Podcast appearances and mentions of louisa chu

Chicago Tribune food critic Louisa Chu joins Wendy Snyder (in for Bob Sirott) to share her review of a new Middle Eastern restaurant in Bridgeview, M'daKhan, and Proxi’s focus on Asian-style cuisine. She also talks about a comfort food restaurant located in the Moonflower cocktail bar, Funeral Potatoes.

Chicago Tribune food critic Louisa Chu joins Bob Sirott to talk about the winners of Chicago’s Critics Food Choice Awards, including Justice of the Pies and Maxwells Trading. Editor at Eater Chicago, Ashok Selvam, also joins Bob to talk about the best bars to celebrate March Madness, like Nobody’s Darling and Cork and Kerry.

Chicago Tribune food critic Louisa Chu joins Bob Sirott to talk about her list of the best corned beef sandwiches throughout Chicago, including the Eleven City Diner and Mensch’s Deli. Freelancer Samantha Nelson also joins Bob to talk about which Chicago restaurants and bars have St. Patrick’s Day specials, like Industry Ales and Kindling.

Chicago Tribune food critic Louisa Chu joins Lisa Dent to share her latest restaurant review. Chu reviews the Mexican seafood restaurant Mariscos San Pedro at the historic Thalia Hall in the Pilsen neighborhood. Chu describes the mouth-watering dishes offered and details their process in making their breakfast tacos.

Chicago is known for its robust food and restaurant scene, but what should we expect this year? Chicago Tribune food critic Louisa Chu tells host Jacoby Cochran which restaurant industry trends and stories she's looking out for.  Tell us what you LOVE about Chicago. Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this Jan. 22 episode: Babbel – Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Chicago Tribune food critic Louisa Chu joins Wendy Snyder (in for Bob Sirott) to talk about the winners of the Chicago Tribune’s annual holiday cookie contest, including a chocolate chip oatmeal cookie and thumbprint cookies. She also shares details about the best cookbooks of 2024 and a review of Sanders BBQ Supply Co.

Chicago Tribune food critic Louisa Chu joins Lisa Dent to discuss the American Indian Center and their ‘Food is Medicine’ program which is bringing a plethora of brand new culinary options to the city of Chicago.

Chicago Tribune food critic Louisa Chu joins Bob Sirott to talk about some of the recent restaurant openings and closings around the Chicagoland area, including Stussy’s Diner and Jus Sandwiches. She also reviews some of the popular dishes at Cariño, a new restaurant in the South Shore Cultural center, and when Superdawg icons Maurie and […]

Chicago Tribune food critic Louisa Chu joins Wendy Snyder (filling-in for Lisa Dent) to give a complete guide to where you can get a taste of democracy during the 2024 Democratic National Convention next week. Follow The Lisa Dent Show on Twitter:Follow @LisaDentSpeaksFollow @SteveBertrand Follow @kpowell720 Follow @maryvandeveldeFollow @LaurenLapka

Chicago Tribune food critic Louisa Chu joins Bob Sirott to share details about Chicago’s restaurant openings, like Mano A Mano, Khmai, and Mariscos San Pedro. She also talks about the best ice cream places in and around Chicago, as well as a review of Sweet Rabbit Bakery.

Chicago Tribune food critic Louisa Chu joins Bob Sirott to talk about the best patio openings in the Chicagoland area, including pet-friendly patios. She also discusses the grand openings of Umaga Bakehouse and Cava, as well as why some restaurants are rethinking using QR codes in place of their menus.

Chicago Tribune food critic Louisa Chu joins Bob Sirott to talk about her review of Akahoshi Ramen in Logan Square and Parachute Hi-Fi’s Korean pizza puffs. She also discusses what you can find at OKAY Cannabis, including their cake balls, and grocery deals you can find all around the Chicagoland area.

Chicago Tribune food critic Louisa Chu joins Wendy Snyder, in for Bob Sirott, to talk about how long she’s been covering the “corned beef beat” and who serves the best corned beef sandwiches in the Chicagoland area.

Monica Eng knows a thing or two about how to talk and write about food in Chicago and beyond. She got her start at the Chicago Sun-Times as a copy clerk in high school and spent sixteen years as a reporter on the food scene for the Chicago Tribune. She went on to write for every major Chicago outlet and currently writes for Axios Chicago, where she covers a wide range of issues, from food policy, to dietary health and beyond. You can also hear her talk food with Tribune food critic Louisa Chu every week on their popular podcast, Chewing. Her new book with David Hammond, Made in Chicago: Stories Behind 30 Great Hometown Bites explores the history of some of the city's most iconic delights. Monica's natural curiosity and passion for food and people are crystal clear and on display in a lively episode that explores a career guided by Roger Ebert, the impact of AI on food journalism, her family's chop suey legacy, and so much more.

Chicago Tribune food critic Louisa Chu joins Bob Sirott to talk about new restaurant openings in Chicago and the suburbs. She also discusses the revival of chili at Ramova Grill and Taproom as well as offerings from Greektown Restaurant Week.

Next Monday, Chicago celebrates its 187th birthday, and we're celebrating with onions instead of cake. That's because the city's name comes from Indigenous words describing a type of wild, fragrant onion that used to be abundant in the area. Chicago's birthday is a perfect time to revisit our conversation with Tribune food critic Louisa Chu about some of the best onion dishes you can find in the city. Some Good News: Rich Paul's Lucky Me, Melissa Albert's The Bad Ones, and Jenn Jackson's Black Women Taught Us Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chicago Tribune food critic Louisa Chu joins Bob Sirott to talk about the restaurant Yelp named as the best pizza spot in the U.S. and restaurants that serve tavern-style pizza in Chicago. She also discusses recent restaurant openings and closings, as well as a restaurant that serves Ukrainian-inspired food.

This week, host and producer Jim Hanke examines the national interest in Chicago tavern-style pizza -- razor thin, cut to squares and for some, putting traditional deep dish to shame. Author, media personality and pizza expert Steve Dolinsky provides some history on this Windy City mainstay, and Chicago Tribune food critic Louisa Chu discusses three particular spots adding unique spins to tavern-style, and taking that crispy, savory circle to a whole new level. Follow Steve Dolinsky on Instagram | Follow Louisa Chu and Jim Hanke on X Follow WBBM Newsradio: TikTok | Facebook | Instagram | X  

This week, host and producer Jim Hanke examines the national interest in Chicago tavern-style pizza -- razor thin, cut to squares and for some, putting traditional deep dish to shame. Author, media personality and pizza expert Steve Dolinsky provides some history on this Windy City mainstay, and Chicago Tribune food critic Louisa Chu discusses three particular spots adding unique spins to tavern-style, and taking that crispy, savory circle to a whole new level. Follow Steve Dolinsky on Instagram | Follow Louisa Chu and Jim Hanke on X Follow WBBM Newsradio: TikTok | Facebook | Instagram | X  

This week, host and producer Jim Hanke examines the national interest in Chicago tavern-style pizza -- razor thin, cut to squares and for some, putting traditional deep dish to shame. Author, media personality and pizza expert Steve Dolinsky provides some history on this Windy City mainstay, and Chicago Tribune food critic Louisa Chu discusses three particular spots adding unique spins to tavern-style, and taking that crispy, savory circle to a whole new level. Follow Steve Dolinsky on Instagram | Follow Louisa Chu and Jim Hanke on X Follow WBBM Newsradio: TikTok | Facebook | Instagram | X  

This week, host and producer Jim Hanke examines the national interest in Chicago tavern-style pizza -- razor thin, cut to squares and for some, putting traditional deep dish to shame. Author, media personality and pizza expert Steve Dolinsky provides some history on this Windy City mainstay, and Chicago Tribune food critic Louisa Chu discusses three particular spots adding unique spins to tavern-style, and taking that crispy, savory circle to a whole new level. Follow Steve Dolinsky on Instagram | Follow Louisa Chu and Jim Hanke on X Follow WBBM Newsradio: TikTok | Facebook | Instagram | X  

Chicago Tribune food critic Louisa Chu joins Bob Sirott to talk about her top five favorite restaurants you should visit for Chicago Restaurant Week. She also reviews three new restaurants in Chicago, including Taylor’s Tacos, Marina’s Bistro, and Egg Tuck, as well as her recommendations from CosMc’s.

