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.

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.

David's stops in this episode of "Where Dave Ate" included Schneider Deli, John's Food & Wine, and Lilac Tiger.

Chicago’s culinary community is renowned for philanthropy. Courtney Johnson is the founder of Culinary Care and has seen the generosity of restaurateurs first hand. She explains to Manilow why chefs connect with life’s most difficult challenges. Plus, Johnson shares the details of what she describes as a 25-course tasting menu to benefit families facing cancer.

America's Test Kitchen's Kevin Pang and his dad, Jeffrey Pang, star in the YouTube cooking series "Hunger Pangs" — and they’ve teamed up to write the soon-to-be released "A Very Chinese Cookbook." In this episode, Kevin shares how recipes can be easy, but remain authentic. Plus, Kevin tells David Manilow why his favorite Chinese restaurants in Chicago aren't in Chinatown.

From Greektown to the North Shore, restaurateur Louie Alexakis has found inspiration from his days on Chicago’s improv stages with the likes of Chris Farley and Mike Myers. After growing his ownership to six restaurants, Alexakis is aiming to next make a splash in the West Loop. He shares details with David Manilow on the two new Greek concepts he's bringing to Fulton Market. Plus, in this episode, Alexakis also reveals the intangibles that can make or break a restaurant.

We open a new month with the latest edition of Where Dave Ate. In this episode, David Manilow explores Chicago’s hidden steakhouses, with a tasty trip through a trio of neighborhoods: Pilsen, Ukrainian Village, and Avondale. Plus, Crain’s Ally Marotti reports on Portillo’s lofty expansion goals. Hear how the company plans to expand to more than 900 U.S. locations in the next 20 years.

Donnie Madia of One Off Hospitality is one of the biggest stars on Chicago’s culinary scene. Now, he’s also getting his star turn on "The Bear." The James Beard Award winner’s list of iconic restaurants include The Publican, avec and Big Star, among others. In this episode, he opens up to David Manilow about humility, creativity and what his mother and aunt taught him about caretaking. Plus, Crain’s Ally Marotti reports on the bold expansion of Three Floyds Brewery.

Confectioner Katherine Duncan wants to make Chicago work better for its small business owners — especially in the food sector. The award-winning chocolatier has a menu full of ideas for Brandon Johnson's administration. In this episode, Duncan also gives a history lesson on truffles and tells Manilow why her hot chocolate is a secret weapon. Plus, Crain’s Ally Marotti reports on why culinary tourism is sizzling in Chicago.

Kasama means "together" — and that’s how chefs Genie Kwon and Tim Flores have earned their Michelin star. Not to mention their unlikely pairing of a bakery with a fine dining Filipino restaurant also earned them this year’s James Beard award for Best Chef in the Great Lakes Region. In this episode, we learn why diners are waiting more than two hours to taste what the Kasama team is creating. Plus, Crain’s Ally Marotti reports on a Chicago burger merger and why McDonald’s is pushing profits by taking away self-serve drink stations.

We start September with another edition of "Where Dave Ate" — listen in for David Manilow's monthly restaurant recommendations. In this episode, that includes Po' boys created by a James Beard Award-winning chef and a Logan Square pop-up restaurant. Plus, Crain’s Ally Marotti reports on how hybrid work has influenced restaurant expansion in the suburbs. We'll also get a full dose of David Manilow's obsession with bread.

In this episode, we delve into insights from a Chicagoan who became a restaurant owner at 19. George Archos, the founder and CEO of Verano Holdings, recently opened a new restaurant on the Magnificent Mile and shares why its still the place to be. We also learn what restaurants and cannabis have in common — and David Manilow finds out how Archos is thriving in both. Plus, Crain’s Ally Marotti returns to outline those extra surcharges at the bottom of your restaurant bill, and Manilow makes the case for a single, standard service fee.

In this episode, Crain's Ally Marotti reports on an "upscale dive bar" in River North that’s uncorking rare wines. Some of the vintages date back to the 19th century and can cost hundreds of dollars per glass. Plus, David Manilow chats with sommelier Philippe André about what to drink this fall and beyond. André also shares his list of unheralded wine regions and the all-time greatest Champagne and food pairing.

