Posted in Episodes Quarantine Con Carne

Blown-off and solo for the last show of 2020 (Episode 528)

There’s nothing worse than a last-minute blow-off from a guest. I was just waiting for the guest to pop up on Zoom, and… nothing. I called. I texted. Nothing. So here I am. Hi. Just me. If that’s not the…

Posted in Comedians Quarantine Con Carne

Chicago comedian Calvin Evans headlines Zanies for NYE (Episode 527)

Zanies is ringing in the new year with a live streaming event of Chicago comedians, hosted by the very-funny Calvin Evans. Calvin’s my guest tonight, as we try to burn 2020 from our minds.

Posted in Episodes Quarantine Con Carne Restaurateurs

Let’s drink Soju and bring on the new year! Miki’s Park in River North (Episode 526)

Miki’s Park opened in River North in March, 2020… mere days before it would be forced to close for a couple weeks. Miki’s Park’s story isn’t unique or special, but it is emblematic of what a challenging year it’s been…

Posted in Episodes Quarantine Con Carne

Another walk through the pop-art studio of painter George Zak (Episode 525)

Just before Thanksgiving, we checked in on the progress of local artist George Zak. Since then, he remarkably has even more pieces to show and discuss… right before Christmas. At this rate, I should probably go ahead and book him…

Posted in Episodes Quarantine Con Carne Restaurateurs

From ‘The Last Dance’ specials to ‘Pizza and Parm’: The year in dining innovations from Cornerstone Restaurant Group (Episode 524)

What keeps Cornerstone Restaurant Group COO Danny McGowan hopeful for the service industry? What types of innovation and creativity kept restaurants moving forward this year? What can independent restaurant owners do and think about, heading into 2021? Danny’s one of…

Posted in Episodes horror Movie guests Quarantine Con Carne

New slasher flick ‘GetAWAY’ brings old school horror to VOD: Writer/Director Blayne Weaver & Actress Emma Norville (Episode 523)

Get ready for a fun new slasher flick to distract you from wrapping presents and waiting out the vaccine. “GetAWAY” has an old school horror vibe, but with distinctly modern twists. The film comes out 12/23 on VOD and DVD,…

Posted in Episodes Quarantine Con Carne

Shoes next: The history of ‘signature shoes’ with author Ryan Trembath (Episode 522)

As I type this, my feet are resting comfortably in a pair of Jack Purcells. The history of “signature shoes” goes way back, and to walk us through that history is Ryan Trembath, author of “Signature Shoes: The Athletes Who…

Posted in Authors Episodes Quarantine Con Carne

Chicago dining in 2020: Fooditor’s Mike Gebert (Episode 521)

2020 wasn’t the year any restaurant owner would have chosen for their business. Fooditor’s Mike Gebert makes his annual Car Con Carne visit to recap the past year in Chicago dining and to chat about his recently-published “Fooditor 33: Chicago’s…

Posted in charity Episodes Quarantine Con Carne

Rock star brings music and light to war-ravaged countries: Lanny Cordola (Episode 520)

After many years making music for national-level bands like The House of Lords, Giuffria and Jesse and the Rippers (Full House), Lanny Cordola now devotes his days to teaching the guitar to kids in war-torn countries. Lanny joins me tonight…

Posted in Episodes Quarantine Con Carne Restaurateurs wine

Wine, Andersonville and community: A visit with Lindsey Anderson-Perez of Uvae (Episode 519)

Christmas is 10 days away. Log off Amazon and shop local! Uvae Kitchen and Wine Bar is hosting a holiday pop-up retail market that features premade gift baskets as well as DIY “gift baskets” you can create with products from…