Chewing

Episode 129: Chef Geno Bahena, La Grande Boucherie, John’s Food & Wine

This week, Monica and Louisa talk about mole, French food, and corned beef. First, Monica talks to veteran chef Geno Bahena who’s now cooking at Manchamanteles. Then, Monica talks to Emil Stefkov, founder of La Grande Boucherie, which claims...

Episode 128: Maxwells Trading, Feld, next gen chefs

This week, Monica and Louisa talk about the next gen of chefs and King Cake season. Monica interviews chef Erling Wu-Bower who just opened Maxwell Trading, plus chef and TikTok star Jacob Potashnick who’s planning to open Feld...

Episode 127: Zooey Deschanel, Mike Sula, Malört

This week, Monica and Louisa talk about the holidays, health, and drinks! Monica interviews Zooey Deschanel about her health app. Monica attends the 90th anniversary party for Malört and talks to our pal and James Beard award winning...

Episode 126: Kevin Pang, Michele Norris, power foods

This week, Monica and Louisa catch up after getting stuffed at Thanksgiving. Monica talks to America’s Test Kitchen’s Kevin Pang about his new book co-written with his dad, “A Very Chinese Cookbook: 100 Recipes From China And Not...

Episode 125: Migrants, Immigrants and Spirits

This week, Monica and Louisa talk about migrants, immigrants, and spirits. Monica talks to Laura Tillman about her experience writing her latest book “The Migrant Chef: The Life and Times of Lalo García.” Plus, Monica talks to award-winning...

Episode 124: Italian Village, Austin neighborhood, bone conduction lollipops

The ladies are back from summer break and ready for autumn! This week, Monica and Louisa share their Midwestern Adventures. Monica visits a South Side baseball chef, a Michigan jerky butcher, and a legendary Italian restaurant owner! Then,...

Episode 123: Beard drama, France mama, “The Bear” trauma

This week, we talk about the big drama behind the scenes of the James Beard awards, and if Monica won after SIX nominations this year! Then, she goes back to France to visit her football player son and brings...

Episode 122: Top chef Stephanie Izard, puppy chow cake, viral Costco casserole

This week, Monica tells us about her whirlwind trip to Europe. Back in Chicago, Monica and Louisa visit Stephanie Izard’s new Little Goat Diner. Then, Monica learns about puppy chow cake from pastry chef Leigh Omilinsky at Daisies....

Episode 121: Al’s Beef Chicago cheesesteak, spring break food

This week, we talk spring break and Chicago cheesesteaks. Louisa talks to Al’s Beef owner Chris Pacelli about Chicago cheesesteaks. Then, Monica shares her plans to visit her son in France, and our producer Iris shares her first...

Episode 120: American French food, Korean Chinese restaurants, expiration dates

This week, Monica and Louisa talk about Americans abroad! First, Monica has a conversation with her son about what he’s eating in France. In contrast, she talks to restaurateur Kevin Boehm about bringing French food to Chicago. Then,...

Episode 119: Monica’s new book, Do Good Chicken, Niman Ranch

This week, Monica tells us about her new book, "Made in Chicago: Stories Behind 30 Great Hometown Bites," co-written with David Hammond. Then Monica interviews former Obama White House and Chicago restaurant chef Sam Kass about his organization Do Good...

Episode 118: Lunar New Year food and Lexington Betty Smokehouse

This week, we're celebrating Lunar New Year and talking BBQ. We start off by giving some updates on holiday health scares. Then Louisa gets the story behind the Lexington Betty Smokehouse barbecue style. And then the ladies are presented with...

Episode 117: Christkindlmarket, Feld restaurant, Omarcito’s Latin Café

This week, we're talking about holiday foods and new chefs. Monica visits the Christkindlmarket to find some fishy treats. Then she talks to TikTok chef Jake Potashnick who has plans to open a sustainable restaurant called Feld in Chicago. Louisa...

Episode 116: Thanksgiving, Little Fat Boy, Loaf Lounge

This week, we're gearing up for Thanksgiving by sharing our traditions (and disasters). Monica talks to Frankie Gaw, aka Little Fat Boy, about his first generation Taiwanese-American cookbook. Plus, she checks in with former Chicago Tribune restaurant critic Paula Camp...

Episode 115: Grocery Stores, Beer and Bratwurst Potato Chips

This week, Monica explains the big news about the Jewel and Mariano's grocery store merger. She also shares the new grocery report card on antibiotic policies. Then, Louisa and Monica share grocery tips and talk about the politics of grocery...