Chicago Restaurant Week can be a fun opportunity to eat new dishes and set menus at a more affordable price — and this year 414 restaurants are participating. Reset hears from local foodies Monica Eng and Louisa Chu, co-hosts of the Chewing Podcast, on their picks and suggestions to make the most of the event.

Chicago Tribune food critic, Louisa Chu, joins Wendy Snyder, filling in for Bob Sirott, to talk about the winners of the 2023 Tribune Holiday Cookie Contest and what some of her favorite holiday cookies are. She also discusses what it was like to be a fixer for Anthony Bourdain, her review of Guinness Open Gate […]

The name Chicago is believed to originate from Indigenous words describing a type of wild onion now known as “ramps.” They grew so much in the area that the onion — and its smell — ended up defining the city's name. Host Jacoby Cochran talks to Chicago Tribune food critic Louisa Chu to understand how onions play a role in Chicago restaurants and kitchens today.  Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chicago Tribune food critic Louisa Chu joins Wendy Snyder (in for Bob Sirott) to discuss which restaurant patios to visit before summer is over. Some of her favorites include Miru and The Goddess & Grocer.

Chicago Tribune food critic Louisa Chu joins Lisa Dent to recap the big winners of the 2023 James Beard Awards and two local restaurants who won big at the food industry’s biggest award ceremonies in the country. Follow The Lisa Dent Show on Twitter:Follow @LisaDentSpeaksFollow @SteveBertrand Follow @kpowell720 Follow @maryvandeveldeFollow @LaurenLapka

Chicago Tribune food critic Louisa Chu joins Lisa Dent to discuss the rise in demand for Italian beef sandwiches and its popularity across the country following the premiere of the FX series The Bear. Follow The Lisa Dent Show on Twitter:Follow @LisaDentSpeaksFollow @SteveBertrand Follow @kpowell720 Follow @maryvandeveldeFollow @LaurenLapka

Chef, journalist, adventurer and Chicago Tribune critic Louisa Chu takes us from her time as a 4-year-old worker at her family's Chicago restaurant through her stint as a judge on Food Network's Iron Chef America to what she's working on next. Her most enduring memory through the pandemic: “Crying so much … over so many meals.”

The most enduring memory of a restaurant reviewer through the pandemic: “Crying so much … over so many meals with gratitude and relief.”Joining this edition of the Chicago Public Square / Rivet360 podcast, Chicago Media Talks: Chef, journalist, adventurer and Chicago Tribune critic Louisa Chu—who takes us from her time as a 4-year-old worker at her family's Chicago restaurant through her stint as a judge on Food Network's Iron Chef America to what she's working on next.Listen in your favorite podcast player, via Spotify and Pandora, on Amazon's Alexa-powered speakers or on Apple Podcasts.■ Enjoying these podcasts? Help keep them coming by joining The Legion of Chicago Public Squarians.■ And consider subscribing—free—to the daily Chicago Public Square email newsletter.

Chicago Tribune food critic Louisa Chu joins Lisa dent on Chicago’s Afternoon News to talk about her latest visit to the Museum of Ice Cream Chicago which features hotdog-flavored ice cream, and other interesting flavors. Follow Your Favorite Chicago’s Afternoon News Personalities on Twitter:Follow @LisaDentSpeaksFollow @SteveBertrand Follow @kpowell720 Follow @maryvandeveldeFollow @LaurenLapka

Nick first made a name for himself as a food writer in 2006 when he co-founded the home cooking blog The Paupered Chef. He went on to be the editor of Grub Street Chicago and founding editor of Serious Eats Chicago. His food writing has appeared in The Washington Post, Newsweek, Epicurious, Baltimore Sun, Serious Eats, Grub Street, New York Magazine, and Tasting Table, among others. Nick joined the Chicago Tribune in 2016 as a food and dining reporter. He and fellow food and dining reporter Louisa Chu took over as food critics for the newspaper in 2021.

This week, it's the season finale where Monica Eng and Louisa Chu get Jeremy Allen White, star of the new Chicago-based show "The Bear," to do a Chicago accent. Plus, Louisa shares her list of the best Italian beef to binge with the show.

This week, Louisa Chu and Monica Eng talk to the big winners of the James Beard Awards...and Louisa has a run-in with security. Plus, Monica finds some delicious treats at a Little Village farmers market, and dares Louisa and their producer to eat preserved eggs. But will they eat it?

This week, Monica Eng shares the serendipitous story behind how Martin Yan started his cooking show Yan Can Cook. Louisa Chu regales us with the offerings of the Sweets & Snacks Expo, aka The Candy Show, and presents Monica and Iris with some intense treats. But will they eat it?

Whether you like them glazed or jelly filled with sprinkles on top, eating donuts are a good way to start the weekend. Reset celebrates National Donut Day and talks through favorite spots in Chicago. Host: Sasha-Ann Simons Producer: Brenda Ruiz Guests: Burritt Bulloch, Naomi Waxman, Maya-Camille Broussard, Louisa Chu

Louisa Chu and Monica Eng talk about their trip to the oldest Chinese restaurant in Chicago, Orange Garden, and reveal who bought their classic old neon sign. Plus, a conversation about the nation's first Chinese-American TV chef Joyce Chen, and another close encounter with COVID.

Reset talks about vegan, vegetarian restaurants around town and takes a bite out of the latest Portillo Garden Dog. Host: Sasha-Ann Simons Producer: Brenda Ruiz Guests:Aimee Leavitt, deputy editor at Eater Chicago and Louisa Chu, Chicago Tribune food critic

Food critic for The Chicago Tribune, Louisa Chu, joined Lisa Dent, who filled in for Bob Sirott, to talk about what restaurants to visit during the beautiful spring weekend.

Louisa Chu, food critic for The Chicago Tribune, joined Lisa Dent, who filled in for Bob Sirott, to talk about which restaurants to visit during the beautiful spring weekend.

