On this episode of Supper with Sylvia, Emmy-winning journalist Sylvia Perez sits down with Chef Kevin Hickey, the award-winning Chicago chef behind The Duck Inn in Bridgeport. Just steps away from his childhood home, Hickey has transformed a historic neighborhood tavern into one of Chicago’s most celebrated restaurants—famed for its legendary rotisserie duck, creative cocktails, pizza nights, and backyard pig roasts.

From his years at the Four Seasons Chicago to becoming the culinary pioneer who brought diners to Bridgeport, Hickey opens up about the risks, rewards, and roots that shaped his journey. He shares the remarkable history of The Duck Inn’s century-old tavern, the revival of the iconic Ramova Theatre, and why community has always been at the heart of his work.

This conversation is packed with Chicago flavor—from cheese curds and Malört to riverfront patios, Hyde Park regulars, and Duck Fat Hot Dogs that have become a citywide obsession. If you love Chicago’s food scene or dream of opening your own neighborhood spot, this is an episode you can’t miss.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How Chef Kevin Hickey went from fine dining at the Four Seasons to opening The Duck Inn in his hometown.
• The rich history of the Bridgeport tavern turned restaurant and why it’s such a beloved neighborhood spot.
• The revival of the Ramova Theatre with support from Jennifer Hudson, Chance the Rapper, and Quincy Jones’ family.
• Why technology (GPS, rideshare) changed Chicago dining and made destination neighborhoods like Bridgeport thrive.
• The story behind Duck Inn’s signature dishes—from rotisserie duck to Duck Fat Hot Dogs.
• Kevin’s favorite hidden gem restaurants in Chinatown, Pilsen, and beyond.

Resources & Links:

• Visit The Duck Inn Chicago
  
  
• Follow The Duck Inn on Instagram: @theduckinnchicago
  
  
• Learn more about the Ramova Theatre

📌Check out SupperwithSylvia on Instagram.
📩Email us at [email protected]

This episode is brought to you by MARIANO'S.

🛒 Proudly Sponsored by Mariano’s

Looking for local flavor you can bring home? Discover chef-crafted sauces, pastas, oils, and more from your favorite Chicago chefs — now available through Mariano’s We Love Local program. Support local artisans, savor authentic taste, and celebrate Chicago’s culinary spirit with every bite.

👉 Explore Mariano’s We Love Local Products

Social Media Marketing: Magali Blasdell

Video and Audio Editor: Donnie Cutting

Marketing and Media Relations: Julie Lokun

Producer: Jennifer Waters

In this deeply moving live episode of Supper with Sylvia, recorded at Curtis Duffy’s After lounge, Sylvia sits down with the celebrated chef and author of Fireproof: Memoir of a Chef. Together, they explore the raw edges of Curtis’s journey—from traumatic beginnings in rural Ohio to becoming one of the most celebrated culinary figures in the world. This is a conversation about survival, reinvention, and the healing power of craft.

Episode Overview

Curtis opens up about his turbulent childhood, marked by instability and adversity. Growing up in rural Ohio with a father in an outlaw biker gang and scarce resources, he discovered refuge in cooking through a high school Home Economics class and vocational culinary programs. These early sparks would lead him to some of the most prestigious kitchens in the country.

At just nineteen, his life was shattered by tragedy when his stepmother was kidnapped and his father died in a murder-suicide after a standoff with police. In Fireproof, Curtis shares how facing this unimaginable trauma became a turning point, forcing him to find purpose in discipline, creativity, and hard work. Writing the memoir was his way of confronting the past—putting it on paper so it could lose its power over him.

From Kitchen Apprentice to Michelin Starred Chef

Curtis’s culinary ascent began in Chicago under the mentorship of iconic chefs like Charlie Trotter and Grant Achatz. At Avenues, he earned two Michelin stars, then co-founded Grace, where he achieved the rare honor of three Michelin stars for four consecutive years. Yet at the height of Grace’s acclaim, he made the difficult decision to walk away, valuing integrity and creative freedom over comfort and prestige.

