In some bygone era, 14-year-old Kevin Hickey was prepping jello shots and making burgers at his uncle’s bar in the Gold Coast.

Now he has a Michelin star under his belt. In this episode, David Manilow tracks Hickey’s 35-year history in the Chicago restaurant biz — a trek from Rush and Division streets to his days as executive chef at the Four Seasons Hotel.

Plus, learn why he returned home to Bridgeport 10 years ago to open The Duck Inn. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com

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Chicago and its suburbs have stepped up their bakery game over the past few years, and high standards are driving a new era of fresh baked goods. In this episode, host David Manilow talks with the founders of Hewn in Evanston to uncover their biggest challenges in sourcing local ingredients and creating artisanal products.

Plus, learn how Hewn was born out of an "underground bread club." Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com

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In this new month's edition of "Where Dave Ate," our host explores the Mexican-Indian fusion restaurant Mirra. It’s at Armitage and Damen avenues, around the corner from restaurants including Le Bouchon, TAMA and Pompette.

Why is Mirra such a hot destination right now — and is it the right spot for you? Manilow answers these questions and more.

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Chicago is filled with world-class chefs and restaurateurs — and there’s yet another group with amazing palates as well.

In this episode, host David Manilow gets recommendations from experts in the worlds of wine, whiskey, beer, cocktails and even Malört on where they go to eat and drink. Hear from master sommelier Alpana Singh, cicerone Ray Daniels, tequila connoisseur Mike Moreno Jr. and more.

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Gene & Georgetti is Chicago’s oldest steakhouse — founded in 1941 — and is now run by founder Gene Michelotti’s granddaughter, Michelle Durpetti. So what’s the secret to the Tuscan steakhouse keeping it "in the family" for over eight decades?

In this episode, David Manilow talks to Durpetti about what it takes to lead an old-school restaurant into the future. Hear about what traditions remain — and what’s next for the business. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com

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What's the special sauce used to produce huge food events, such as Chicago Gourmet? In this episode, host David Manilow talks with Jodi Fyfe, the founder and CEO of Paramount Group — one of Chicago’s biggest caterers with almost 600 employees.

Plus, we're chatting about the tricks you can use to plan an event — whether big or small — of your own. How do you decide who to hire and what to serve? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com

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In 1989, restaurateur Steve Lombardo, along with his business partner Hugo Ralli, opened a steakhouse on Rush Street and called it Gibsons. In this episode, we learn what's changed in the past 35 years and how this Chicago icon got past its early struggles — growing to more than a dozen locations. Its original location is now one of the top grossing restaurants in the U.S.

David Manilow uncovers business survival secrets with co-founder Lombardo, CEO Steve Lombardo III, and Director of Marketing Liz Lombardo Stark. Hear about their expansion to Fulton Market, plans for more growth outside Chicago and how Gibsons helped feed the Bulls' NBA dynasty. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com

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There's a trend surfacing of Chicago restaurants chasing a retro or throwback vibe. In this episode, on our October edition of “Where Dave Ate,” we’ll share host David Manilow’s experiences at four new spots that have the feel of a speakeasy or supper club.

Plus, Manilow reports on the surprising number of Michelin-starred restaurants that have closed in just the past three years. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com

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We always make sure to ask where the renowned Chicago chefs who chat with us like to eat on their days off. While some recommend upscale and well-known restaurants, many also share their favorite hidden gems.

In this episode, host David Manilow talks with eight chefs who divulge their favorite dining spots that are off the beaten path. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com

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The award-winning Calumet Fisheries is nearly 100 years old — and it's making a comeback after reopening in June following a fire that forced its closure for six months.

Mark Kotlick, co-owner of Calumet Fisheries on the South Side, talks on the latest episode about how he’s been able to keep the iconic smoked fish shack feeling genuine. Plus, David Manilow describes why eating from the restaurant just off the 95th Street Bridge is unforgettable. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com

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