D and L Coffee Service Inc. presents Small Bites Radio the #1 listed “Food Radio show Philadelphia” and #1 listed “Food Radio show South Jersey”. Small Bites on Wildfire Radio returns this Sunday, April 10th at 635pm EST with a fantastic lineup! #SmallBitesRadio has been named #14 out of the Top 35 Best Hospitality Shows on the planet for 2020, 2021, and 2022 as well as being named #18 Top Philadelphia Lifestyle Influencer in 2021 and 2022. We are thrilled to welcome “America's Favorite TV Chef”, QVC mainstay, Pennsylvania native and best-selling author Eric Theiss to talk about the launch of his new book, Lovin' Your Air Fryer: 110 Fast & Easy Recipes for Mornin' to Late Night Munchin' from Post Hill Press. Seen regularly as the Copper Chef Eric's love for cooking, teaching and "culinary inventing" is as approachable as his energetic personality. His straightforward, no-nonsense approach to cooking has helped millions of people be successful in the kitchen with fresh ideas on food that range from everyday meals to comfort-food creations and special occasion masterpieces. With nearly 1,000,000 cookbooks sold, Eric is excited to launch Lovin' Your Air Fryer, a new series of books that will surpass readers and get them asking, "You can make THAT in an air fryer?" Then we'll chat with Jon Henderson the Executive Producer of Good Time Tricycle Productions. He will discuss an inaugural event that Bourre_ac Bourré is kicking off to celebrate the warm weather by hosting the Chili Knockout & Spicy Food Fest at The Orange Loop outdoor arena OLA on S. New York Avenue on Saturday, May 21 between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. The event is presented by Good Time Tricycle-famous for its The Downbeach Seafood Festival and The Atlantic City Beer and Music Festivals. This newest Fest is dedicated to exploring all things flavorful, hot, and spicy. The interactive chili cook off will feature 20 plus regional restaurants competing for the best chili recipe at the Jersey shore awarded by festival attendees. Restaurants will also offer a variety of five-alarm dishes, a Hot Sauce and Artists' Village, a pepper eating contest, signature cocktails, local brews to wash it all down, and much more including live music, professional fire breathers and local artists. There will be a $5,000 Winner-Take-All Cash Prize available to the restaurant with the most votes. First prize takes home $2,500, while the additional $2,500 will be donated to the charity of the winner's choice. Sounds like a great time to Do Atlantic City. Last but not least we'll be joined by 2022 Philly Chef Conference hosted by Drexel University - Food and Hospitality Management #Chef participant Suzanne Barr, Chef and author of ‘My Ackee Tree: A Chef's Memoir of Finding Home in the Kitchen' from Penguin Random House Canada. Suzanne Barr is one of Canada's most respected chefs with a flair for fresh comfort food and a passion for local community, food security, and advocacy for BIPOC and LGBTQ2+ communities. She was the owner of the popular restaurant Saturday Dinette, head chef of True True Diner, and is the founder of the Dinettes Program, which trains young, marginalized women in the kitchen. My Ackee Tree tells the story of a woman who is always on the move, always seeking; who battles the stereotypes of being a Black female cook to become a culinary star in an industry beset by dated practices and landlords with too much power. From the ackee tree in front of her childhood home, through New York City, Atlanta, Hawaii, the Hamptons, and France, Suzanne takes us on her unpredictable journey, and at every turn, she finds light and comfort in the kitchen. At the 2022 Philly Chef Conference she is joined by other industry professionals such as Brett Anderson, Erik Bruner-Yang, Louisa Chu, Daniel Giusti, Jeff Gordinier, Rachel Gurjar, Jenn Harris, Joseph Hernandez, Shanika Y. Hillocks, Aaron Hutcherson, Eric Kim, Simon Kim, Kat Kinsman, Omar Mamoon, Helen Rosner, Kevin Sintumuang, Audarshia Townsend, Stephanie Willis, and many others. The conference is an annual event designed to convene the regional food community and to showcase the latest food and beverage ideas and techniques through educational lectures, panel discussions and demonstrations. It brings together the best chefs, food producers and personalities and links established food and hospitality professionals with aspiring students and young industry professionals at Drexel University. You say you STILL NEED MORE!!! Don't forget we still have our regular weekly segments from author, Courier-Post nightlife correspondent and The New York Times recognized blogger John Howard-Fusco for foodie news of the week, Chef Barbie Marshall who is a Chef Gordon Ramsay Hell's Kitchen Season 10 finalist and has appeared on Season 17 of FOX Hell's Kitchen #AllStars as well named Pennsylvania's most influential chef by Cooking Light will delight us with her observation of the week, highly acclaimed and respected Vegan Chef Christina Martin will delight with her ‘Healthy Bite' of week giving nourishing and wholesome advice, and a joke of the week from legendary joke teller Jackie “The Joke Man” Martling of The Howard Stern Show fame. D & L Coffee Services Inc. and Bluejeanfood.com hope you will use the TuneIn app to listen worldwide or also catch Small Bites Radio syndicated on KGTK 920AM, KITZ 1400AM, KSBN 1230AM, KBNP 1410AM, iHeartRadio, Salem Radio Network, ScyNet Radio, Stitcher Radio, PodOmatic, Indie Philly Radio, Player FM, iTunes, Pandora, and TryThisDish Radio which is the only independently owned and operated international chef-driven foodie and lifestyle radio network in the world. https://bluejeanfood.com/smallbitesradio/ D & L Coffee Services has an expert staff of highly qualified, certified, and experienced office, technical, and sales personnel. D & L Coffee Services are able to provide your business, home, or special event the absolute best from the beans they sell, vendors they work with, Italian delicacies available for delivery, catering on-site for any sized affair, hands-on barista training, equipment available for purchase, and maintenance/repair services for your espresso and coffee machines. You can stop by their warehouse at 7000 HOLSTEIN AVE, SUITE 3, Philadelphia, PA 19153 during business hours or call the office at 215-365-5521 for an appointment, consultation, or any questions. #FoodRadioShowPhiladelphia #FoodRadioShowSouthJersey #TopPhiladelphiaLifestyle #FoodRadioShow #TopHospitalityShow #FoodShow #TopListed #BestFood #BestPod

One of the most notorious hot dog stands in Chicago, The Wiener’s Circle has been serving up their trademark char dogs with a side of bad attitude since 1983. After closing for renovations in January, they’re back in full force. Tribune food critic Louisa Chu joins John Landecker to share her thoughts on the new […]

Chewing podcast co-host Monica Eng visits TikTok star The Korean Vegan aka Joanne Lee Molinaro to talk about her debut bestselling cookbook "The Korean Vegan Cookbook: Reflections and Recipes from Omma's Kitchen." Then co-host Louisa Chu goes to Owamni by The Sioux Chef restaurant in Minnesota to talk to founders Dana Thompson and Sean Sherman about Indigenous food and decolonized ingredients. And Louisa brings Monica Owamni's maple crickets, but Will She Eat It?

We all know pizza and hot dogs are iconic Chicago foods. But the city's culinary contributions don't stop there. Some foods everyone knows have origin stories here, like the legendary Palmer House brownie. And there are some foods that just scream Chicago, like a well constructed pizza puff. And then there are some Chicago foods you may not even recognize depending on which side of the city you live on. We taste some of these lesser-known Chicago foods and talk about their origins with Chicago Tribune food critic Louisa Chu. Guest: Louisa Chu — Food Critic, Chicago Tribune Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm Some of the restaurants mentioned: Column: Dave's Red Hots, Chicago's oldest hot dog stand, is even older than we thought The Palmer House Brownie recipe Home of the Hoagy Italian Fiesta Pizza