Writing Fireproof

In collaboration with author Jeremy Wagner, Curtis crafted Fireproof as an unflinching memoir that blends the intensity of metal music, the grit of outlaw culture, and the artistry of fine dining. The book has been described as “Anthony Bourdain’s Kitchen Confidential meets Sons of Anarchy,” offering an intimate look at both the brutality and beauty of his life.

Themes You’ll Hear in This Episode

• How Curtis turned personal tragedy into a lifelong pursuit of excellence
• The discipline and intentionality behind a Michelin-starred kitchen
• The decision to leave Grace and rebuild on his own terms
• Why Fireproof is as much about healing as it is about cooking

Buy Curtis' book on Amazon: Amazon.com: Fireproof (Audible Audio Edition): Curtis Du

📌Check out SupperwithSylvia on Instagram.
📩Email us at [email protected]

This episode is brought to you by MARIANO'S.

🛒 Proudly Sponsored by Mariano’s

Looking for local flavor you can bring home? Discover chef-crafted sauces, pastas, oils, and more from your favorite Chicago chefs — now available through Mariano’s We Love Local program. Support local artisans, savor authentic taste, and celebrate Chicago’s culinary spirit with every bite.

👉 Explore Mariano’s We Love Local Products

Social Media Marketing: Magali Blasdell

Video and Audio Editor: Donnie Cutting

Marketing and Media Relations: Julie Lokun

Producer: Jennifer Waters

JOIN ME LIVE FOR MY PODCAST FEATURING CURTIS DUFFY- AUGUST 4th:

LIVE - Supper with Sylvia Perez feat. Chef Curtis Duffy - After - Chicago, IL | Tock | Tock

In this soulful and inspiring episode of Supper With Sylvia, we sit down with James Beard Award-winning Chef Erick Williams, the culinary visionary behind Chicago's celebrated Virtue Restaurant and newest hotspot Countina Rosa. Sylvia and Erick dive deep into how food can create community, celebrate culture, and transform lives — one plate at a time.

🍽️ Featured Topics:

• 🏆 Erick’s Accolades: From 2020 Chicagoan of the Year to 2023 Innovator of the Year
• 🥃 Countina Rosa: Chicago’s newest Mexican spirit and agave bar
• 🥘 Virtue Restaurant: A soulful sanctuary for Southern cuisine and Black diaspora storytelling
• 🖼️ Art and Atmosphere: The story behind Virtue’s powerful visual curation
• 👨🏽‍🍳 Virtue Leadership Development Program: Training the next generation of chefs through empathy and excellence
• 🌆 South Side Love: Bridging neighborhoods, dismantling stereotypes, and welcoming all
• 🧳 The Joy of Food and Travel: What resets Chef Williams (Hint: It includes gumbo and hotel rooms by the beach)

💬 Memorable Quote:

“Kindness is our secret sauce. When people feel welcomed and valued, the food just tastes better.” – Erick Williams“Legacy isn’t just about what you build. It’s about how you leave people better than you found them.” – Erick Williams

🛎️ Local Love Shout-Outs:

• Daisy’s Po’Boy & Tavern
• Top This Mac n Cheese
• Mustard Seed Kitchen
• Pico La Sonja (Chef Tony Priolo)
• Lula Cafe
• Zaragoza
• Monteverde
• Boka

🎧 Tune In For:

• Chicago’s culinary evolution through the eyes of a master chef
• Real talk on leadership, equity, and elevating communities
• Why hospitality goes far beyond what’s on the plate

🔗 Connect With Erick Williams:

• Virtue Restaurant Website: Virtue Restaurant
• Follow on Instagram

📌Check out SupperwithSylvia on Instagram.
📩Email us at [email protected]

This episode is brought to you by MARIANO'S.

🛒 Proudly Sponsored by Mariano’s

Looking for local flavor you can bring home? Discover chef-crafted sauces, pastas, oils, and more from your favorite Chicago chefs — now available through Mariano’s We Love Local program. Support local artisans, savor authentic taste, and celebrate Chicago’s culinary spirit with every bite.

