The Dining Table

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 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

From Oak Park to Japan, Mike Sattenover, 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, Sattenover shares his deep respect for scratch cooking in the restaurant industry.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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."

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.

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.

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 — and what's next for the business.

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?

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 business survival secrets with co-founder Lombardo, CEO Steve Lombardo III, and Director of Marketing Liz Lombardo Stark. Hear about their expansion to Fulton Market, plans for more growth outside Chicago and how Gibsons helped feed the Bulls' NBA dynasty.

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.

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.

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 just off the 95th Street Bridge is unforgettable.

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 managed to later open HaiSous Vietnamese Kitchen. Plus, he'll share the story of a new River North partnership with Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises.

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 the "Eat & Evolve" fundraiser from Chef Sebastian White.

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.

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.

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's Genie Kwon and Tim Flores, Bronzeville Winery's Lamar Moore, and Maxwell's Training's Erling Wu-Bower, among others.

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.

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 the conversation with the answers.

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 why business is booming.

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.

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 of the hit FX show.

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 summer.

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?

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 chef community. Plus, we'll hear from other restaurateurs about why Lula Cafe is their favorite place to dine.

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 get his recommendation — with caveats.

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 language and may not be suitable for young children.

Where do you take Europeans to show off Chicago? It's time to board the food tour given by David Manilow to three guests from the Netherlands. In this episode, Hans Steenbergen of Food Inspiration Magazine recaps and reviews his recent Chicago foodie adventure, led by our host. Plus, our Dutch guest rates his ride on an architectural boat tour.

This week's episode searches for the answer to the question: “Does Chicago have the best taco scene in the U.S.?” Host David Manilow is joined by chef Stephen Sandoval and hospitality entrepreneur Oscar Sotelo to debate just that. The two are co-owners of the Baja-inspired Diego restaurant in West Town — but their opinions are very different. The pair have cooked and explored Mexican restaurants all over the world and they share some of those discoveries. Plus, Sandoval shares what defines Baja cuisine.

Star chef Avgeria Stapaki came to Chicago four years ago from Greece to open up Nisos Prime in the West Loop. Now she's moved on to Bucktown with Tama. In this episode, the chef describes how she hopes to bring the finest European-style hospitality to Chicago. Plus, Stapaki explains why she doesn't want her menu to be limited to her Mediterranean roots.

We open the month of May with another edition of "Where Dave Ate" — as host David Manilow eats his way from Lakeview to Chinatown. In this episode, hear Manilow's recommendations for small spaces with big flavors. The journey includes Thai street food and one of the best egg sandwiches he's ever tasted.David's recommendations from this episode are:TukTuk at 2852 North Clark, Doma at 946 North Orleans, and MCCB at 2138 South Archer

How did a multigenerational family-run store in Little Village become one of the nation's biggest sellers of tequila? Host David Manilow gets the full story with Mike Moreno Jr. of Moreno's Liquors in Little Village. Moreno shares the secret for patrons aiming to discover the more than 900 different types of tequila on his store shelves. Plus, you'll hear about the next big thing in Mexican spirits, and how Moreno goes to extreme lengths to find the most interesting, out-of-the-way brands.

Sujan Sarkar is one of two Chicago chefs who are finalists for this year's James Beard award for Best Chef in the Great Lakes Region. In this episode, host David Manilow talks with Sarkar about the Indian dining scene in the city, what it's been like to cook all over the world and where he likes to dine out. Plus, Manilow talks with chef Sarkar about how he created his hit restaurant Indienne and what inspired his new spot on the near West Side, Swadesi Cafe.