The Dining Table

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.

This week we’re on a mission. Host David Manilow wants to learn why some of Chicago’s most decorated chefs are driving to a small town in Michigan to prepare meals served in a barn. In this episode, we’ll get the answer from James Gray, co-founder of Farrand Hall Hospitality.

Plus, learn how this star chef series got started on a 12-acre farm in southwest Michigan — and where it goes from here.

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When it comes to authentic Mexican restaurants in Chicago, it’s hard to know where to start — there are about a thousand of them. This is the April edition of “Where Dave Ate” and these are host David Manilow's recommendations. Get ready for a food journey from Little Village to Logan Square to the Dunning neighborhood, with more stops in between.

In this episode, learn where to have great chilaquiles for breakfast, get a taste of tamales, hear from Chicago’s mole king and much more.

Here are David Manilow's recommendations this month:

• La Catedral Cafe
• Santa Masa Tamaléria
• Manchamanteles
• El Xangarrito

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We’ve heard plenty about the development and design of the Obama Presidential Center in Jackson Park. But what’s going to be on the menu?

In this episode, David Manilow talks with Peach’s chef Cliff Rome, the visionary running food services at the upcoming Obama center. Hear how he plans to honor his native South Side. Plus, hear about Manilow's connection to a younger Barack Obama, then a state senator. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com

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There’s a term in sociology known as “third places” — they’re the spots that blend work and leisure. In this episode, host David Manilow talks with David Morton, the founder and CEO of Episcope Hospitality, previously known as DMK Restaurants. Morton has worked to build a multi-layered approach to hospitality that emphasizes human interaction.

Plus, hear what it was like to grow up as the son of the famed Arnie Morton, in a family that’s been in the restaurant business since the mid-19th century. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com

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Four decades equals 10 million oysters: That's just some of the math in the story of Shaw’s Crab House.

In this episode, host David Manilow talks with Bill Nevruz, executive partner at Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises. Nevruz has led Shaw's Crab House for 25 years. Learn how Shaw's got its name and why it still feels like a classic to customers and Chicago chefs alike.

Plus, hear how legendary restaurateur and Shaw’s co-founder Rich Melman still retains a Midas touch. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com

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It’s time for the March edition of "Where Dave Ate," and host David Manilow takes us on a tour through his recommended Thai food destinations. In this episode, you’ll also hear about the favorite Thai restaurants of Chicago chefs Genie Kwon and Tim Flores of Kasama and Jake Potashnick of Feld.

Plus, chef Arun Sampanthavivat describes how Thai cuisine let’s him take diners on a journey. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com

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From Oak Park to Japan, Mike Satinover, the chef-owner of Logan Square’s Akahoshi Ramen, has had an adventurous awakening to the world of ramen.

In this episode, hear how he became known as “Ramen Lord” and why his ramen shop is one of Chicago’s toughest reservations. Host David Manilow explores the meticulous process of noodle-making and what drinks pair best with ramen. Plus, Satinover shares his deep respect for scratch cooking in the restaurant industry. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com

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The partners at Perilla Fare in the West Loop have been busy. They opened Perilla Steakhouse downtown last summer and now have launched a hot new sushi handroll bar — Noriko — in the original spot's basement.

In this episode, host David Manilow talks with partners Andy Lim and Thomas Oh about what it means to mix a “moody” vibe with a communal dining experience. Plus, you’ll hear how they bridge the gap between their Korean culture and their American upbringing. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com

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There’s something rare about a dining experience with great burgers on an elevated menu — and served in bar setting. Sol Ashbach seems to have figured that out. He started with Little Bad Wolf in Andersonville, then opened Gretel in Logan Square, and has added The Good Wolf next door to the original spot in Andersonville. And next, the fairytale continues with his most ambitious project yet.

In this episode, host David Manilow talks with Ashbach about his next creation: Wolf and Company. Hear what makes this project near the Western Blue Line so bold, how it connects to The 606 trail, and why Ashbach thinks creativity wins out over budget. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com

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