👉 Explore Mariano’s We Love Local Products

Social Media Marketing: Magali Blasdell

Video and Audio Editor: Donnie Cutting

Marketing and Media Relations: Julie Lokun

Producer: Jennifer Waters

JOIN ME LIVE AUGUST 4th!⬇️

LIVE - Supper with Sylvia Perez feat. Chef Curtis Duffy - After - Chicago, IL | Tock | Tock

Ever wondered what happens when your love of hiking meets your passion for craft beer? Meet Dan and Jessica, the couple behind the inspiring new book Beer Hiking Chicago and Beyond. From urban trails with skyline views to suburban forest preserves, they’ve mapped out 34 unforgettable hikes paired with nearby breweries across Chicagoland.

In this episode of Supper with Sylvia, we dive into how the idea was born during the pandemic, why breweries are more family-friendly than you think, and how exploring your own city can be the most rewarding adventure of all.

Whether you’re an IPA fanatic, a weekend walker, or simply craving a new way to see Chicago, this episode is your guide to fresh air, community, and the perfect cold pint.

🌟 What You’ll Learn

✅ How Beer Hiking Chicago became a reality
✅ The best city and suburban trails to explore
✅ Why breweries can be the perfect place for families
✅ Tips on trail safety, etiquette, and planning your adventure
✅ Hidden gems like Palmasano Park and the Bloomingdale Trail (The 606)
✅ Favorite beer and hike pairings you can try this weekend

📚 Featured Book

Get The Book Here: Beer Hiking Chicago: The Tastiest Way to Discover the Windy City: Sedgwick, Jessica, Ochwat, Dan: 9783039640331: Amazon.com: Books

Beer Hiking Chicago and Beyond
Discover 34 hikes paired with the best breweries in Chicago, the suburbs, and nearby day trips. Perfect for locals, visitors, and craft beer lovers alike.

🍻 Featured Breweries & Trails Highlighted in This Episode

• Alarmist Brewing near North Park Nature Center
• Mars Community Brewing by McKinley Park
• Palos Park Trail System & Pollyanna Brewing Company
• Raceway Woods & Scorched Earth Brewing
• Chicago Riverwalk & Revolution Brewing Collaboration
• Bloomingdale Trail (The 606) & Piece Brewery

💡 Pro Tips for Your Beer Hiking Adventure

✔️ Go early in the day for safety and the best experience
 ✔️ Always hydrate, snack, and consider smaller pours to sample different beers
 ✔️ Bring the kids—many breweries have games and family-friendly spaces
 ✔️ Use public transportation when possible
 ✔️ Explore new neighborhoods to discover Chicago’s diverse community spirit

🎧 Credits

Produced by: Jane Stephens
Audio Engineering & Original Music: Donnie Cutting
Social Media & Promotions: Magali Blasdell

📲 Stay Connected & Subscribe

✅ Follow Supper with Sylvia on Instagram: @SupperwithSylvia
✅ Email:

📌Check out SupperwithSylvia on Instagram.
📩Email us at [email protected]

This episode is brought to you by MARIANO'S.

🛒 Proudly Sponsored by Mariano’s

Looking for local flavor you can bring home? Discover chef-crafted sauces, pastas, oils, and more from your favorite Chicago chefs — now available through Mariano’s We Love Local program. Support local artisans, savor authentic taste, and celebrate Chicago’s culinary spirit with every bite.

👉 Explore Mariano’s We Love Local Products

Social Media Marketing: Magali Blasdell

Video and Audio Editor: Donnie Cutting

Marketing and Media Relations: Julie Lokun

Producer: Jennifer Waters

Meet me LIVE-⬇️

 LIVE - Supper with Sylvia Perez feat. Chef Curtis Duffy - After - Chicago, IL | Tock | Tock

TODAY!  Meet the powerhouse and visionary behind one of Chicago’s most beloved bakeries: Justice of the Pies. Sylvia chats with Maya-Camille Broussard, who shares how baking became her superpower—and how her late father's legacy, social equity, and a hunger for change shaped her mission.