Episode 114: Publican Quality Bread, Historic Pot Pies and Oil-Fried Ghosts

This week, Monica concludes her conversation with Oprah’s former personal chef Art Smith. Plus, she talks to James Beard award-winning chef Greg Wade about his debut cookbook. Louisa tells us about her search for the woman behind the historic pot...

Chewing Extra: Clyde's at Goodman Theater

This week, Monica talks to production director Tyler Jacobson about sandwiches and the behind-the-scenes of the play Clyde's now showing at the Goodman Theater.

Episode 113: Reunion, Art Smith, Maa Maa Dei mooncakes

Louisa and Monica are back to report on their summer vacations. Monica talks to Oprah’s former personal chef Art Smith, plus, Louisa picks up some street corner mooncakes for the ladies to try.

Episode 112: Summer vacation food, “The Bear” and Italian beef

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...

Episode 111: James Beard Awards

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...

Episode 110: Martin Yan, Candy Show

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...

Episode 109: Chop Suey and Mushrooms

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...

Episode 108: Beards, Bakeries, and Backyard Gardens

Chewing podcast co-host Louisa Chu got her first James Beard award nomination, so co-host Monica Eng reveals secrets as a five-time nominee and formers Beards judge. Then Louisa shares behind the scenes moments on the last day at Dinkel's Bakery,...

Episode 107: Cheesy and Jelly

Chewing podcast co-host Louisa Chu went to Philadelphia so talks Philly cheesesteaks, and the cherry pepper bars at Pat's and Geno's. Then she dares co-host Monica Eng and producer Iris Lin to taste taco truck jellybeans, but Will They Eat...

Episode 106: Covid and Spice Bags

Chewing podcast co-host talks about her trip to Ireland, where she got unlucky with COVID-19. Then co-host Louisa Chu explains how to have The Talk, and set boundaries with COVID prevention. And Monica shares her visits to Chinese-Irish fast food...

Episode 105: Pie, Women’s History and Future

Chewing podcast co-hosts Louisa Chu and Monica Eng talk favorite pies, including Mrs. Hering's 1890 chicken pot pie at The Walnut Room in Chicago for Women's History Month. Then Louisa dares Monica and their producer Iris Lin to taste three-cup...

Episode 104: Pandemic-versary Number Two

Chewing podcast co-hosts Louisa Chu and Monica Eng talk about what they're doing, or not doing, anymore when it comes to eating out on the second anniversary of the COVID-19 pandemic. Then Louisa dares Monica and their producer Iris Lin...

Episode 103: Nom Nom New Year Food

Chewing podcast co-host Monica Eng talks to New York Times best-selling cookbook author Michelle Tam about "Nom Nom Paleo," co-written with Henry Fong. Then co-host Louisa Chu gets a galette des rois from Floriole bakery in Chicago, the seasonal French...

Episode 102: How To Eat Like A Better Human

Chewing podcast co-host Monica Eng talks to archaeologist, chef, and author Dr. Bill Schindler about his new book “Eat Like a Human." Then co-host Louisa Chu goes to Chicago’s most infamous hot dog stand, The Wieners Circle. And Monica meets...

Episode 101: The Korean Vegan, Owamni by The Sioux Chef

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...

Episode 100: Catherine Lambrecht, Abra Berens, County Fair Foods

Episode 99: Chinese Zongzi, Peter Engler, Krakatoa Hot Chips

Episode 98: Steve Dolinsky, Paula Camp, 80s Restaurants

Chewing podcast co-hosts Louisa Chu and Monica Eng talk to hungry hound Steve Dolinsky, author of the upcoming book “The Ultimate Chicago Pizza Guide: A History of Squares & Slices in the Windy City.” Then they’re joined by former Chicago...

Episode 97: Steven Raichlen, Top Chef Gregory Gourdet, giardiniera

Chewing podcast co-host Monica Eng talks about chef Gregory Gourdet, author of “Everyone's Table: Global Recipes for Modern Health.” Then from the live Twitch stream, she and co-host Louisa Chu talk to barbecue guru Steven Raichlen about his new book...

Episode 96: Buona Beefless, Jacoby Cochran, Barry Estabrook, Chicago all-in-one hot dog sauce

Chewing podcast co-hosts Louisa Chu and Monica Eng talk to Jimmy Buona about the new Italian Beefless sandwich, City Cast Chicago host Jacoby Cochran about South Side vegan food, author Barry Estabrook about his new book “Just Eat: One Reporter's...

Episode 95: Tomato Bliss, Regional hot dogs, Coney sauces

Chewing podcast co-host Monica Eng talks to Tomato Bliss. Then from the Chewing Twitch Monica and co-host Louisa Chu talk hot dogs with Chicago Tribune food reporter Nick Kindelsperger and author / Coney dog expert T.M. Goeglein. And Monica dares...

