The Dining Table

Robert Cervantes traded a life working at some of Chicago’s most celebrated restaurants for global pursuits in the wine industry. In this episode, Cervantes talks with host David Manilow about why he’s returned to Chicago, as well as the craftsmanship behind his acclaimed wine bar Apero in Lincoln Square. Plus, hear how changes in drinking habits affect what he serves. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

For restaurant designers, the small touches are what make a space feel welcoming. In this episode, host David Manilow talks with Aida Napoles about how she brought a vision inspired by childhood memories to Carnitas Uruapan in Little Village. You'll also hear how Napoles applies her instincts for residential design to help restaurants feel more like home. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Claire Parlette is a server at the iconic French restaurant Le Bouchon in Bucktown, where she handles a packed house of diners every night. In this episode, host David Manilow talks to Parlette about her innovative project "Comedy and Caviar." Parlette is bringing the stand-up community together with restaurants to serve up new experiences. Plus, hear about Parlette’s journey to Chicago and how she was hooked on the hospitality industry. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Decades ago, Donnie Madia and his company One Off Hospitality helped define the West Loop with restaurants including Blackbird, avec, and The Publican. Now his remarkable instincts for style and atmosphere are hard at work transforming The Publican in ways that still honor its origins.In this episode, host David Manilow talks with Madia and Publican’s executive chef Rob Levitt about what’s new about their vision for hospitality. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

We’re going to fill your plate with a multi-course conversation about the history of Chicago dining.In this episode, host David Manilow talks with food journalist Michael Gebert about his newly released book, "The Chicago Way: An Oral History of Chicago Dining." Hear the backstories on the pivotal players who have made an impact on the city’s dining scene from the 1960s through today. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Without question, Chicago is known for our steakhouses. In fact, the past year boasted more new places for meat with a cultural twist. In this episode, Crain’s Ally Marotti joins host David Manilow for a conversation about the evolution of Chicago’s steakhouse scene.Plus, one relatively new spot is proving they're booming in the suburbs, too. Manilow talks with owners Gregg Horan and Bill Veremis about what's getting rave reviews at the Greggory in South Barrington. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Among the most anticipated restaurant openings this winter is a cozy, fire-driven spot tucked away on an Evanston side street. In this episode, host David Manilow talks with chef Tom Carlin and Rachel Canfora-Carlin — the husband and wife proprietors of Burl. Hear how their family move to Evanston inspired their new neighborhood restaurant. Plus, the couple shares the influence of their collective hospitality experience at the Boka Restaurant Group, Hogsalt Hospitality, Publican Quality Meats, Michelin-starred Galit and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Chefs Zubair Mohajir and Rishi Kumar join host David Manilow to talk about the history of Indian and Mexican restaurants and how they fused them together at Mirra in Bucktown.Plus, hear about their unexpected Michelin Bib Gourmand nod, what makes Napa like Narnia, and why food is the best way to tell immigrant's stories. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Chef Theo Gilbert may be working outside the grind of restaurant ownership, but he’s still cooking up a storm. In this episode, host David Manilow talks with Gilbert about making homemade pasta in the window at the former Terragusto and his journey to creating pop-up dining experiences through Chicago Bite Club. Plus, hear how he got hooked on cooking all over the world. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Michelin stars have been awarded for 2025, and Chicago now has 20 Michelin-starred restaurants.In this episode, host David Manilow talks with Michelin-honored chefs John Shields of Smyth, Genie Kwon & Tim Flores of Kasama, Indienne's Sujan Sarkar, and Feld's Jake Potashnick. Some of Chicago’s most-revered restaurateurs share what it takes to create bold menus and develop engaging service. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