Chicago Trib's New Restaurant Critics Exposed! Meet Louisa Chu and Nick Kindelsperger Time was we could never get a Chicago food critic to speak to our group; they religiously refused to reveal their identities in public. That is until about three years ago when the Tribune's esteemed food critic, Phil Vettel, published a story in the paper, complete with his photo, explaining that it was almost impossible for him to remain anonymous when reviewing restaurants. Canny restaurateurs often were able to figure out who he was, and Phil ultimately figured he could still accurately review the food as a fully exposed food critic. Phil retired in January, after 31 year at the Trib, and thanks to his casting away all attempts at anonymity, he paved the way for us to showcase the Trib's newly named food critics, Louisa Chu and Nick Kindelsperger. Please join us in welcoming this dynamic duo as they talk about their evolving roles as food critics, provide an overview of Chicago's amazingly diverse food culture, and inform us how the pandemic has affected our dining scene. Following their talk, members will be able to pepper them with questions. Prior to being named the Chicago Tribune's new food critics, Louisa Chu and Nick Kindelsperger, have been food and dining reporters at the Tribune since 2016. They each bring a full buffet of experience: Born in Hong Kong, and raised in Chicago, Louisa has spent a lifetime in restaurants starting as a 4-year-old folding menus for her family's Chinese-American restaurant on the Near West Side in the 1970s. She worked as a server through high school and college; lived in Paris where she graduated from Le Cordon Bleu. She worked in the kitchen at the world renowned El Bulli in Spain and cooked at a fishing lodge in Alaska. She also was a correspondent for Gourmet magazine and worked as a field coordinator for Anthony Bourdain. Louisa continues to co-host the “Chewing” podcast with WBEZ journalist Monica Eng. A native of southern Indiana, Nick, like Louisa, has a had a lifelong passion for food. His previous work ranged from launching The Paupered Chef, a recipe blog focused on affordable home cooking, to serving as the founding editor of Serious Eats Chicago. He has also written about food for Epicurious, The Washington Post, New York Magazine and Grub Street. You can often find him around the city eating a questionable number of meals for research purposes. Recorded via Zoom on Wednesday July 28, 2021 www.CulinaryHistorians.com

Chicago Trib's New Restaurant Critics Exposed! Meet Louisa Chu and Nick Kindelsperger Time was we could never get a Chicago food critic to speak to our group; they religiously refused to reveal their identities in public. That is until about three years ago when the Tribune's esteemed food critic, Phil Vettel, published a story in the paper, complete with his photo, explaining that it was almost impossible for him to remain anonymous when reviewing restaurants. Canny restaurateurs often were able to figure out who he was, and Phil ultimately figured he could still accurately review the food as a fully exposed food critic. Phil retired in January, after 31 year at the Trib, and thanks to his casting away all attempts at anonymity, he paved the way for us to showcase the Trib's newly named food critics, Louisa Chu and Nick Kindelsperger. Please join us in welcoming this dynamic duo as they talk about their evolving roles as food critics, provide an overview of Chicago's amazingly diverse food culture, and inform us how the pandemic has affected our dining scene. Following their talk, members will be able to pepper them with questions. Prior to being named the Chicago Tribune's new food critics, Louisa Chu and Nick Kindelsperger, have been food and dining reporters at the Tribune since 2016. They each bring a full buffet of experience: Born in Hong Kong, and raised in Chicago, Louisa has spent a lifetime in restaurants starting as a 4-year-old folding menus for her family's Chinese-American restaurant on the Near West Side in the 1970s. She worked as a server through high school and college; lived in Paris where she graduated from Le Cordon Bleu. She worked in the kitchen at the world renowned El Bulli in Spain and cooked at a fishing lodge in Alaska. She also was a correspondent for Gourmet magazine and worked as a field coordinator for Anthony Bourdain. Louisa continues to co-host the “Chewing” podcast with WBEZ journalist Monica Eng. A native of southern Indiana, Nick, like Louisa, has a had a lifelong passion for food. His previous work ranged from launching The Paupered Chef, a recipe blog focused on affordable home cooking, to serving as the founding editor of Serious Eats Chicago. He has also written about food for Epicurious, The Washington Post, New York Magazine and Grub Street. You can often find him around the city eating a questionable number of meals for research purposes. Recorded via Zoom on Wednesday July 28, 2021 www.CulinaryHistorians.com

On Saturday, the Chicago News Guild is hosting a rally to “Save Local News,” particularly the Chicago Tribune. The paper's parent company is facing a takeover by Alden Global Capital, which has a reputation for gutting the newspapers it buys. Guild President and Sun-Times reporter Andy Grimm explains why he thinks the deal is bad for Chicago. And we hear from Tribune reporter and guild organizer Louisa Chu about her perspective from the newsroom. Guests: Andy Grimm, Courts reporter, Chicago Sun-Times (@agrimm34) Louisa Chu, Food and Dining reporter, Chicago Tribune (@louisachu) Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm

This week on Dean Richards’ Sunday Morning it’s Oscar Sunday! Dr. Kevin Most joins Dean to talk about new walk-in appointments for the COVID 19 vaccine, Terry Sullivan/WGN-TV Legal Analyst/President of The Sullivan Firm gives us some information about the Chauvin trial and where it will go from here, also Louisa Chu, food and dining […]

My guest today is Monica Eng. Monica is the co-host of the Chewing podcast, along with Chicago Tribune reporter Louisa Chu. Get it, CHU-ENG? Brilliant. Having also spent years at the Tribune, Monica is currently a reporter with Curious City in Chicago on public radio's WBEZ with a primary focus on food, culture, health and the environment. Needless to say, she's been rather busy. Apart from fantastic and timely topics and interviews on their podcast  - yes, go subscribe NOW - Monica and Louisa have this regular segment on Chewing called Will She Eat It, in which they challenge one another to sample seemingly absurd foods and drink. Oreo Spam Burgers, Chinese Baijiu, Sweet Steak Sandwiches, Filipino duck embryos, uh, you get the picture. I've been a guest of theirs twice and thank goodness they keep that ritual to themselves! Here's our chat.

Chicago is a premier pizza metropolis and everyone has an opinion on which pie is best. Chicago Tribune food and dining reporters Nick Kindelsperger and Louisa Chu bring you their thoughts on the best pizzas in the city, including plucky upstarts and perennial favorites.

Chef Rick Bayless shares how he and his teams are doing during the coronavirus pandemic with some heartbreaking details. Then Chewing co-host Monica Eng talks about the Goya Foods controversy with Chicago Cultural Alliance director Peter Vega. Plus she talks to the filmmakers behind “Seasons of Change on Henry's Farm.” Finally co-host Louisa Chu dares Monica and their podcast producer Iris Lin to taste a seasonal Japanese corn doughnut and CBD coffee, but Will They Eat It?

Chewing podcast co-host Louisa Chu visits an influential Chinatown basement food court during the pandemic. Co-host Monica Eng uncovers the origin story of the iconic Chicago-invented pizza puff. Then Louisa dares Monica to taste a rancid lardo flavored egg, but Will She Eat It?

Chewing podcast co-host Monica Eng details a lost interview with broccoli scientist Elizabeth Jeffery. Then Monica talks with fellow watchdog journalist Paul D. Thacker. Plus she visits Tortello pasta shop in Chicago during the before times. Finally co-host Louisa Chu dares her to eat Midwestern mostaccioli at a camp in Wisconsin, but Will She Eat It? 

Chewing podcast co-host Louisa Chu talks to chef and Nobel Peace Prize nominee José Andrés during his visit to Chicago about feeding people worldwide during disasters, the pandemic included. Co-host Monica Eng talks to doctors about safer ways to dine outdoors. Sun Wah BBQ restaurant co-owner Kelly Cheng shares what she'll require any diner to sign before they sit down during COVID. Then Louisa dares Monica and producer Iris Lin to try Japanese delicious sticks, but Will They Eat It?

