ally Marotti has been tracking changes around Chicago's 'viagra triangle' -- including Tavern on Rush .  Our chat with Eric & Cecilia centered around Bronzeville Winery and The Silver Room . Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our c...

Our Dining Table stops in this episode include Andros Taverna , Hing Lee , Publican Quality Bread , Charlie Beinlich's, Sabri Hihari , and Piccoloa Sogno . If you want to study up on the science of great barbecue and grilling, Meathead can help you here . Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

David opens this episode with observations on his visit to Hinoki Sushiko . You'll definitely want to further explore the creations of Stephanie Hart at Brown Sugar Bakery . Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The business of food is filled with unlikely survivors and compelling characters. David Manilow knows them all. Each week, David will introduce you to chefs, culinary experts, bartenders, book authors, and food entrepreneurs. Plus, he'll give you insights into the most memorable dining experiences in Chicago and beyond. From the creator of the hit television show "Check, Please!" and Crain's Audio...