During the past decade, Chicago hasn't had much of a deli culture — but now, the bagel shop boom has begun.In this episode, host David Manilow talks with chef Sam Zeitlin about his brand-new Zeitlin's Delicatessen on Clybourn Avenue in Lincoln Park. Hear about the intricacies of making the perfect bagel, the key ingredients to deli hospitality and what makes an authentic nosh. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Host David Manilow is a huge fan of Ethiopian food. Spices including turmeric and cardamom are alluring, no doubt, but it's really the communal nature of Ethiopian dining that makes the meal special. In this episode, Manilow talks with chef Tigist Reda of Demera — an Ethiopian restaurant in Uptown — about her life in Chicago, how she became a revered cultural ambassador, and why you won’t need a fork to enjoy her food. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Chefs in Chicago are often generous with their time and resources in supporting their neighborhoods. That collaborative spirit also defines the city's dining scene. In this episode, host David Manilow talks with chefs Tony Montuano, Arshiya Farheen, Cliff Rome, Lacey Irby, Bill Kim and more about their favorite Chicago restaurants that they can’t stop recommending. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jackie Jackson has plenty to say about mentoring. Her devotion to it is clear. In this episode, host David Manilow talks to Jackson about her journey of perseverance and the challenges and rewards of being an entrepreneur and mentor to young employees at her eight Chicago-area Kilwin’s candy and ice cream franchises. Hear about her devotion to quality and why the little things mean a lot to her. Jackson was also named the 2024 Illinois Small Business Administration’s Person of the Year. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In his youth, host David Manilow sampled a lot of sushi restaurants. Eventually he would tell sushi chefs to surprise him, even before omakase — a Japanese term that means "I’ll leave it up to you" — was all the rage around Chicago. Now, there's a new omakase spot everywhere you turn. In this episode, Manilow talks with Mari Katsumura and Adam Sindler, who just opened a new restaurant in Old Town called Shō. You’ll hear how they combine Japanese heritage with whimsical plating and inventive flavor combinations for a whole new experience. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Quality bakeries have been popping up all over Chicago. There's Fat Peach in Bridgeport, Sugar Moon in Logan Square and Umaga Bakehouse on the Northwest Side, to name a few that have popped up over the past few years.In this episode, host David Manilow talks with chef Arshiya Farheen of Verzênay, a French patisserie and cafe in Lincoln Park, about her journey to bring a slice of Paris to Chicago and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Host David Manilow has been running around town and trying a whole bunch of restaurants. In this episode, Manilow shares some that he can’t wait to get back to — and at least one stop where he’s one and done. Hear about his experiences at Cellar Door Provisions, Maxwell’s Trading, Nic + Junior’s, Piccolo Sogno and S.K.Y. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Chef Bill Kim joins host David Manilow to talk about his days cooking at the great Charlie Trotter’s. Now he's a partner with Cornerstone Restaurant Group, which is opening up a new place just down the block called Dimmi Dimmi, and chef Matt Eckfeld is set to helm the kitchen. Cornerstone CEO Josh Zadikoff also joins the conversation to share stories about their restaurant ventures in Chicago, across the U.S. and in Korea. Plus, you’ll hear how they got into business with Bulls legend Michael Jordan. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

James Beard Award-winning and Michelin-starred chef Tony Mantuano brought Italian fine dining to Chicago for decades via the legendary Spiaggia, which closed in 2021. Mantuano then opened Nashville’s Yolan, which was ranked as Food & Wine’s top restaurant in the country for its inaugural reader’s choice awards in 2023. In this episode, host David Manilow talks with Mantuano about his new vision for the Purple Pig, which is opening a suburban location in Oak Brook. Plus, hear his praise for chef Joe Flamm's Roman cuisine at il Carciofo, the difference between eating Italian in New York versus Chicago, and what he sees for the future of Michigan Avenue dining. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Host David Manilow has been eating his way around town via sandwich shops, chicken places and taco joints. He’s also gone upscale at the Alston, a new French steakhouse in the Gold Coast. In this episode, Manilow catches up with two of the Alston partners, chef Jenner Tomaska and Scott Weiner of The Fifty/50 Restaurant Group. Hear why this isn’t your typical Chicago chophouse. Tomaska, the chef behind the Michelin-starred Esmé, also shares what he has planned next. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The food scene in Bridgeport has experienced a significant evolution in recent years. Chef Won Kim, who is changing the perception of Asian cuisine with his Korean-Polish fusion restaurant Kimski, has much to say about the neighborhood’s changing tastes. In this episode, host David Manilow talks to Kim about his chaotic journey as a chef, artist and DJ. Plus, we’ll celebrate Chicago’s James Beard Award winners. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Looking for the right spot for a memorable lunch meeting? In this episode, host David Manilow gives his recommendations for business-friendly lunches in the heart of the city. He shares half a dozen spots from the South Loop to River North to the West Loop; there’s a Thai spot, a Greek place, a French eatery, a couple Italian restaurants and more. Plus, we’ll hear some restaurant suggestions from Peach’s chef Cliff Rome and Shaw’s executive partner Bill Nevruz. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