From crafting irresistible bourbon pecan pies to hosting workshops for underserved youth, Maya-Camille is more than a baker—she’s a changemaker. Hear the behind-the-scenes stories of her Netflix debut (Bake Squad), the entrepreneurial journey that shaped her business, and her unwavering commitment to creating “a bakery that believes in second chances.”

Chef Maya-Camille’s book, Justice of the Pies: Sweet and Savory Pies, Quiches and Tarts Plus Inspirational Stories from Exceptional People not only shares more than 85 mouthwatering recipes, it tells the stories of heroes outside of the kitchen- luminaries who strive for social justice and equity - and shares recipes they’ve inspired. The book was published by Clarkson Potter (Penguin Random House) and is available at bookstores worldwide.

Whether you're a foodie, aspiring entrepreneur, or simply love stories that stir the soul and satisfy your sweet tooth, this episode is a must-listen.

🔑 Episode Highlights:

• Maya-Camille’s origin story and the tribute behind Justice of the Pies
  
  
  
• How she blends baking with activism and social impact
  
  
  
• The role of food in community healing
  
  
  
• Her Netflix experience and what it taught her about resilience
  
  
  
• Business lessons for creatives and changemakers
  
  
  
• Advice for aspiring foodpreneurs in Chicago and beyond
  
  
  

🍰 Follow Justice of the Pies:

Website: https://www.justiceofthepies.com
Instagram: @justiceofthepies
Order Maya-Camille’s cookbook: [Insert Book Title if applicable]

🎧 Listen & Subscribe:

Find Supper with Sylvia on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and anywhere you get your audio fix.
⭐ Don’t forget to rate & review—it helps support diverse voices in the food podcast space.

The Show Notes:

Justice of the Pies - 8655 Blackstone Ave. Chicago 60619

justiceofthepies.com

In 2020, Maya-Camille Broussard founded The Broussard Justice Foundation, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that focuses on food-related and health-related issues. It works to eradicate food insecurity and decrease health disparity issues in underserved communities.

Chef Maya-Camille’s book, Justice of the Pies: Sweet and Savor

📌Check out SupperwithSylvia on Instagram.
📩Email us at [email protected]

This episode is brought to you by MARIANO'S.

🛒 Proudly Sponsored by Mariano’s

Looking for local flavor you can bring home? Discover chef-crafted sauces, pastas, oils, and more from your favorite Chicago chefs — now available through Mariano’s We Love Local program. Support local artisans, savor authentic taste, and celebrate Chicago’s culinary spirit with every bite.

👉 Explore Mariano’s We Love Local Products

Social Media Marketing: Magali Blasdell

Video and Audio Editor: Donnie Cutting

Marketing and Media Relations: Julie Lokun

Producer: Jennifer Waters

In the age of social media dominance, influence is currency—and no one understands that better than today’s top Chicago food influencers. In this buzzworthy episode of Supper with Sylvia, we dive fork-first into the high-stakes world of food content creation with two of the Windy City’s biggest tastemakers.

First up is Jeremy Joyce, the charismatic creator of Black People Eats, a cross-platform movement that’s uniting communities through food, culture, and celebration. With millions of impressions across YouTube, Instagram, and Threads, Jeremy dishes on how he built a brand rooted in purpose, how he forms authentic brand partnerships, and what it really takes to be a multi-platform food media sensation.

Then we meet Pooja Naik, the voice behind the viral Instagram account @chicagopescetarian. With a growing audience and laser focus on Chicago’s seafood scene, Pooja shares how she carved out a niche by spotlighting the best pescetarian-friendly bites across the city. She unpacks her content strategy, balancing a demanding content calendar, and how she collaborates with top restaurants for stunning reels and trusted reviews.

From behind-the-scenes strategy to influencer brand deals, this episode is packed with real talk, insider tips, and delicious insights into the power (and pressure) of being a food influencer in Chicago.

