This episode sees the return of longtime friend and Challengers Comics + Conversation co-owner Patrick Brower! For this conversation, we met at Club Lago in River North (331 W Superior St, Chicago, IL 60654). Owner GianCarlo was kind enough to…

In this episode, I’m joined by Chicago indie band LOTEC (Dan, Kenny and Sean) for a visit to PINK’S SHRIMP & OYSTERS (773 N. Quentin Road). LOTEC’s back after being away for… decades (how is that even possible?). We talk…

Eater Chicago named Bartoli’s one of the Essential Deep Dish Pizza Restaurants in Chicago. USA Today called Bartoli’s Chicago’s Best Pizza. Food And Wine said it’s the Best Pizza in Chicago. The critics aren’t wrong… Bartoli’s makes fantastic pizza. For…

Chicago Magazine says Peanut Park Trattoria (1359 W. Taylor St.) is one of the “10 hottest restaurants in Chicago right now.” Time Out named it one of the 30 best Italian restaurants in the city. The accolades are well-deserved. Dave…

After a false start this summer, Car Con Carne is back in the car! This episode finds the car parked outside Village Inn (8050 Lincoln Avenue in Skokie) for a conversation with John San Juan of the long-running Chicago band…

Now that Bhoomi is up and running in the Urbanspace Food Hall (15 W. Washington), I’m catching up with Co-Founders Sukhu and Ajit Kalra to talk about their approach to Indian cuisine.

Three chefs, one show! Chicago Gourmet’s “Hamburger Hop” event is happening right now, and joining me to talk about it are Chef Daniel Pineda (Whiskey Business), Chef Yani Sanchez (Takito) and Chef Michael Hernandez (Azul). We’re talking burgers. We’re talking…

The Rambler Kitchen + Tap (4128 N. Lincoln) has become a fast favorite over the past two years. Owner Kyle Bagley is here to talk about his business, and to show off THE GIANT PORK TENDERLOIN SANDWICH. We also sampled…

“The Night of 1000 Stars” was a live, 5-hour podcast recording that included dozens of guests who’ve appeared on the show through the years. In this first segment, JVO is joined by Josh Caterer (Smoking Popes), Tyler Wildey (Epic Deli),…

Award-winning chef Trevor Teich is opening a new, permanent location for his celebrated restaurant, Claudia, in Bucktown this summer. He joins me tonight to talk about Claudia’s path from its pop-up beginnings through the present. Be prepared to drool as…