When host David Manilow can’t go all the way to Italy for a meal, he visits Tortello in Wicker Park. Chef Dario Monni handcrafts his pasta right in a window overlooking Division Street. In this episode, Monni shares his journey from Sardinia to Chicago as a restaurateur, why flour from Italy is his key ingredient and which regional Italian cuisine made “his brain explode.” Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

There are a multitude of neighborhood restaurants and taverns all around Chicago. So where do you go for an elevated dining experience — without sacrificing the homey neighborhood vibe? In this edition of “Where Dave Ate,” host David Manilow recommends three creative city neighborhood spots in welcoming settings.Plus, he says Dear Margaret in Lakeview is one of those welcoming places, and co-founder Lacey Irby explains how they brought that vision to life.Here's where Dave ate:Community Tavern 4038 North Milwaukee AvenueDear Margaret 2965 North Lincoln AvenuePompette 1960 North Damen Avenue Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this week's episode, we go from fried chicken sandwiches to what might be the most intimate tasting menu in Chicago. Chef Ethan Lim has created an homage to his Cambodian heritage in a little storefront on West Armitage. Host David Manilow talks to Lim about his long journey to create Hermosa. Plus, hear how his cultural roots fed his culinary dreams. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Alton Brown, one of the Food Network’s most prolific stars, says the best thing about the 1980s was living in Chicago. As the former host of "Good Eats," Brown has plenty say about the evolution of food television. In this episode, Dining Table host David Manilow digs into Brown’s favorite Chicago places and his dining pet peeves. Plus, you’ll hear about his culinary variety show "Alton Brown Live: Last Bite," which makes a tour stop in Chicago this weekend. Brown also discusses his new book of 39 essays and how it was inspired by a passion he shares with actor Tom Hanks. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week we’re on a mission. Host David Manilow wants to learn why some of Chicago’s most decorated chefs are driving to a small town in Michigan to prepare meals served in a barn. In this episode, we’ll get the answer from James Gray, co-founder of Farrand Hall Hospitality. Plus, learn how this star chef series got started on a 12-acre farm in southwest Michigan — and where it goes from here. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

When it comes to authentic Mexican restaurants in Chicago, it’s hard to know where to start — there are about a thousand of them. This is the April edition of “Where Dave Ate” and these are host David Manilow's recommendations. Get ready for a food journey from Little Village to Logan Square to the Dunning neighborhood, with more stops in between.In this episode, learn where to have great chilaquiles for breakfast, get a taste of tamales, hear from Chicago’s mole king and much more.Here are David Manilow's recommendations this month:La Catedral CafeSanta Masa TamalériaManchamantelesEl Xangarrito Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

We’ve heard plenty about the development and design of the Obama Presidential Center in Jackson Park. But what’s going to be on the menu? In this episode, David Manilow talks with Peach’s chef Cliff Rome, the visionary running food services at the upcoming Obama center. Hear how he plans to honor his native South Side. Plus, hear about Manilow's connection to a younger Barack Obama, then a state senator. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

There’s a term in sociology known as “third places” — they’re the spots that blend work and leisure. In this episode, host David Manilow talks with David Morton, the founder and CEO of Episcope Hospitality, previously known as DMK Restaurants. Morton has worked to build a multi-layered approach to hospitality that emphasizes human interaction. Plus, hear what it was like to grow up as the son of the famed Arnie Morton, in a family that’s been in the restaurant business since the mid-19th century. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Four decades equals 10 million oysters: That's just some of the math in the story of Shaw’s Crab House. In this episode, host David Manilow talks with Bill Nevruz, executive partner at Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises. Nevruz has led Shaw's Crab House for 25 years. Learn how Shaw's got its name and why it still feels like a classic to customers and Chicago chefs alike. Plus, hear how legendary restaurateur and Shaw’s co-founder Rich Melman still retains a Midas touch. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

It’s time for the March edition of "Where Dave Ate," and host David Manilow takes us on a tour through his recommended Thai food destinations. In this episode, you’ll also hear about the favorite Thai restaurants of Chicago chefs Genie Kwon and Tim Flores of Kasama and Jake Potashnick of Feld. Plus, chef Arun Sampanthavivat describes how Thai cuisine let’s him take diners on a journey. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