🔥 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• How to build a powerful food brand on social media
• What goes into curating viral food content
• How influencers like Black People Eats drive cultural and economic impact
• How Chicagopescetarian found her niche and audience
• The realities of partnerships, content fatigue, and social media burnout
• Why restaurant owners should collaborate with micro and macro influencers
• What the future holds for Chicago’s food scene on digital platforms

Pooja Naik Instagram chicagopescitarian https://www.instagram.com/chicagopescetarian/?hl=en

Jeremy Joyce Instagram blackpeopleeats https://www.instagram.com/p/DH4WzWSPBjf/?hl=en

This episode is produced by Jane Stephens

Original music and audio engineering by Donnie Cutting

Social Media and Promotions by Magali Blasdell

📌Check out SupperwithSylvia on Instagram.
📩Email us at [email protected]

This episode is brought to you by MARIANO'S.

🛒 Proudly Sponsored by Mariano’s

Looking for local flavor you can bring home? Discover chef-crafted sauces, pastas, oils, and more from your favorite Chicago chefs — now available through Mariano’s We Love Local program. Support local artisans, savor authentic taste, and celebrate Chicago’s culinary spirit with every bite.

👉 Explore Mariano’s We Love Local Products

Social Media Marketing: Magali Blasdell

Video and Audio Editor: Donnie Cutting

Marketing and Media Relations: Julie Lokun

Producer: Jennifer Waters

🎙️ Have you ever tried booking a table at one of Chicago’s hottest restaurants only to find every reservation snatched up—or held hostage by a third-party app demanding sky-high fees? You’re not alone.

In this eye-opening episode of Supper With Sylvia, Emmy Award-winning journalist Sylvia Perez is joined by Sam Toia, President and CEO of the Illinois Restaurant Association, to uncover how reservation apps and ticketing platforms are reshaping the way Chicagoans dine out.

Together, they discuss:
 ✅ Why it’s getting harder to secure reservations at Chicago’s best restaurants
 ✅ How third-party reservation apps and scalpers are driving up costs for diners
 ✅ What local chefs and restaurateurs are doing to fight back against pay-to-play dining
✅ The impact of reservation reselling on small businesses and independent restaurants

🎉 Plus, it’s the most anticipated event of the culinary calendar—The James Beard Awards! Sylvia breaks down what the awards mean for Chicago’s restaurant scene and who’s in the running this year to be crowned Best Chef and Best Restaurant.

From legendary taquerias to innovative cocktail bars, Windy City chefs are stepping up to the plate, showcasing the talent, creativity, and resilience that have made Chicago a world-class dining destination.

🍽️ In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• Insider strategies for booking tables without paying exorbitant fees
• How the Illinois Restaurant Association is working to protect diners and restaurant owners
• Which Chicago chefs, restaurants, and bartenders are nominated for James Beard Awards this year
• How these awards impact restaurant visibility, tourism, and the local economy

Whether you’re a food lover, an industry insider, or simply someone who wants to enjoy a great meal without jumping through hoops, this episode is packed with insights that will change the way you think about dining reservations.

Show notes;

Illinois Restaurant Association https://www.illinoisrestaurants.org

James Beard Awards https://www.jamesbeard.org

This episode is produced by Jane Stephens

Original music and audio engineering by Donnie Cutting

Social Media and Promotions by Magali Blasdell

📌Check out SupperwithSylvia on Instagram.
📩Email us at [email protected]

This episode is brought to you by MARIANO'S.

🛒 Proudly Sponsored by Mariano’s

Looking for local flavor you can bring home? Discover chef-crafted sauces, pastas, oils, and more from your favorite Chicago chefs — now available through Mariano’s We Love Local program. Support local artisans, savor authentic taste, and celebrate Chicago’s culinary spirit with every bite.

👉 Explore Mariano’s We Love Local Products

Social Media Marketing: Magali Blasdell

Video and Audio Editor: Donnie Cutting

Marketing and Media Relations: Julie Lokun

Producer: Jennifer Waters

Ready to take your cocktails to the next level? In this episode of Supper with Sylvia, discover how crystal clear ice cubes and spheres are transforming everything from spicy margaritas to refreshing gin and tonics. We sit down with the visionary founder of Quari Ice, the Chicago-based company setting a new standard for gourmet cocktail ice.