Episode 94: New Bourdain book, Soom Foods tahini, My Halal Kitchen

Chewing podcast co-host Louisa Chu talks to Anthony Bourdain’s co-author Laurie Woolever about their new book “World Travel: An Irreverent Guide.” Then co-host Monica Eng talks tahini and tahina with Soom Foods co-founder Amy Titleman. And from the Chewing Twitch...

Episode 93: Crate Free USA, Maui Nui Venison, Brown Sugar Bakery

Chewing podcast co-host Monica Eng talks to Crate Free USA founder Jessica Chipkin about reducing the suffering of animals on factory farms. Then Monica talks to Maui Nui Venison founder Jake Muise about wild Hawaiian deer. And she and co-host...

Episode 92: LA’s Friends & Family, Chicago’s Carver 47, CBD ‘Chilli Crisp’

Chewing podcast co-host Monica Eng talks to chef Roxana Jullapat, owner of Friends & Family bakery in Los Angeles, about her new book “Mother Grains: Recipes for the Grain Revolution.” Then Monica talks to chef Lizz Wright and owner Monica...

Episode 91: Emily Nunn, Dennis Lee, Oreo Spam burger

Chewing podcast co-host Monica Eng talks to author Emily Nunn about her Substack newsletter The Department of Salad. Then Monica talks to food writer Dennis Lee about his Substack newsletter Food is Stupid. Plus Monica dares co-host Louisa Chu to...

Episode 90: MacArthur's cafeteria, critic critique, alcohol-free IPA, Korean snack

Chewing podcast co-host Louisa Chu talks with MacArthur's cafeteria owner Mac Alexander for her Chicago Tribune 8-part series on Black-owned restaurants after a year of pandemic, protests, and politics. Then Louisa and co-host Monica Eng critique the role of restaurant...

Episode 89: Chefs Zoe Schor and Beverly Kim, Flamin' Hot mac and cheese

Chewing podcast co-host Louisa Chu talks with chef Zoe Schor about why she has not reopened for indoor or outdoor dining yet in Chicago. Co-host Monica Eng talks with Top Chef Beverly Kim and Asian American restaurateurs Rohini Dey, Mary...

Episode 88: “Eat Like You Give a Fork,” Village Farmstand, Chinese hot water

Chewing podcast co-host Monica Eng talks to Mareya Ibrahim, author of “Eat Like You Give a Fork: The Real Dish on Eating to Thrive.” Plus Monica checks in with filmmaker / grocer Matt Wechsler of Village Farmstand in Evanston near...

Episode 87: Tulip Tree Gardens, Sleep Medicine, Hank Shaw, and Ida's Artisan Ice Cream

Chewing podcast co-host Monica Eng talks to CBD Tulip Tree Gardens founders Rachael and Jesse Smedberg and tries their CBN oil in her quest for a peaceful pandemic night's sleep. Then Monica consults to sleep doctors at the Northwestern Medicine...

Episode 86: Mockmill, Man in the Kitchen, and Vite Ramen

Chewing podcast co-host Monica Eng tries home grain mill Mockmill. Then Monica talks to Man in the Kitchen founder Steve Katz. And she dares co-host Louisa Chu to taste self-described "nutritious" Vite Ramen, but Will She Eat It?

Episode 85: gardening activist Nicole Virgil, Tasting India, and Baiju

Chewing podcast co-host Monica Eng visits to gardening activist Nicole Virgil. Then Monica talks to James Beard grant winning chef Jasmine Sheth about her project Tasting India. Plus co-host Louisa Chu dares Monica to do shots of baiju for a...

Episode 84: Leptospirosis, Pizza, and White Rabbit Lay's

Chewing co-host Monica Eng shares her story about leptospirosis on the food and health podcast, the deadly disease that killed Louisa Chu's beloved dog Kiba. Then Monica explains why her favorite pizza was a New York style slice, and Louisa...

Chewing Extra: Free Asian Carp Burgers To Save the World

Chewing Extra: Sleep remedies and CBD honey

In between seasons we're releasing a few bonus interviews. This one deals with Monica's search for a good night sleep. She hopes to find it in the new Kitchen Toke CBD honey and talks to Joline Rivera about it. 

Chewing Extra: Harold's Fried Chicken Shack #55 Owner Percy Billings

Chewing podcast co-hosts Louisa Chu and Monica Eng talk about the importance of Harold's Chicken Shack and mild sauce, then Louisa talks to Harold's #55 owner Percy Billings