Chewing podcast co-host Monica Eng talks sustainable seafood with Walton Family Foundation environment program officer Teresa Ish. Then Eng and co-host Louisa Chu talk home cooking recipes including pandemic pantry potatoes and sourdough discard with Chicago Tribune Food & Dining columnist and cookbook author Jim DeWan. Plus Monica dares Louisa to try tossing potato chips with ketchup, but Will She Eat It?

Chewing podcast co-host Monica Eng talks about farmers markets, essential businesses during the coronavirus pandemic, with Evanston parks and rec director Lawrence Hemingway. Co-host Louisa Chu reveals why El Milagro was trending in Chicago, and the top 10 corn tortillas. Then Monica and Louisa each find old Chinese candy in their pantries, but Will They Eat It?

Chewing podcast co-hosts Louisa Chu and Monica clean out the quarantine pantry with producer Iris Lin. They talk about what they are eating, and Monica reveals the danger of overeating her homemade artisan breads these days. Then she talks to scholar Joe Bozeman about the which race has the most sustainable diet and how we can all do better. Finally they dare Monica's teen daughter to eat four month old cheese flavored fish sausage, but Will She Eat It?

Louisa Chu and Monica Eng report from the midst of the coronavirus crisis in Chicago on what to eat and how to eat it. Plus how to deal with health care costs from old friend Dan Weissmann of the podcast An Arm and a Leg.

WBEZ is answering lots of your other frequently asked questions about the COVID-19 outbreak in Illinois here. Life in Chicago has changed dramatically this past week, from schools and restaurants closing to evolving policies around social distancing and public events. As Chicagoans — and most people across the country — hunker down at home over the next few weeks, Curious City is answering questions about how to safely deal with food, cooking and eating during coronavirus. Please keep in mind that what is known about the virus and the disease it causes, COVID-19, is still evolving. This information does not constitute professional medical advice. For questions regarding your own health, always consult a physician. How safe is it to shop at the grocery store? The main issue with grocery shopping is your exposure to other people and contaminated hard surfaces like grocery carts, freezer handles and credit card swiping machines. Delivery services also involve some contact with people who may handle your produce. “Stay away from other shoppers, [and] don’t hover over someone’s shoulder trying to get the last toilet paper,” said Martin Wiedmann, food safety professor at Cornell University. For this reason, you should shop as infrequently as possible and at off-peak hours. Stores including Jewel-Osco, Dollar General, Target and Whole Foods are even creating special hours for seniors and vulnerable populations. You may also want to check with elderly neighbors to see if you can shop for them. When you must shop, keep a safe distance from other shoppers, wear gloves, wash hands, wipe down surfaces and don’t touch your face. Cook County Resources County Board President Toni Preckwinkle said people can call (708) 633-3319 to speak with county public health professionals or email questions to ccdph.covid19@cookcountyhhs.org. The county is also launching a text alert system that people can sign up for by texting ALERTCOOK to 888-777. Can the virus be transmitted through raw food? As far as experts are aware, at this time, you cannot get the virus from ingesting food. However if you were to touch food that contains the virus and then touch your mouth or eyes or other mucus membranes, you could get it. But the risk is extremely low. “The current thinking is that you really have to inhale it or touch your face and have it come into contact with your mucosa,” said Dr. Jessie Abbate, an infectious disease specialist at Institut de Recherche pour le Développement France. Martin Wiedmann, a professor of food safety at Cornell University, said it’s important to keep the big picture in mind. “Nothing we do right now is zero risk, and food consuming has never been zero risk,” he said. “The lowest risk today will be packaged foods and canned foods. But that doesn’t mean we should not eat fresh vegetables. We’ve got to take care of our overall health, too.” Can the virus be transmitted through cooked food, like bread? See above. The current information suggests that ingestion is not an infection pathway for Covid-19 whether through cooked or raw food. “If you eat it … it goes into your stomach [where it cannot be transmitted],” said Dr. Jessie Abbate, an infectious disease specialist at Institut de Recherche pour le Développement France. “Along the way, it could potentially come into contact with your mucosa [where it might theoretically attach and infect], but it's very unlikely that this is how it transmits.” Can the people who prepared my food transmit the virus to me? Experts say the virus is transmitted person-to-person, through the air or on hard surfaces where it can live up several hours or days. Again, it is not thought to be transmitted through the ingestion of food, but there may be a low risk transmission through fecal contact, where a food worker does not properly wash hands. All food service professionals are supposed to be trained in safety procedures to avoid such transmission, however. What are my takeout and delivery options, and are they safe? In the Chicago area, a site called Dining at a Distance has been building a database of more than 1,000 local restaurants and their options for pick up, delivery and other ways to support restaurants. If you opt for pick up, experts recommend doing so at off-peak hours when you will not likely be waiting in a room with others. If possible, wait outside away from other customers. Read: Follow WBEZ’s coverage of the COVID-19 outbreak in Chicago and the region. If you are doing delivery, you may want to opt for “no contact” delivery, where the delivery worker leaves the food at your door or other desired location indicated in your online or phone order. But don’t forget to tip. These people are doing important work in trying times. Same principles apply for grocery delivery. After you get the takeout or delivery dishes, treat packaging as you would any surface out of your control by wiping it down, washing or discarding it, and washing your hands again. Again, all professional workers are supposed to be trained in safe food handling, but these are special times. Transfer food into your own clean dishes and enjoy. How do I safely store food? Although authorities urge people to avoid hoarding, many have and will continue to stock up on food during this time. Inevitably, many will buy more than home refrigerators or freezers can hold. These are some aspects of the crisis that Cornell food safety professor Martin Wiedmann is worried about. He said consumers need to be careful about refrigerating excess food in the hall or on their porch, because most of those perishables need to be kept under 40 F for safety. He also warned against things like washing meat in the same sink where you wash vegetables, causing cross-contamination. He noted you don’t need to wash any meat you are going to cook. “Wash your hands before you cook food. Keep raw food, raw chicken, raw meat, etc. away from produce. … Cook things at the proper temperature using USDA temperature guidelines,” he said. He said it’s extra important to take these precautions today. “If someone gets foodborne illness now because of something else — not coronavirus — and has to go to a hospital or has to travel, that exposes them to greater risk.” What pantry staples should I buy to make versatile recipes for my household? Chef Sarah Stegner said her top six pantry staples for this time are dried beans, onions, nuts, oatmeal, plenty of salt and some kind of oil. For versatile meals, she recommends roasting a chicken (at 450 F until the thigh registers 165 F), or you can buy a roast chicken to-go from a restaurant. “I like this because you can get multiple meals out of it,” she said. “And once you have that chicken and [eat most of the meat], you take the bones and the trimmings and make a stock or soup out of it.” You can also freeze that soup to have it ready to go in case someone in your house gets sick. Longtime Chicago chef, baker and restaurateur Ina Pinkney suggested keeping your refrigerator full of eggs and your freezer full of frozen soup. She also suggested cheering up the household by making breakfast for dinner, something like pancakes. “I think it’s the most comforting way to end a day,” she said. You can find the recipe for Pinkney’s famously light, heavenly hot pancakes here. Pinkney said you can find the potato starch in the “Jewish food section of your grocery store.” How should I cook and care for a member of the family who is sick? The Centers For Disease Control and Prevention says that when someone in the household is sick, they should stay in their room and be cared for by only one family member. The CDC further advises people who suspect they have COVID-19 to “use a separate bathroom, if available” and “not share dishes, drinking glasses, cups, eating utensils, towels, or bedding with other people or pets in your home. After using these items, they should be washed thoroughly with soap and water.” Authorities have not devised any special dietary recommendations for patients with the virus, but the CDC does recommend drinking plenty of fluids. Is it OK to have friends over for dinner? Experts say no, and the CDC recommends “limiting food sharing” in general. As unsavory as this is, we spit when we talk and touch our faces — more than we realize — and that can spread the virus, said Dr. Jessie Abbate, an infectious disease specialist at Institut de Recherche pour le Développement France. You can be carrying the virus, and be asymptomatic or pre-symptomatic. “If you're having a dinner party with someone who is infected and shedding [spreading the] virus, you're all gonna get it,” Abbate said. Essentially, when you have dinner with a neighbor, you’re having dinner with them and anyone they’ve had dinner with over the last two weeks. If you still want to have people over, Abbate suggested really limiting who you invite. If you have a friend across the hall that you want to see, she said “stick with them and no one else. Now you have a slightly larger family.” What are some ways to keep enjoying meals with other people? While it’s hard to be isolated from friends and family, especially during mealtimes, here are some creative ways Chicagoans are keeping meals fun and social. Call for advice. Prairie Grass Cafe chef Sarah Stegner is manning a cooking hotline from 2 to 4 p.m. everyday at (847) 920-8437. Stage virtual dinner and cooking parties with friends on apps like Zoom, Google Hangouts and Facetime, like this group of Italians. Share a challenge with household members to come up with the most creative dishes with the staples you still have on hand. Finally learn how to make bread. All you need is flour, water and salt. You don’t even need yeast if you make your own sourdough starter with water and flour. Involve the kids. Chicago chef Cheryl Knecht Munoz is posting daily lessons and recipes you can cook with children home from school on her Sugar Beet Schoolhouse blog. Use the good china and light a candle, says Chicagoan Eilleen Howard Weinberg. Anshe Emet Day School chef Ben Randall is posting daily recipes for kids at SageBZell on Instagram Louisa Chu of the Chicago Tribune plans to start cooking through the Tribune recipe archives on Instagram as well. Special thanks to our questioners Thanks to everyone who sent in food-related coronavirus questions, including: Ned Lot, Jennifer Ptak, M.Hamilton, Helen Micari and Mary Beth N.