What if nature dictated your menu? In this episode, Manilow chats with chef Brian Jupiter about the frontier for culinary adventure. The James Beard Award semifinalist also shares the story of his bold entrance into Chicago's fine dining scene as a 22 year old. Plus, Crain's Ally Marotti reports on why Chick-fil-A is betting on the South Side’s Pullman neighborhood.

We’re back with a new edition of “What Dave Ate” — including three of Manilow’s favorites in the West Loop. That includes one spot he says will impress out-of-town visitors, whether they’re from New York, Cincinnati or Rome. Plus, Crain’s Ally Marotti reports on the future of franchising for Protein Bar. Additionally, Marotti and Manilow profess their mutual love for Lana Del Rey on the heels of Lollapalooza weekend.

In this episode, we learn how childhood trips to Israel fed chef Zach Engel’s vision for an authentic Middle Eastern restaurant in Chicago. The James Beard Award-winner also shares what he’s doing to give his team at Galit their own creative outlet. Plus, Crain’s Ally Marotti returns to The Dining Table to report on the "modernization" of Chicago's steakhouses.

Master sommelier Alpana Singh talks about her life before, during, and after hosting "Check, Please!" with host David Manilow, who was the creator and executive producer for the longtime show. Singh also shares which local chef she thinks is a genius, and Manilow wants to know if anyone ever dares to bring her a bottle of wine as a gift. Plus, Crain’s Ally Marotti reports on the evolution of restaurants on Rush Street.

Before opening the perennially packed Mindy’s Bakery, chef Mindy Segal wowed diners with her pastries at Chicago’s finest restaurants including Charlie Trotter’s, Ambria, MK and her own Mindy’s Hot Chocolate. She’s also a pioneer in the world of cannabis-infused edibles. On the latest episode, the James Beard-award winner talks about the ingredient too many American restaurants are skipping. Plus, Segal and Manilow talk about what may be Chicago’s “edgiest” place to eat. Plus, Crain’s Ally Marotti is back to report on a new seafood experience on the Chicago riverwalk.

Ballyhoo Hospitality's Ryan O’Donnell just opened another restaurant in Lincoln Park, but his biggest splash may be in the suburbs. In this episode, host David Manilow talks to O’Donnell about the difference between diners in the city and suburbs, as well as his dramatic shift from the life of a chef to the front of the house. Plus, you’ll hear about the Manilow family’s recent food adventures in France, Spain, and the U.K. — including what sets Europe apart from the U.S. when it comes to dining out.

What happens after one of the most prominent restaurant families in Mexico City chooses Chicago for its newest concepts? In this episode, David Manilow talks to Germán González, managing partner of SOMOS Hospitality Group, about the road to the upcoming River North restaurant UMMO, his follow-up with Chef Carlos Gaytán to their hit spot, Tzuco. González also discusses why customers enjoy seeing "fire" in the kitchen. Plus, Crain’s Ally Marotti reports on a massive restaurant closing in the Gold Coast.

Chef Oliver Poilevey is celebrating 30 years of Le Bouchon in Bucktown. In this episode, Poilevey shares the secret to maintaining his father’s legacy of classic French bistro food. David Manilow also wants to know how Oliver’s newest restaurant, Obelix, became one of the hottest places in town. Plus, Crain’s Ally Marotti reports on a turn of the 20th century French cafe that’s coming to the West Loop.

They’ve created Fioretta, Bar Siena, and Lyra — but the braintrust behind DineAmic Hospitality are still just getting started. David Manilow talks with partners Luke Stoioff and David Rekhson about the secrets to their success, and why one of them was fired from his first job in the food business. Plus Crain’s Ally Marotti reports on the ever-shifting balance of power between McDonald’s and its franchisees.

In this week's episode, Lamar Moore talks about taking the reins at Bronzeville Winery, with a mission to mentor the next generation of chefs using his grandmothers’ secrets for hospitality. As the new executive chef, Moore has created a vegetable-forward menu with soul. Plus, Crain’s Ally Marotti reports on a tasty hotspot that is headed to the North Shore, and Marotti and Manilow spotlight the new dining experiences lighting up the West Loop.

