The Dining Table

By Crain's Audio Studio

Crain’s Chicago Business presents The Dining Table with “Check Please!” creator, David Manilow. David tells the story of Chicago through the intimate stories that drive the business of food. You’ll sa... more

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FAQs about The Dining Table:

How many episodes does The Dining Table have?

The podcast currently has 141 episodes available.

The Dining Table episodes:

August 13, 2025 Restaurants that wowed — and one that didn't
Host David Manilow has been running around town and trying a whole bunch of restaurants.
In this episode, Manilow shares some that he can’t wait to get back to — and at least one stop where he’s one and done. Hear about his experiences at Cellar Door Provisions, Maxwell’s Trading, Nic + Junior’s, Piccolo Sogno and S.K.Y.
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12min
July 30, 2025 A Charlie Trotter alum sets up shop down the street
Chef Bill Kim joins host David Manilow to talk about his days cooking at the great Charlie Trotter’s. Now he's a partner with Cornerstone Restaurant Group, which is opening up a new place just down the block called Dimmi Dimmi, and chef Matt Eckfeld is set to helm the kitchen.
Cornerstone CEO Josh Zadikoff also joins the conversation to share stories about their restaurant ventures in Chicago, across the U.S. and in Korea. Plus, you’ll hear how they got into business with Bulls legend Michael Jordan.
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20min
July 16, 2025 Star chef Tony Mantuano makes his Chicago return
James Beard Award-winning and Michelin-starred chef Tony Mantuano brought Italian fine dining to Chicago for decades via the legendary Spiaggia, which closed in 2021. Mantuano then opened Nashville’s Yolan, which was ranked as Food & Wine’s top restaurant in the country for its inaugural reader’s choice awards in 2023.
In this episode, host David Manilow talks with Mantuano about his new vision for the Purple Pig, which is opening a suburban location in Oak Brook. Plus, hear his praise for chef Joe Flamm's Roman cuisine at il Carciofo, the difference between eating Italian in New York versus Chicago, and what he sees for the future of Michigan Avenue dining.
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19min
July 02, 2025 Does the Alston redefine the upscale steakhouse experience?
Host David Manilow has been eating his way around town via sandwich shops, chicken places and taco joints. He’s also gone upscale at the Alston, a new French steakhouse in the Gold Coast.
In this episode, Manilow catches up with two of the Alston partners, chef Jenner Tomaska and Scott Weiner of The Fifty/50 Restaurant Group. Hear why this isn’t your typical Chicago chophouse. Tomaska, the chef behind the Michelin-starred Esmé, also shares what he has planned next.
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29min
June 18, 2025 How Bridgeport’s dining scene is finding its new groove
The food scene in Bridgeport has experienced a significant evolution in recent years. Chef Won Kim, who is changing the perception of Asian cuisine with his Korean-Polish fusion restaurant Kimski, has much to say about the neighborhood’s changing tastes. In this episode, host David Manilow talks to Kim about his chaotic journey as a chef, artist and DJ.
Plus, we’ll celebrate Chicago’s James Beard Award winners.
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37min
June 04, 2025 Where to eat lunch downtown when business is on the menu
Looking for the right spot for a memorable lunch meeting? In this episode, host David Manilow gives his recommendations for business-friendly lunches in the heart of the city. He shares half a dozen spots from the South Loop to River North to the West Loop; there’s a Thai spot, a Greek place, a French eatery, a couple Italian restaurants and more.
Plus, we’ll hear some restaurant suggestions from Peach’s chef Cliff Rome and Shaw’s executive partner Bill Nevruz.
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10min
May 21, 2025 Meet one of Chicago's premier pasta artists
When host David Manilow can’t go all the way to Italy for a meal, he visits Tortello in Wicker Park. Chef Dario Monni handcrafts his pasta right in a window overlooking Division Street.
In this episode, Monni shares his journey from Sardinia to Chicago as a restaurateur, why flour from Italy is his key ingredient and which regional Italian cuisine made “his brain explode.”
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21min
May 07, 2025 Chicago’s quintessential neighborhood restaurants
There are a multitude of neighborhood restaurants and taverns all around Chicago. So where do you go for an elevated dining experience — without sacrificing the homey neighborhood vibe? In this edition of “Where Dave Ate,” host David Manilow recommends three creative city neighborhood spots in welcoming settings.
Plus, he says Dear Margaret in Lakeview is one of those welcoming places, and co-founder Lacey Irby explains how they brought that vision to life.
Here's where Dave ate:
Community Tavern 4038 North Milwaukee Avenue
Dear Margaret 2965 North Lincoln Avenue
Pompette 1960 North Damen Avenue

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14min
April 23, 2025 Fried chicken and a fancy tasting menu
On this week's episode, we go from fried chicken sandwiches to what might be the most intimate tasting menu in Chicago.
Chef Ethan Lim has created an homage to his Cambodian heritage in a little storefront on West Armitage. Host David Manilow talks to Lim about his long journey to create Hermosa. Plus, hear how his cultural roots fed his culinary dreams.
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29min
April 17, 2025 TV star Alton Brown returns to Chicago — and has a lot to say
Alton Brown, one of the Food Network’s most prolific stars, says the best thing about the 1980s was living in Chicago. As the former host of "Good Eats," Brown has plenty say about the evolution of food television. In this episode, Dining Table host David Manilow digs into Brown’s favorite Chicago places and his dining pet peeves.
Plus, you’ll hear about his culinary variety show "Alton Brown Live: Last Bite," which makes a tour stop in Chicago this weekend. Brown also discusses his new book of 39 essays and how it was inspired by a passion he shares with actor Tom Hanks.
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23min

FAQs about The Dining Table:

How many episodes does The Dining Table have?

The podcast currently has 141 episodes available.

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