Monica Eng and Louisa Chu, co-hosts of the Chewing Podcast, talk about the history of Chinese food in Chicago, and Monica softens her stance on Americanized Chinese food.

Culinary Historians of Chicago The Legitimacy and Legacy of Chinese Food in America "Chewing" podcast hosts Monica Eng, left, and Louisa Chu (Picture by Michael Tercha / Chicago Tribune) Subscribe at https://chewing.xyz/ Chicago Tribune food reporter Louisa Chu and WBEZ reporter Monica Eng talk about 150 years of Chinese food in America, how it was shaped by social, political, and legal circumstances plus how it shaped their own families and lives. The co-hosts of the Chewing podcast will document the Eng family restaurant dynasty in Chicago and how it reflected the food and culture of the times. They’ll explain how the Chinese restaurant business led to a West Side murder in Monica’s family and how the egg roll evolved over the years. Louisa will talk about what it’s actually like to work at a family Chinese restaurant—when you’re seven years old. And finally, they will discuss their differing views on the legitimacy and legacy of Chinese-American food. * * * Louisa Chu is a Chicago Tribune Food & Dining reporter. Born in Hong Kong, raised in Chicago, she lived in Los Angeles, and Paris where she graduated from Le Cordon Bleu. She staged at El Bulli in Spain and cooked in Alaska. Previously she was a correspondent for Gourmet magazine and a fixer for Anthony Bourdain. Monica Eng is a reporter and producer for WBEZ Public Radio. Before joining WBEZ, Monica was a food, culture and watchdog-investigative reporter at the Chicago Tribune http://www.culinaryHistorians.org

Louisa Chu talks to 93 year old Uncle Remus Saucy Fried Chicken founder Gus Rickette and daughter / CEO Charmaine Rickette. Monica Eng talks to 85 year old namesake of Chinese-American Museum of Chicago Raymond Lee, and great aunts about jook / congee recipes. Plus Monica dares Louisa to eat German currywurst chips, but Will She Eat It?

Our panel breaks down the biggest Chicago-area food stories of 2019 and best restaurants. Nick Kindelsperger, Chicago Tribune, Food & Dining Reporter, Louisa Chu, Chicago Tribune food and dining reporter, Monica Eng, reporter, WBEZ

Monica Eng talks about surprising American story behind Italian Christmas Feast of the Seven Fishes with filmmaker Robert Tinnell. Louisa Chu talks about best new book "Last Call: Bartenders on Their Final Drink and the Wisdom and Rituals of Closing Time" with author Brad Thomas Parsons. Louisa and Monica visit world's largest Starbucks with Chicago Malort cocktail, but Will They Drink It?

Monica Eng visits Mitsuwa Marketplace to learn how to shop for Japanese groceries. Yoshi's Cafe owner Nobuko Katsumura teaches her how to eat ramen. Louisa Chu talks to Gaijin owners about okonomiyaki. Monica dares Louisa to taste cheese flavored fish sausage, but Will She Eat It?

Louisa Chu visits newest Patel Brothers, the largest Indian grocery chain in North America. Monica Eng talks to a Johns Hopkins researcher about the best diet to save the planet. Louisa learns sweet loves stories behind biscuit desserts at Superkhana International and Thattu. Monica dares her to eat spicy fish roe potato chips, but Will She Eat It?

National Pizza Month is HERE and all roads lead to Chicago aka Pizza City USA…Author and Hungry Hound Steve Dolinsky, David Hammond of New City Magazine and Luisa Chu of Chicago Tribune and “Chewing” Podcast join Dane “On The Road”. Hear as the group shares thoughts on styles, history, iconic brands and pizza personalities PLUS […]

National Pizza Month is HERE and all roads lead to Chicago aka Pizza City USA…Author and Hungry Hound Steve Dolinsky, David Hammond of New City Magazine and Luisa Chu of Chicago Tribune and “Chewing” Podcast join Dane “On The Road”. Hear as the group shares thoughts on styles, history, iconic brands and pizza personalities PLUS […]

Memories and the Way We Ate: Mexican-American Top Chef Carlos Gaytan reveals story behind new French-Mexican restaurant Tzuco in Chicago. NPR / NYT alum journalist Micki Maynard shares over dim sum how to interview family. Chicago magazine former dining editor Penny Pollack talks about her life in food. Louisa Chu dares Monica Eng to try Parle-G biscuits, but Will She Eat It?

Put on in partnership with the NRDC, we welcomed Abra Berens, Chef and Author of “Ruffage: A Practical Guide to Vegetables,” along with Chicago Tribune’s Food and Beverage reporter Louisa Chu, NRDC’s Josh Mogerman and Urban Growers Collective’s Laurell Sims for a conversation surrounding climate change and it’s effect on farmers, their food, and the final […]

Wintrust Business Lunch 11/11/17

In this episode of the Chewing food and health podcast, Louisa Chu and guest co-host Bill Daley, fellow Chicago Tribune Food and Dining reporter, welcome back Monica Eng (who’s finished writing her debut book on magical dumplings). First, they talk about the importance of potstickers in dating profiles. Then Bill tells the stories behind his stories on mayo and Chicago’s mild sauce. Finally, Louisa offers Monica and Bill Japanese themed snacks but Will They Eat / Drink It?

