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 shops, and their specialty called spice bags.

Episode 106: Covid and Spice Bags

Food and health podcast by Chicago Tribune food critic Louisa Chu and Axios Chicago reporter Monica Eng.

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 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 it’s the biggest restaurant in Chicago. Finally, Louisa reveals details on the corned beef sandwich at John’s Food & Wine, where they’re paying their cooks $36 an hour!  chewing.xyz  chicagotribune.com/chewingpodcast  facebook.com/chewingpodcast   Louisa Chu: Insta  @louisachu1, Threads  @louisachu Monica Eng: Insta  @monicaengreporter      Links:   Order   Made in Chicago: Stories Behind 30 Great Hometown Bites       Music:   Theme music:  “Zhong Nan Hai”  by Carsick Cars   Outro music:  “15 Minutes Older”  by Carsick Cars   Segments:   “Mexicana Hermosa” (Versión Mariachi) by Natalia Lafourcade ft. Carlos Rivera  “Logan’s Loop”  by Andrew Bird  “Pulaski At Night”  by Andrew Bird  “There Is A Light That Never Goes Out”  by The Smiths    “Be Sweet”  by Japanese Breakfast

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

  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 in Chicago. Then, Louisa gives us the rundown on Roscas, and what she's hoping for King Cake season.      chewing.xyz   chicagotribune.com/chewingpodcast   facebook.com/chewingpodcast   Louisa Chu: Insta  @louisachu1, Threads  @louisachu Monica Eng: Insta  @monicaengreporter      Links:   Order   Made in Chicago: Stories Behind 30 Great Hometown Bites       Music:   Theme music:  “Zhong Nan Hai”  by Carsick Cars   Outro music:  “15 Minutes Older”  by Carsick Cars   Segments: "Hey Good Lookin'" by Hank Williams   "I Can See Clearly Now" by Johnny Nash

Episode 128: Maxwells Trading, Feld, next gen chefs

  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 writer and pop-up maestro Mike Sula about his secret homemade drink made with wormwood. Finally, Louisa shares her experience at CosMc’s, the futuristic new concept from McDonald’s.     chewing.xyz  chicagotribune.com/chewingpodcast  facebook.com/chewingpodcast   Louisa Chu: Insta  @louisachu1, Threads  @louisachu Monica Eng: Insta  @monicaengreporter      Links:   Order   Made in Chicago: Stories Behind 30 Great Hometown Bites       Music:   Theme music:  “Zhong Nan Hai”  by Carsick Cars   Outro music:  “15 Minutes Older”  by Carsick Cars   Segments:    “Awake”  by Mader (from the original soundtrack for  Eat Drink Man Woman)  “Ridin’ in My Car”  by She & Him

Episode 127: Zooey Deschanel, Mike Sula, Malört

  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 China (But Still Really Chinese).” Then, Monica chats with Emmy and Peabody award-winning journalist Michele Norris about her new podcast “Your Mama’s Kitchen.” Lastly, nutritionist and doctor Michael Crupain tells Monica about his new book “The Power Five Essential Foods For Optimum Health.”     chewing.xyz  chicagotribune.com/chewingpodcast  facebook.com/chewingpodcast   Louisa Chu: Insta  @louisachu1, Threads  @louisachu Monica Eng: Insta  @monicaengreporter      Links:   Order   Made in Chicago: Stories Behind 30 Great Hometown Bites       Music:   Theme music:  “Zhong Nan Hai”  by Carsick Cars   Outro music:  “15 Minutes Older”  by Carsick Cars   Segments:   “LUNCH”  by My Little Airport   “詩歌舞街”  by My Little Airport   “Family Reunion”  by Jill Scott  “Look At Them Beans”  by Johnny Cash

Episode 126: Kevin Pang, Michele Norris, power foods

  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 author Grace Lin about her new bestselling book “Chinese Menu: The History, Myths, and Legends Behind Your Favorite Foods.” Finally, Louisa dares us to taste “Flaming Flamers”...but will we eat it?     chewing.xyz  chicagotribune.com/chewingpodcast  facebook.com/chewingpodcast   Louisa Chu: Insta  @louisachu1, Threads  @louisachu Monica Eng: Insta  @monicaengreporter      Links:   Order   Made in Chicago: Stories Behind 30 Great Hometown Bites       Music:   Theme music:  “Zhong Nan Hai”  by Carsick Cars   Outro music:  “15 Minutes Older”  by Carsick Cars   Segments:   “Piensa en mi”  by Los Poetas de la Guitarra  “Your Dystopic Creation Doesn't Fear You”  by Deerhoof (ft. Awkwafina)

Episode 106: Covid and Spice Bags

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