The Dining Table

Chicago has a myriad of private clubs, some exclusive and some not so much. Do they deliver the same experience as your favorite restaurant? In this episode, David Manilow talks with Rafat Alzein, who is the executive chef at the University Club of Chicago, about his steps to make the “club” experience even better.

Plus, Alzein shares his emotional journey from childhood in the Middle East to executive chef at one of Chicago’s best-known private clubs.

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In this episode, David Manilow visits with one of his favorite sandwich makers. Chris Cunningham is the creator of J.T.’s Sandwich Shop in Irving Park, which features a menu inspired by the pork tenderloin sandwiches he grew up eating in western Illinois. Learn the art of the sandwich, what exactly makes a great sandwich and the top tips for making the best possible sandwich at home.Plus, Manilow settles a debate: "Is a hot dog a sandwich?"

Remember, Chicago Restaurant Week is January 19-February 4 with over 400 restaurants participating.

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Have you ever wondered what it's like to open a restaurant in Chicago — especially for someone from out of town? In this episode, David Manilow learns the mom-and-pop adventure of Katherine and Brandon Rushing. The South Carolina couple share the joy and struggle they've experienced in working to open a new barbecue joint in Lincoln Park called Briny Swine.

Plus, the restaurateurs offer up a new slogan for the Chicago culinary scene.

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Over the last year, we tracked our host David Manilow around town. He dined at more than 200 restaurants, delis, pubs, taco stands, diners, coffeehouses and more. As the new year begins, we look at his top "Where Dave Ate" spots of 2023.

Plus, Manilow reveals the big reasons he can’t wait to see what the industry has in store for 2024.

Here’s David’s list of five favorites.

• La Catedral Cafe & Restaurant Mexican breakfast & brunch in Little Village
• Ciccio Mio Italian dining in River North
• Thattu Kerala Indian cuisine in Avondale
• Pompette French-influenced all-day dining in Bucktown
• Redhot Ranch late night burgers & fries in Lakeview and Bucktown

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Paul Virant is executive chef and owner of Vie, Vistro Prime and Gaijin, Chicago’s first okonomiyaki restaurant. Virant opened Gaijin in 2019, serving the savory Japanese pancakes born on the streets of Hiroshima and Osaka. In this episode, David Manilow learns all about Virant’s recent trip to Osaka with World Business Chicago.

Plus, Virant explains the inspiration for Petite Vie — his new restaurant coming in the spring of 2024.

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We’re serving up a conversation about soups, stews and gumbo in host David Manilow's search for cold weather comfort. In this episode, chef Darnell Reed of Luella's Southern Kitchen shares the stories behind the recipes his great-grandmother brought to Chicago from Mississippi.

Plus, Reed talks about why Lincoln Square is a neighborhood with real spice.

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We are kicking off December with a special edition full of recommendations from some of the most revered names in Chicago's dining scene, including Kasama’s Genie Kwan and Tim Flores, Bronzeville Winery’s Lamar Moore, Mindy Segal of Mindy’s Bakery and more.

Plus, don't miss ideas for holiday dining options in neighborhoods all over Chicago — they're all spots "Where Dave Ate," too.

Here's our list of recommendations from this episode Bayan Ko, HaiSous, Itoko, J.J. Thai Street Food, The Loyalist, Proxi, and Warlord.
 

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Chef John Shields of Smyth and The Loyalist explains how he found the joy of becoming a 3-star Michelin chef soon gave way to the pressure of expectations. In this episode, Shields also shares what he thinks it may take to become a 4-star restaurant.

Plus, David Manilow has a special guest who explains why the burgers at The Loyalist are unforgettable. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com

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If you've ever thought you had a great idea for a restaurant chain, you'll want to hear the adventures of Joe Fontana. In this episode, David Manilow talks with Fontana, the creator of Fry the Coop.

While living in California, Fontana discovered an obsession with Nashville hot chicken. Now, the Chicago native is back home, and is the mastermind behind eight spicy chicken sandwich joints in the city and suburbs. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com

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Meet the creators at one of the only new Chicago restaurants that is being praised nationally. In this episode, David Manilow visits with Margaret Pak and Vinod Kalathil, the chef and owners of Thattu. The couple has brought southwest Indian coastal cuisine to Avondale, inspired by the handwritten recipes of Kalathil's mother.

Plus, this year’s Michelin stars have been awarded, and Chicago has a new three-star restaurant. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com

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