Category: Restaurateurs
A visit to Mirella’s Tavern in Wicker Park (Episode 956)
This episode finds me at Mirella’s Tavern (2056 W. Division), where I chatted with chef/owner “Angry” Chef Jose and restaurant social media director Callie Ezell. I ate Chef’s MASSIVE, award-winning, burger: Double five ounces patties, gem lettuce, heirloom tomatoes, caramelized…
Cambodian fried chicken sandwiches with Leo Graphics Chicago at Hermosa Restaurant (Episode 951)
Jamie and Deb of Leo Graphics Chicago (4200 W. Diversey) join me for conversation and food from the remarkable Hermosa Restaurant (4356 W. Armitage). We’re joined by Hermosa Restaurant owner/visionary Ethan Lim. Ethan has built up Hermosa on his own…
Celebrity chefs collab with Piece Pizzeria & Brewery for PAWS (Episode 922)
Bill Jacobs (Owner, Piece Pizzeria & Brewery) returns to the show to talk about Piece’s Slice To Meet You pizza collaboration benefit for PAWS Chicago. Every time you order one of their celebrity chef featured pizzas, $50 gets donated to…
Sweet Cobra hits 20 year mark, eats food at Big Kids (Episode 833)
On the heels of releasing what may be Sweet Cobra’s finest album, “Threes,” drummer Jason Gagovski jumps in the car to talk about the new-ish release and the band’s history. Joining us for the conversation is Stephan Jurgovan, GM of…
Challengers Comics celebrates 15th anniversary at Club Lago (Episode 825)
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…
Visiting new Palatine hotspot Pink’s Shrimp with LOTEC (Episode 815)
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…
Bartoli’s makes modern deep dish pizza in the classic Chicago style (Episode 814)
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…
Peanut Park Trattoria serves killer pasta, tiramisu and more in Little Italy (Episode 811)
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…
BACK IN THE CAR with Hushdrops and Village Inn Pizzeria (Episode 682)
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…
Bhoomi makes Indian cuisine accessible for Chicago (Episode 679)
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.
