The Dining Table

Hosted by Crain's Audio Studio

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Episodes

161

Latest episode

Jun 2026

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About the show

Crain’s Chicago Business presents The Dining Table with “Check Please!” creator, David Manilow. David tells the story of Chicago through the intimate stories that drive the business of food. You’ll savor the tales about what makes the unique Chicago food scene come to life and hear from those making it happen.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

June 9, 202628 min

Is Chicago’s riverfront the city’s hottest new dining area?

A massive new Greek- and Levantine-influenced restaurant on the riverfront is without question one of the hottest reservations in Chicago. In this episode, host David Manilow talks with the owners of Naia, Luke Stoioff and David Rekhson of DineAmic Hospitality, who are also partners in spots such as Lyra, Fioretta and Siena Tavern. Hear why their vision for Naia on the Chicago River took more than a decade to complete. Plus, Stoioff and Rekhson share news about their newly re-opened steakhouse Prime & Provisions. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

May 26, 202626 min

The secrets behind this restaurateur's success

In addition to his thriving city restaurants such as DeNucci’s, Gemini and Sophia Steak, Ryan O’Donnell has significantly impacted high-end suburban dining around Chicago. In this episode, host David Manilow talks about this and more with the founder and CEO of Ballyhoo Hospitality. Hear how O’Donnell continues to learn and evolve as he opens Zenzi Den in Glenview. Plus, he’ll share his decision-making process for future projects and how he engages in the community with taste tests before officially opening. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

May 12, 202613 min

Why the Chicago restaurant community loves this spot

Host David Manilow has interviewed more than 150 chefs, restaurateurs, food writers and culinary entrepreneurs on this show. At the end of each conversation, he always asks about their favorite restaurant. There’s one Lincoln Park spot that stands alone with the most mentions. In this episode, you’ll hear why this one restaurant has earned love and respect from chefs Donnie Madia, Taryn Huebner, Zach Engel and others. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

April 28, 202622 min

What Oprah's longtime chef cooks now

On this week's episode, host David Manilow talks with Taryn Huebner, who was Oprah Winfrey's personal chef for more than a decade. Hear about her travels all over the world with Oprah, and how that led Huebner to create The Kismet Table, a gourmet market and kitchen in Lincoln Park. Plus, she’ll share some tips on what to get mom for Mother’s Day. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

April 14, 202626 min

The best places to eat in Chicago

David Manilow and food writer Kevin Pang discuss the 25 best places to eat in Chicago, right now. Manilow talks with Pang about his criteria for contributing to The New York Times list, and its evolution over the past few years. Hear why food culture is obsessed with what’s trendy, and how many classic Chicago spots still manage to survive. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

March 31, 202624 min

How drinking habits shape wine bar menus

Robert Cervantes traded a life working at some of Chicago’s most celebrated restaurants for global pursuits in the wine industry. In this episode, Cervantes talks with host David Manilow about why he’s returned to Chicago, as well as the craftsmanship behind his acclaimed wine bar Apero in Lincoln Square. Plus, hear how changes in drinking habits affect what he serves. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

March 17, 202624 min

How design helps restaurants feel like home

For restaurant designers, the small touches are what make a space feel welcoming. In this episode, host David Manilow talks with Aida Napoles about how she brought a vision inspired by childhood memories to Carnitas Uruapan in Little Village. You'll also hear how Napoles applies her instincts for residential design to help restaurants feel more like home. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

March 3, 202630 min

When comedians take over a French bistro

Claire Parlette is a server at the iconic French restaurant Le Bouchon in Bucktown, where she handles a packed house of diners every night. In this episode, host David Manilow talks to Parlette about her innovative project "Comedy and Caviar." Parlette is bringing the stand-up community together with restaurants to serve up new experiences. Plus, hear about Parlette’s journey to Chicago and how she was hooked on the hospitality industry. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

February 17, 202634 min

Reimagining a classic Chicago restaurant

Decades ago, Donnie Madia and his company One Off Hospitality helped define the West Loop with restaurants including Blackbird, avec, and The Publican. Now his remarkable instincts for style and atmosphere are hard at work transforming The Publican in ways that still honor its origins.In this episode, host David Manilow talks with Madia and Publican’s executive chef Rob Levitt about what’s new about their vision for hospitality. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

February 3, 202630 min

The tastemakers who define Chicago dining

We’re going to fill your plate with a multi-course conversation about the history of Chicago dining.In this episode, host David Manilow talks with food journalist Michael Gebert about his newly released book, "The Chicago Way: An Oral History of Chicago Dining." Hear the backstories on the pivotal players who have made an impact on the city’s dining scene from the 1960s through today. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.