In this episode, chef Tony Priolo shares his journey to Poland’s border with Ukraine and his experience cooking for refugees. Manilow also uncovers Priolo's path to launching a restaurant of his own — and whether Priolo was tempted to leave Chicago. Plus, Crain’s Ally Marotti reports on the James Beard Awards, and we'll hear from Chicago winners Damarr Brown, Genie Kwon and Tim Flores.

It's James Beard Week in Chicago, and we have a preview of the biggest upcoming events. David Manilow also chats with Kris Moon, the James Beard Foundation's president and COO, about the group's transformation and what it aspires to, as well as its impact on Chicago. Plus, it’s "pop-up" season, and Crain’s Ally Marotti reports on the Malibu Barbie Cafe — a pop-up dining experience from Chicago-founded company Bucket Listers opening soon with a menu created by MasterChef finalist Becky Brown.

Nearly a decade ago, Maya-Camille Broussard started Chicago-based bakery "Justice of the Pies." Since then, she has become a star on the Netflix show "Bake Squad" and has a teaching kitchen in the Avalon Park neighborhood. In this week's episode, Broussard opens up with David Manilow on why she's now more competitive with her family, even more so than she ever was on television. Plus, Crain’s Ally Marotti reports on why pandemic surcharges on restaurant bills aren’t going away — no matter where you're dining. Meanwhile, Manilow begs for a "no surprises" check. Please.

Chicago’s restaurant scene is booming again. In this episode, David Manilow covers the openings of Miru, The Bellevue, Fioretta, and Smoque Steak. And Manilow speaks with Barry Sorkin, the owner of barbecue smash hit Smoque, who is opening the doors on a new steakhouse concept under the Smoque banner. Plus, Crain's Ally Marotti reports on the long-awaited restaurants from Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises coming to the St. Regis Chicago hotel.

Chicago’s Boka Restaurant Group has parted ways with famed Chef Daniel Rose. Crain’s Ally Marotti reports on his departure from Le Select just four months after the restaurant opened. Plus, Vermillion’s Rohini Dey has a lot to say, including why Indian food is misunderstood. Dey is also well-known for giving Indian food a Latin twist. In this episode, she shares her next innovation with David Manilow. Alongside her restaurant, Vermillion, celebrating 20 years in Chicago, Rohini is also continuing her advocacy for women. And that includes her mission to shatter the restaurant industry’s gastro-ceiling.

In this episode, we delve into the Fulton Market dining trend, which is continuing with a new event space from Avli Restaurant Group. Crain's Ally Marotti also reports on the arrival to the neighborhood of a smoothie spot that's beloved by celebs including Harry Styles and Kendall Jenner. And David Manilow chats with chef Steve Chiappetti about suburban restaurant recommendations that really deliver on service. They also discuss why Chicago is a bistro kind of town.

It's time to learn about the legend — and the allure — of Chicago’s most controversial liqueur. In this episode the CEO of CH Distillery, Tremaine Atkinson, talks about how he recently acquired the 1930s brand and shares his battle with the Malört recipe. Plus, Ally Marotti reports from the Crain’s newsroom on changes at McDonald’s, including the return of a nostalgic character for the Chicago-based fast food giant.

For decades, one Chicago restaurant has ruled romance. Jeff Lawler, the owner of fondue restaurant Geja’s Cafe, even has a playbook for orchestrating marriage proposals. But fondue wasn’t always the magic potion. In this episode, David Manilow uncovers how fondue became an attraction and why it may be even more alluring nowadays. Lawler also shares what was once his favorite romantic restaurant. Plus, Crain’s Ally Marotti reports on a "Top Chef" winner’s new project. Manilow and Marotti also discuss the possible dining impact of having the United Center host the 2024 Democratic National Convention.

On the latest episode, Crain’s Ally Marotti joins David Manilow to report on the integration of ChatGPT with the booking app OpenTable. Is this futuristic version of the restaurant world ready for primetime? How do chefs and owners, as well as their customers, benefit? Plus, Manilow debates with food journalist Ashok Selvam about what Chicago restaurants are known for now. Selvam is the editor of Chicago Eater, as well as a new parent. In a similar vein, they have recommendations for dining with toddlers.