What You’ll Learn:

• The Clear Ice Phenomenon: Why top restaurants and elite bartenders swear by crystal clear ice for better taste, slower melting, and unforgettable presentation.
• The Spark of Innovation: How a hot summer day on Lake Michigan inspired the idea behind Quari Ice—and turned it into a booming business that’s freezing out old-school backhouse ice makers.
• Mixology Trends for Summer: Chicago’s own Master of the Mix, Richard Beltzer, shares his hottest cocktail recipes, including his signature whiskey highball, perfect summer gin and tonic, and modern takes on classic margaritas.
• Pro Bartender Tips: The best ways to use gourmet ice in your favorite drinks, elevate your home bar, and impress your guests all summer long.

Why You’ll Love This Episode:
If you’re passionate about craft cocktails, curious about the science of perfect ice, or simply looking for inspiration to mix up something fresh, this conversation is for you. From Lake Michigan inspiration to nationwide acclaim, learn how Quari Ice is redefining what’s in your glass.

Listen Now to Discover:
✅ How clear ice makes cocktails taste cleaner and look stunning
✅ Trending cocktail recipes for summer entertaining
✅ The art and science behind gourmet ice production
✅ Insider secrets from Chicago’s top mixologist

🔥 Don’t Miss Out:
Subscribe to Supper with Sylvia for more stories on culinary innovation, cocktail culture, and the entrepreneurs shaking up the food and beverage world.

🎧 Tune in now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app.

💬 Let’s Connect:
Love this episode? Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts and share your favorite summer cocktail with us!

Quari Ice can be found at Mariano Market, Binny's, Jewel Osco, Heinens, Grand Food Center, and Sunset Foods.

https://www.quari-ice.com/

https://www.instagram.com/quari_ice/?hl=en

Minnesota Ice

https://minnesota-ice.com/

This episode is produced by Jane Stephens

Original music and audio engineering by Donnie Cutting

Social Media and Promotions by Magali Blasdell

📌Check out SupperwithSylvia on Instagram.
📩Email us at [email protected]

This episode is brought to you by MARIANO'S.

🛒 Proudly Sponsored by Mariano’s

Looking for local flavor you can bring home? Discover chef-crafted sauces, pastas, oils, and more from your favorite Chicago chefs — now available through Mariano’s We Love Local program. Support local artisans, savor authentic taste, and celebrate Chicago’s culinary spirit with every bite.

👉 Explore Mariano’s We Love Local Products

Social Media Marketing: Magali Blasdell

Video and Audio Editor: Donnie Cutting

Marketing and Media Relations: Julie Lokun

Producer: Jennifer Waters

What happens when a biologist and an economist team up to revolutionize the food system? In this episode of Supper with Sylvia, meet Sean DiGioia and Joe Weber, the innovative founders of Four Star Mushrooms, a Chicago company transforming the way we grow, eat, and think about mushrooms.

What You’ll Learn:

• The Power of Gourmet Mushrooms: Discover seven delicious, high-quality mushroom varieties that are winning over even the most stubborn fungi-phobics—and showing up on menus at Chicago’s best restaurants.
• Earth-Friendly Innovation: Learn how Four Star Mushrooms is dialing in precise climate control to produce sustainable crops that are good for you and good for the planet.
• Building a Profitable Food Business: How two childhood friends turned their shared curiosity and complementary expertise into a thriving company that’s capturing the attention of top chefs and conscious consumers.
• The Mushroom Renaissance: Why mushrooms are one of the hottest trends in plant-based cuisine and how Four Star is leading the charge.

Why You’ll Love This Episode:
If you care about sustainable farming, farm-to-table dining, and the magic of mushrooms, this conversation will inspire you. From climate-controlled cultivation to culinary creativity, see why Four Star Mushrooms is reshaping the future of food in Chicago and beyond.