In this episode of the Chewing food and health podcast, Louisa Chu and guest co-host Joseph Hernandez, fellow Chicago Tribune Food and Dining reporter, toast cocktails (while Monica Eng finishes her debut book on mystical noodles and dumplings). First, Louisa visits The Aviary bar owner Nick Kokonas for new cookbook and New York City location sneak peek details. Then Louisa and Joseph discuss why there is no Chicago cocktail. Finally, Joseph accepts a mystery bar challenge at The Onion offices, but Will We Drink It?

In this episode of the Chewing food and health podcast, Louisa Chu welcomes fellow Chicago Tribune Food and Dining reporter Nick Kindelsperger, aka Taco Nick, as a guest co-host, while Monica Eng is off writing her debut book on magical dumplings. First, Louisa and Nick visit food trucks, licensed and not, to investigate for a new segment, We Don’t Get It. Then they invite colleague Joseph Hernandez to discuss immigrant food. And Nick brings a pair of peculiar South Side Chicago sandwiches, the sweet steak and Jim Shoe, aka Gym Shoe, but Will We Eat It? (Photo: Gym Shoe sandwich by Southtown Sub)

In this season three premiere episode of the Chewing food and health podcast, co-host and WBEZ Curious City reporter Monica Eng reveals she’s going to China to research magical dumplings for her debut book. Then Monica and co-host, Chicago Tribune food reporter Louisa Chu, welcome Louisa’s colleague Nick Kindelsperger to talk about his story on the curious delicacy, dill pickle on a peppermint stick. And Monica and Louisa offer Nick a chamoy pickle, pickle ice, and Flamin’ Hot Cheetos, but Will He Eat It? (Photo: magical dumplings aka xiao long bao aka soup dumplings at Imperial Lamian in Chicago, by Louisa Chu)

In this episode of the Chewing food and health podcast, co-host and Chicago Tribune food reporter Louisa Chu talks to Emmy Award winning chef and author Lidia Bastianich. Plus Louisa visits Chinatown with Dumpling and Bacon Fests founder Seth Zurer. Then podcast co-host and WBEZ health reporter Monica Eng explores surprising Taiwanese food at a Gold Coast Chicago restaurant for the series she likes to call What Chinese People Eat When Chinese People Go to Chinese Restaurants, but Will She Eat It?

In this episode of the Chewing food and health podcast, co-host and WBEZ food and health reporter Monica Eng visits Chinese-American restaurant DanDan in Milwaukee, named not for the Sichuan noodle dish, but two guys named Dan. Then co-host and Chicago Tribune food and dining reporter Louisa Chu goes to Girl Scouts HQ in Chicago talk about the culinary and cultural importance of cookies. Plus Louisa brings Monica, who refused to eat Thin Mints, the new 100th anniversary Girl Scouts S’mores cookie, but Will She Eat It? (Photo: Girl Scouts S’mores cookies)

Monica Eng and Louisa Chu talk home cooking with Rodale CEO and blogger Maria Rodale about her new book Scratch; plus go to a Chinatown basement food court for WCPEWCPGTCR (What Chinese People Eat When Chinese People Go to Chinese Restaurants) with Sauced in Translation host Howie Southworth; then the inaugural Strange Foods Festival Chicago for grilled brains and mystery egg but WSEI (Will She Eat It)?

Pizza, Chinese food, plus vegans, vegetarians, and omnivores get unstuffed. Monica debuts What Chinese People Eat When Chinese People Go to Chinese Restaurants. And Louisa talks to the Nancy herself of Nancy’s Pizza, home of the original stuffed pizza in Chicago. Then Monica chats with food filmmaker and author Anna Thomas about her newest book “Vegan Vegetarian Omnivore: Dinner For Everyone At The Table”. Plus Monica brings Louisa a tropical cocktail cheddar cheese but Will She Eat It? (Photo: stuffed pizza at Nancy’s Pizza on Golf Road in Niles, Illinois by Louisa Chu)

Chef Grant Achatz live on stage at the Steppenwolf Theater, joins Chewing co-hosts Louisa Chu and Monica Eng for the inaugural Sounds Like Chicago podcast festival. Chef Achatz talks the new Alinea, plays Delicious Combo (with wasabi peas and Junior Mints) and Will She Eat It?, plus explains what he once made with eggplant ends, peanut nips, and cocoa husks, and why.

In this Chewing food and health podcast episode co-hosts Louisa Chu and Monica Eng go South Side, to the southside of Chicago. Monica goes on eat-alongs with  author of "The South Side: A Portrait of Chicago and American Segregation" / WBEZ reporter Natalie Moore, and then with tech entrepreneur Paul Lee. Plus Louisa investigates the Big Baby, the South Side double cheeseburger, what should be the Chicago-style burger. Plus for a very special first season finale both Monica and Louisa bring South Side food to taste for the other, one which dangerously migrated from the very far South, but Will She Eat It? (Photo: Big Baby double cheeseburger at Nicky's Hot Dogs on the South Side of Chicago, by Louisa Chu)

In this Chewing food and health podcast episode co-hosts Louisa Chu and Monica Eng go Animal Style. Monica talks to her former Chicago Tribune colleague Kevin Pang about an all penis hot pot restaurant in Beijing.  Then Louisa tells a shocking family dog story. And Monica talks to BBC journalist Anna Jones before Brexit about a badger versus cow problem involving Queen’s Dr. Brian May, musician and animal rights activist. Finally fun-phobic Monica brings Louisa and producer Iris Lin shark week inspired donuts, but Will She Eat It? (Photo: 7-Eleven Shark Week Slurpee flavored donut, by Louisa Chu)

In this Chewing food and health podcast episode co-hosts Louisa Chu and Monica Eng talk Fat Books. Monica talks to The Omnivore’s Dilemma author Michael Pollan, aka her prestigious $10,000 fellowship pal. Then Chu and Eng talk with Fat Rice chefs / owners / authors Abe Conlon and Adrienne Lo about their origin story, new bakery and speakeasy, plus upcoming graphic novel cookbook, The Adventures of Fat Rice, live at the Printers Row Lit Fest. Finally Louisa brings Monica, Adrienne, and Abe a secret seafood flavor jelly beans, but Will They Eat It? (Photo: Chicago hot dog bun by at The Bakery at Fat Rice, by Louisa Chu)

Episode 10: GMO Yo or No. This week on the Chewing food and health podcast co-hosts Louisa Chu and Monica Eng talk to Neil Young at Farm Aid about his new album Monsanto Years, Michael Pollan about why he did not write about GMOs in Omnivore's Dilemma celebrating its 10th anniversary, and reps from the Farmers’ Union and the Farm Bureau about their opposing views on GMO labeling. Plus Louisa brings a bounty of non-GMO snacks for Monica and Iris Will She Eat It? (Photo: Non-GMO Project Verified snacks, by Louisa Chu)

This week on the Chewing food and health podcast, it’s the Bits, Bites, and BBQ episode with co-hosts Louisa Chu and Monica Eng. Monica talks to Meathead Goldwyn, founder of amazingribs.com, and author the bestselling new book Meathead: The Science of Great Barbecue and Grilling. Then in a tale of two Beard awards, Louisa talked to Bizarre Eats’ Andrew Zimmern, Momufuku’s David Chang, and Top Chef Master Rick Bayless on their Chicago must-eats; while Monica talked to top food media on their go-to home recipes. Plus Chu brings Eng surprise treats from the annual Sweets and Snacks Expo, aka Candy Show, but Will She Eat It? (Photo: Hotlix Real Sour Earthwoormz at Sweets and Snacks Expo 2016 in Chicago, by Louisa Chu)