Husband-and-wife duo Doug Psaltis and Hsing Chen are bringing the grill houses of San Sebastian, Spain, to River North. In this episode, they share why their new creation also pays homage to Chicago’s chophouses. David Manilow also taps into their recommendations for brick-oven pizza, as well as a do-it-yourself spicy chicken experience. Plus, Crain’s Ally Marotti reports on the Guinness brewpub that’s headed Chicago — and it includes their first-ever bakery.

In this episode, David Manilow spotlights the just-announced James Beard Award finalists from Chicago with Ally Marotti from the Crain’s newsroom. Plus, a new book — "Made in Chicago: Stories Behind 30 Great Hometown Bites" — looks into the stories behind classic dishes made here. Authors Monica Eng and David Hammond share their favorite spots for tacos, and our host also offers his own choices for the taco joints that you have to try.

The Morton family has been in the restaurant business for four generations, with steakhouses, Hard Rock Cafes, burger bars and now Amy Morton's latest, the French-Moroccan spot LeTour in Evanston. In this episode, we talk to her about growing up in the family business, as well as recommendations from her and David Manilow with some hidden spots for unforgettable Korean comfort food in the northwest suburbs. Plus, Ally Marotti reports from the Crain’s newsroom on the big expansion of Boka Restaurant Group. Born in Chicago 20 years ago, the group behind Girl & The Goat and more than 20 other restaurants now has spots in New York and Los Angeles — and is headed to Nashville

In this episode, we are highlighting personal stories — that bring both tears and laughter — from Chef Joe Flamm and restaurateur Kevin Boehm. Additionally, David Manilow chats with Rachel Rischall and Liz Grossman, the co-founders of "Between Bites," which uses food storytelling to raise money for charitable organizations. Manilow gets to the heart of why Rischall and Grossman created their story series, as well as the restaurants they recommend most. Plus, Crain’s food reporter Ally Marotti joins Manilow to share the seven Chicago restaurants just added to the Michelin guide. Our host also explains the driving force behind the Michelin star system.

On this week's episode, David Manilow and Chef Scott Harris — of Francesca’s fame — serve up recommendations for three classic seafood spots they love. Even though he now has 26 restaurants, Harris is hooked on the oysters at the same Near North Side spot he's been going to for decades. Plus, Crain’s Ally Marotti reports on the reopening of a hot spot for the City Hall crowd and other Loop political power players for the first time since the pandemic began.

On this week's episode, David Manilow talks about an eye-opening experience during a festive downtown solo happy hour crawl. Then, from the Crain's newsroom, Ally Marotti reports on the business of beer and what craft brewers want most from Illinois lawmakers. She also shares the story of a downstate micro-brewery that forages on their own property for ingredients. Plus, Manilow talks with attorney David Silver, who has been the gold standard when it comes to launching some of the hottest partnerships in dining. Silver also discusses the big role investors play in the restaurant business and much more.

Digital creator Soo Park is in the influencer game. She works to motivate foodies to check out spots around the city with her posts on Fab Food Chicago. But what’s the secret sauce? In this episode, David Manilow chats with Park about influencers and their impact on the restaurant business. Plus, Ally Marotti reports from the Crain’s newsroom on the dining concepts that seem to be working after the pandemic — and what isn't working. And on this edition of "Where Dave Ate," there's a brush with greatness, starring the GOAT. Manilow goes one-on-one with Michael Jordan and loses.

Bruce Finkelman has helped build an empire of food and music venues that have entertained millions of Chicagoans. From the Empty Bottle to Longman & Eagle to Thalia Hall, Finkelman has married his passion for food and music throughout the city along with his longtime business partner Craig Golden. The Salt Shed, his biggest venture yet, begins indoor concerts this week. During his chat with David Manilow, Finkelman defines what he calls "hospi-totally." Also, Crain’s Ally Marotti stops by to report on the glitz of celebrity dining and the expansion of a popular steakhouse, Chicago Cut. And in this edition of "Where Dave Ate," Manilow takes us on a tour of old school diners that’ll make your day.

