Crain's Audio Studio

The Dining Table

Business EN ↓ 163 episodes

Crain’s Chicago Business presents The Dining Table with “Check Please!” creator, David Manilow. David tells the story of Chicago through the intimate stories that drive the business of food. You’ll savor the tales about what makes the unique Chicago food scene come to life and hear from those making it happen.

Author

Crain's Audio Studio

Category

Business

Latest episode

Jul 7, 2026

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Episodes

Rethinking Meat with McCullough Kelly-Willis 17.11.2022

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...

A fortune in spirits with A.J. Heindel 09.11.2022

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...

Being flexitarian with Chef Fab 03.11.2022

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...

The art of sushi with Kaze Chan 26.10.2022

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...

A steak in Chicago with Tyler Florence 19.10.2022

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...

Farm cooking with Abra Berens 12.10.2022

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...

Cambodian food with Mona Sang 05.10.2022

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...

Chicago's dining rehab with John Kessler 29.09.2022

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...

The best business breakup with Michael Kornick 22.09.2022

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...

Bronzeville's future with Eric Williams and Cecilia Cuff 15.09.2022

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...

Talking barbecue with Meathead 08.09.2022

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.

'Chicago's cake' with Stephanie Hart 31.08.2022

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.

An Appetizer from David Manilow 31.08.2022

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...

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