This week on the Chewing podcast co-hosts Louisa Chu and Monica Eng talk Coffee and Buzz. They get a preview of the new Alinea re-boot, and get inside buzz with chef Grant Achatz and partner Nick Kokonas. And guess what coffee they served at the best restaurant in America? Kyoto Black, as heard on a previous episode, and maker Justin Doggett visits Chu, Eng, and producer Iris Lin in studio for some highly caffeinated surprise tastings, but Will We Drink It? (Photo: Kyoto Black coffee at Alinea restaurant in Chicago, by Louisa Chu)

Is it OK to nurse your friend’s baby—without asking? Monica reveals a dark secret about this—that ended up in a movie. And is it better to drink human milk raw or pasteurized? Plus, what tastes better New York water or Chicago’s?  Monica and Louisa dive into these basic questions on this week’s Chewing. (Photo: boba milk tea at Saint's Alp Teahouse in Chicagoo, by Louisa Chu)

How does memory affect our relationship with food? Monica chews it over with chefs Sam Kass, Gale Gand, Dave Beran, Ming Tsai,and Nathalie DuPree. Louisa talks pizza memories with Burt’s Pizza founder Burt Katz. And psychiatrist Drew Ramsey tells us how to eat for optimal brain and mental health. Finally, Louisa brings Monica and Iris twists on nostalgic treats from their Chinese childhoods—but will they eat them? Press play to find out. (Photo: Burt's Place pizza by Louisa Chu)

This week on the Chewing podcast, co-hosts Louisa Chu and Monica Eng talk “Ethnic” versus “White” food, whatever that means. They discuss with Los Angeles Times restaurant critic Jonathan Gold, also the star of the new documentary “City of Gold”, as well as Lucky Peach editor in chief Chris Ying, and author of The Wurst of Lucky Peach: A Treasury of Encased Meat. Plus Louisa offers Monica the classic Chinese-American dish egg foo young, but Will She Eat It? (Photo: takeout sweet and sour pork, fried, rice, and egg roll in Chicago, by Louisa Chu)

This week on Chewing, co-hosts Louisa Chu and Monica Eng go behind the curtain, with the stories behind their own headlines! Seen the Clickhole egg video yet? You will, and our very own producer Iris Lin made it! She’ll share behind the scenes drama, and how to make your own viral food video. Then Monica saw the world famous Billy Goat Tavern (Cheezborger cheezborger cheezborger!) serving fries so she investigates Cheeps-gate. Plus she uncovered her audio postcard with late local legend Olga of Olga’s Deli. Then, stop the presses! Louisa brings in the very first food Monica won’t eat in the game we like to call Will She Eat It?! (Photo: Billy Goat cheezborger at Navy Pier in Chicago, by Louisa Chu)

This week on Chewing, co-hosts Louisa Chu and Monica Eng DOGGY BAG it! But how safe is it? And why don’t we always do it? What’s the science and culture behind the one thing we can control to reduce food waste worldwide? Monica talks to the Undersecretary of Agriculture and for once they’re not fighting. Instead they agree on one of the most important ways to cut food waste in the nation. Then we call up extreme doggy bagger, Serious Eats founder Ed Levine. And Louisa brings Monica and producer Iris Lin a Leap Year leftover, but Will She Eat It? (Photo: Raccoon doggy bag from annual Coon Feed in Delafield, Wisconsin, by Louisa Chu)

This week on Chewing, co-hosts Louisa Chu and Monica Eng crack some eggs! Who doesn’t love a runny yolk fried egg? Even newly outed PVPO (Personally Vegan Professionally Omnivorous) Louisa does, but what about the scramble on big ethical issues? Monica talks to Josh Balk, senior director of food policy at The Humane Society of the United States. And FOC (Friend of Chewing) Ben Roche, Research and Development chef at Hampton Creek, gives a sneak peek at the future of egg-free foods from the makers of Just Mayo. Then Louisa brings in a thousand-year-old egg, aka century egg, while Monica digs up a forgotten egg tart, But Will She Eat It? (Photo by Louisa Chu: Rhode Island Red and Araucana chicken eggs at Fortress of the Bear in Sitka, Alaska)

Welcome to Chewing! In this premiere episode, co-hosts Louisa Chu and Monica Eng are Coming Out. Monica talks with Dr. Boyd Eaton, one of the godfathers of Paleolithic nutrition, the so-called caveman diet, who now controversially says cut the meat to save the future. Then she asks the world’s top nutrition experts for their ideal breakfasts. Plus Louisa makes a big coming out announcement: she’s PVPO (Personally Vegan, Professionally Omnivorous). And to celebrate Fat Thursday / Fat Tuesday and our big, fat, first episode, she brings Monica, noted sweets and alcohol hater, and Chewing producer Iris Lin, moonshine & lemon curd paczki, but Will She Eat It? (Photo by Louisa Chu: strawberry and cream pączek, the singular of pączki from Delightful Pastries in Chicago)

Louisa Chu and Monica Eng dedicate this series finale of Chewing the Fat, Louisa's late dog & companion Kiba Chu, Monica talks pig roasts w/ Jack Hitt and Louisa turns carrots into roast pork-ishness. What? This may be their last CTF meal but find their new "Chewing" podcast at www.chewing.xyz, https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/chewing/id1045316879?mt=2 Thank you!

For the last three years, we've brought you news and conversations on a wide range of topics that affect Chicagoans' daily lives. We've covered a lot of big stories: elections, the Polar Vortex, the passing of major figures in the city like Roger Ebert, Jane Byrne, and Cardinal George. The list goes on. But not everything we do is so serious. Whether it's stories about food, real estate, arts and culture or sports, we've always tried to bring an element of fun to your afternoon. So, this hour, we keep things a little more light-hearted with the regular contributors you've heard on the show over the years. General Admission podcasters, Don Hall and Tyler Greene give us a summer arts preview. Real estate reporter, Dennis Rodkin, tells us about the new tour he's hosting about Chicago's sexual history. Food contributor, Louisa Chu, talks about the newest food trends in the city. WBEZ's Tony Arnold discusses new allegations against former U.S. House Speaker, Dennis Hastert. WBEZ Sports Contributor, Cheryl Raye-Stout previews Game 2 of the Stanley Cup. NIU Meteorologist, Gilbert Sebentse, tells us how he first got into meteorology. And, we talk about what we love about this great city.

A Chewing the Fat BONUS! In an all-new interview, hosts Louisa Chu and Monica Eng talk to legendary chef Marco Pierre White on the release of "White Heat 25," the 25th anniversary edition of the book that inspired Anthony Bourdain and generations of cooks. Chef White tells all about Gordon Ramsay, Hot Doug's, and much more. (photo: Marco Pierre White by Bob Carlos Clarke for the book cover of "White Heat 25")

This week, Monica Eng and Louisa Chu from WBEZ's food podcast, Chewing the Fat, join the guys to debate whether or not food can be art. Don, as you might suspect, vehemently disagrees and Louisa, a trained chef and culinary consultant, gives him a run for his money. So does Monica, for that matter. Then, the four share fond food memories.

You’d think food blogger Louisa Chu would be stuffed after this assignment. Nope. Pass her the syrup, she says. She wants to stay and hear more stories.