The Dining Table

In the era of finding the newest and hippest spot, host David Manilow says Lula Cafe in Logan Square has created a restaurant standard that shouldn't be missed. And this week, chef Jason Hammel and his team at the nearly 25-year-old eatery won the James Beard Award for Best Hospitality.

In this episode, Hammel talks to Manilow about his restaurant philosophy and what’s unique about the Chicago chef community. Plus, we’ll hear from other restaurateurs about why Lula Cafe is their favorite place to dine. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com

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It’s the first episode of the month and that means it’s time for Where Dave Ate. Host David Manilow shares his recent dining experiences at two very different spots: Briny Swine, which serves low-country Carolina-style barbecue in Lincoln Park, and Tre Dita, the high-end Tuscan dining at the St. Regis Chicago. Both restaurants recently opened, and one is rowdy while the other's more relaxed. Both get his recommendation — with caveats. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com

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David Manilow is a big believer that restaurants should provide diners with a simple feeling: They really want you to dine there. In this episode, our host has a conversation with the restaurateur he believes may be the best host in the city of Chicago. Listen in for some sage advice on service from Dave Bonomi, owner of Coalfire Pizza and Peanut Park Trattoria.

This episode contains adult language and may not be suitable for young children.

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Where do you take Europeans to show off Chicago? It's time to board the food tour given by David Manilow to three guests from the Netherlands.

In this episode, Hans Steenbergen of Food Inspiration Magazine recaps and reviews his recent Chicago foodie adventure, led by our host. Plus, our Dutch guest rates his ride on an architectural boat tour. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com

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This week’s episode searches for the answer to the question: “Does Chicago have the best taco scene in the U.S.?”

Host David Manilow is joined by chef Stephen Sandoval and hospitality entrepreneur Oscar Sotelo to debate just that. The two are co-owners of the Baja-inspired Diego restaurant in West Town — but their opinions are very different. The pair have cooked and explored Mexican restaurants all over the world and they share some of those discoveries.

Plus, Sandoval shares what defines Baja cuisine. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com

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Star chef Avgeria Stapaki came to Chicago four years ago from Greece to open up Nisos Prime in the West Loop. Now she’s moved on to Bucktown with Tama. In this episode, the chef describes how she hopes to bring the finest European-style hospitality to Chicago.

Plus, Stapaki explains why she doesn’t want her menu to be limited to her Mediterranean roots. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com

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We open the month of May with another edition of "Where Dave Ate" — as host David Manilow eats his way from Lakeview to Chinatown. In this episode, hear Manilow's recommendations for small spaces with big flavors. The journey includes Thai street food and one of the best egg sandwiches he's ever tasted.

David's recommendations from this episode are:
TukTuk at 2852 North Clark, Doma at 946 North Orleans, and MCCB at 2138 South Archer

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How did a multigenerational family-run store in Little Village become one of the nation's biggest sellers of tequila? Host David Manilow gets the full story with Mike Moreno Jr. of Moreno’s Liquors in Little Village. Moreno shares the secret for patrons aiming to discover the more than 900 different types of tequila on his store shelves.

Plus, you’ll hear about the next big thing in Mexican spirits, and how Moreno goes to extreme lengths to find the most interesting, out-of-the-way brands. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com

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Sujan Sarkar is one of two Chicago chefs who are finalists for this year's James Beard award for Best Chef in the Great Lakes Region. In this episode, host David Manilow talks with Sarkar about the Indian dining scene in the city, what it's been like to cook all over the world and where he likes to dine out.

Plus, Manilow talks with chef Sarkar about how he created his hit restaurant Indienne and what inspired his new spot on the near West Side, Swadesi Cafe. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com

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By some accounts, chef Sarah Stegner is one of Chicago's most unheralded culinary creators and connectors. She's raised millions of dollars as co-founder of three food-related nonprofits. In this episode, Stegner shares the success stories behind Green City Market, Chicago Chefs Cook, and the Abundance Setting.

Plus, Stegner is also co-owner of Prairie Grass Cafe and talks about why women chefs and restaurateurs are still vastly underrepresented. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com

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