From Oak Park to Japan, Mike Satinover, the chef-owner of Logan Square’s Akahoshi Ramen, has had an adventurous awakening to the world of ramen. In this episode, hear how he became known as “Ramen Lord” and why his ramen shop is one of Chicago’s toughest reservations. Host David Manilow explores the meticulous process of noodle-making and what drinks pair best with ramen. Plus, Satinover shares his deep respect for scratch cooking in the restaurant industry. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The partners at Perilla Fare in the West Loop have been busy. They opened Perilla Steakhouse downtown last summer and now have launched a hot new sushi handroll bar — Noriko — in the original spot's basement. In this episode, host David Manilow talks with partners Andy Lim and Thomas Oh about what it means to mix a “moody” vibe with a communal dining experience. Plus, you’ll hear how they bridge the gap between their Korean culture and their American upbringing. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

There’s something rare about a dining experience with great burgers on an elevated menu — and served in bar setting. Sol Ashbach seems to have figured that out. He started with Little Bad Wolf in Andersonville, then opened Gretel in Logan Square, and has added The Good Wolf next door to the original spot in Andersonville. And next, the fairytale continues with his most ambitious project yet. In this episode, host David Manilow talks with Ashbach about his next creation: Wolf and Company. Hear what makes this project near the Western Blue Line so bold, how it connects to The 606 trail, and why Ashbach thinks creativity wins out over budget. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

It's time for our February edition of "Where Dave Ate" — but this month’s episode is all about where host David Manilow wants to eat. With the help of artificial intelligence, Manilow is creating Chicago's next great restaurant. So what's on the menu, where is it located and what’s the vibe? Manilow’s AI-driven conversation with “Gemini” reveals all that and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jason Chan has been a notable and beloved figure in the Chicago restaurant scene for decades. In this episode, Chan describes how becoming a master martial artist has gone hand-in-hand with delivering great hospitality. He likens a restaurant to a dōjō, the place where immersive training occurs. Host David Manilow talks to Chan about being a major player in West Loop dining ahead of its time now as a hotspot. Plus, hear about Chan’s new French restaurant in Old Town called Gavroche and learn why Manilow says it’s a place for adults. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

There are hot restaurants in trendy neighborhoods that almost everyone seems to know about — and then there are a slew of hidden family-owned spots you’ve probably passed by hundreds of times. How do they make it without a star chef or hot West Loop address? In this episode, host David Manilow talks to the mother-daughter owners of Suda's Lebanese Cuisine in Lincoln Park. They discuss their secret to survival, as well as how a parent and adult child negotiate business decisions. Plus, Manilow shares the just-released semi-finalists for the James Beard Awards. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

As a born and raised Chicagoan, David Manilow likes almost all kinds of Chicago food — but the one thing he never gets here is a bagel. Manilow eats them in New York, but why not Chicago? During this episode, we’re going to answer that question. On the Dining Table this week, hear his conversation with Hannah Tillett-Banaszak and Mike Banaszak of the popular Tilly Bagel Shop in the South Loop on the rise of the Chicago-style bagel, as well as their plans for the future. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

As we kick off the new year, host David Manilow looks forward to some of the exciting new restaurant openings. We welcome Crain’s reporters Ally Marotti and Jack Grieve to "The Table" to hear what'll be trending on the dining scene in 2025 and break down the impact as the local tipped minimum wage begins to be phased out. We'll also predict what’s ahead on season 4 of FX’s “The Bear” when it premieres in July. Plus, Marotti and Grieve share the food scene story that surprised them most over the past year — and how it’s evolving today. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Host David Manilow offers up a list of restaurants this week where you might consider celebrating during the holidays, based on the recommendations of acclaimed chefs and restaurateurs who've been featured in the past. Hear about a great group of steakhouses, new restaurants and Michelin-star winners that stretch from the West Loop to Lincoln Park and Bucktown to River North. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

As the year comes to a close, host David Manilow is sharing three of his favorite new spots. He’ll take us from the Near West Side to Lincoln Park to Pilsen. One restaurant is an ode to the melting pot that is Chicago, while another is the rare example of a coffee shop worth visiting for the food alone. Plus, the Michelin stars are out. We’ll share the good news and the bad news for Chicago. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

It's time for the December edition of "Where Dave Ate." This month, host David Manilow travels around Chicago to experience the art of Filipino cooking. The food is sweet and savory and, because the Philippines include thousands of islands, every region makes it differently. In this episode, we hear from two Filipino brothers who came to Chicago to open Cebu. Plus, we’ll revisit Manilow’s conversation with Kasama’s much-lauded chefs Genie Kwon and Tim Flores. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 Bridgeport 10 years ago to open The Duck Inn. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.