Listen Now to Discover:
✅ How gourmet mushrooms are grown sustainably indoors
✅ The science behind dialing in the perfect climate for fungi
✅ The journey from childhood friends to successful entrepreneurs
✅ Tips for cooking and enjoying specialty mushrooms at home

🔥 Don’t Miss Out:
Subscribe to Supper with Sylvia for more inspiring stories of innovation, sustainability, and the people transforming what’s on your plate.

🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app.

💬 Let’s Connect:
Enjoyed this episode? Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts and share your favorite mushroom recipes or restaurant experiences. 

Tag us on Instagram @supperwithsylvia—we’d love to see how you’re bringing mushrooms to your kitchen!

Fourstarmushrooms.com

This episode is produced by Jane Stephens

Original music and audio engineering by Donnie Cutting

Social Media and Promotions by Magali Blasdell

📌Check out SupperwithSylvia on Instagram.
📩Email us at [email protected]

This episode is brought to you by MARIANO'S.

🛒 Proudly Sponsored by Mariano’s

Looking for local flavor you can bring home? Discover chef-crafted sauces, pastas, oils, and more from your favorite Chicago chefs — now available through Mariano’s We Love Local program. Support local artisans, savor authentic taste, and celebrate Chicago’s culinary spirit with every bite.

👉 Explore Mariano’s We Love Local Products

Social Media Marketing: Magali Blasdell

Video and Audio Editor: Donnie Cutting

Marketing and Media Relations: Julie Lokun

Producer: Jennifer Waters

In this episode of Supper with Sylvia, I’m thrilled to welcome Jason Chan, one of Chicago’s most respected restaurateurs and a true pioneer of classic French dining in the city.

Jason has built an extraordinary career defined by perseverance, resilience, and a passion for hospitality that has made him a trusted leader among chefs and restaurant owners alike. Inspired by his parents’ tireless work ethic and dreams of a better life, Jason turned challenges into opportunities, carving out a path that has shaped Chicago’s vibrant food scene.

We’ll talk about his journey from humble beginnings to earning critical acclaim with his latest restaurant, Gavroche, an intimate Old Town bistro described as a “petite revolution.” Guests are lining up to experience dishes like Parisian Gnocchi, Fork and Knife Ratatouille, and Escargots à la Bourgogne—French classics reimagined with Jason’s modern touch.

If you love French cuisine, inspiring entrepreneurial stories, and discovering the heart behind Chicago’s most exciting restaurants, you won’t want to miss this conversation. 

About Jason Chan

• Celebrated Chicago restaurateur known for elevating classic French cuisine
• Founder and operator of Gavroche Chicago, an acclaimed French bistro in Old Town
• Recognized for mentoring rising chefs and consulting on some of Chicago’s top restaurant concepts

About Gavroche

• Located in the heart of Old Town Chicago
• Praised for its cozy atmosphere and innovative approach to French classics
• Signature dishes include:
  • Parisian Gnocchi
  • Fork and Knife Ratatouille
  • Escargots à la Bourgogne

Featured Links

• 🔗 Gavroche Chicago – Make a Reservation
• 🔗 Follow Jason Chan on Instagram
• 🔗 Supper with Sylvia Episodes & Upcoming Live Events

Show notes:

Gavroche 1529 North Wells St. Chicago 

gavrochechi.com

This episode is produced by Jane Stephens

Original music and audio engineering by Donnie Cutting

Social Media and Promotions by Magali Blasdell

📌Check out SupperwithSylvia on Instagram.
📩Email us at [email protected]

This episode is brought to you by MARIANO'S.

🛒 Proudly Sponsored by Mariano’s

Looking for local flavor you can bring home? Discover chef-crafted sauces, pastas, oils, and more from your favorite Chicago chefs — now available through Mariano’s We Love Local program. Support local artisans, savor authentic taste, and celebrate Chicago’s culinary spirit with every bite.

👉 Explore Mariano’s We Love Local Products

Social Media Marketing: Magali Blasdell

Video and Audio Editor: Donnie Cutting

Marketing and Media Relations: Julie Lokun

Producer: Jennifer Waters