Chicago's preeminent "dough-boy" is Rich Labriola—from artisan breads to pizza and doughnuts. In this episode, Labriola reveals why it took two years for his collaboration with Stan’s Doughnuts to fully bake and we learn about the bread-making class that changed his life. Ally Marotti from the Crain's newsroom also stops by with a story about cannabis and cupcakes making waves in Wheeling. Plus, on a new edition of "Where Date Ate," our host highlights a romantic Valentine's Day filled with shopping and a great lunch.

Gene Charness has a superhuman sense of taste. His gift for pairing food and drink is renowned and has led to a journey around the world as a whiskey-barrel picker. But what Charness loves most is discovery. In this episode, learn what it takes to find your unique flavor profile. Plus, from the Crain’s newsroom, Ally Marotti is back to break down the James Beard Award nominees. They also do a deeper dive on the shifts in the criteria required to win. And on this edition of "Where Dave Ate," our host finds a creative corner in Logan Square that's gotten his palate’s attention.

Much of the private club-based social experience has been defined by exclusivity. When Kim Bosse sought something more inclusive, she joined forces with a childhood friend to create Birch Road Cellar, a neighborhood-based BYOB social club. In this episode, Manilow explores what communal socializing means, especially when it's not in your own home. Manilow also visits with Ally Marotti from the Crain’s newsroom to discuss the unusual relationship between chain establishments and Chicago. Their discussion leads to a new take on dinner and a movie. Plus, when your carryout meal yields a parking ticket, you have to ask: "Was the food ticket-worthy?" On this edition of "Where Dave Ate," our host confronts that question.

What is it about beef over an open fire that stirs the soul? Chef John Manion has harnessed that secret; he’s been hooked ever since he was an 8-year-old living in Sao Paolo, Brazil. Now he’s adding Chicago flavors into some of his favorite dishes. David Manilow also checks in with Ally Marotti from the Crain’s newsroom on why opening a new restaurant is riskier than ever. Plus, on this edition of “Where Dave Ate," don't miss a preview of Restaurant Week in Chicago. Of the 300-plus restaurants participating, Manilow reveals his fancy five.

When an idea strikes a food creator, they start inventing—but the real challenge is scale. David Manilow dives into the story of two tireless business founders: Danielle Tubbs, who uses her Jamaican heritage to spice up her line of creative cookies, and Emily Groden, who went from a blue chip Chicago law firm to the frozen waffle aisle. From the Crain’s newsroom, Ally Marotti reports on the stories that may have slipped under your radar during the holidays. Plus, another installment of "Where Dave Ate," and this time Manilow noodles on two ramen spots with one surprising thing in common.

Italian restaurants are everywhere in America. In this episode, David Manilow visits with Chef Federico Comacchio of Gioia in the West Loop with a deep curiosity: What’s the secret to a genuine Italian dining experience? From the Crain’s newsroom, Ally Marotti joins Manilow to discuss the outlook for restaurants in 2023. As chefs and their owners manage the realities of inflation, what will be the breaking point for consumers? Plus, Manilow asks some of Chicago’s most notable names in the hospitality industry about the one thing they can’t live without in the kitchen.

Few people know Chicago like celebrated hotel concierge Philippe Gills. In this episode, he’ll share a local attraction that is so special, it’s a must even for native Chicagoans—a music and arts experience that feels forbidden. And after 24 years in the business, Gills tells us what to look for in a great concierge. From the Crain’s newsroom, Ally Marotti and David Manilow discuss 2022's biggest trends in the restaurant business, whether prices will stay high next year and why suburban Chicago dining is suddenly hot.

In this episode, Ray Daniels, one of the foremost experts on beer in the country, explains why expert certification is critical to his industry and why beer is the most misunderstood beverage. From the Crain’s newsroom, Ally Marotti reports on the lavish dining events at the Barrington estate of Chef Fabio Viviani. Plus, in this edition of “Where Dave Ate,” David Manilow guides us on dining extremes—from the low-end to the high-end.