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…
One of Chicago’s hidden treasures: Irish American Heritage Center (Episode 954)
Irish American Heritage Center (4626 N. Knox) celebrates Irish and Irish American culture through events, music, theater, literature, and language. It’s truly one of the city’s hidden treasures, which is why I’m thrilled to spotlight what they do in this…
Noon Whistle breaks internet with Cicada-infused Malört (Episode 955)
(Disclaimer: We’re not in the car for this one, which allowed for the consumption of beer/spirits.) Your scientists were so preoccupied with whether they could, they didn’t stop to think if they should. Cicada-infused Malört is a real…
Byron’s Hot Dogs with pop-punkers After the Fight (Episode 953)
Pop punk/skate punk band After the Fight is back after a period of relative quiet. They’ll be releasing a new song (“Age of Distraction”) on 5/24/24, the same day as their first show in four years, at Montrose Saloon (also…
(PERFORMANCE AND INTERVIEW) Take the Reins debut new song (Episode 952)
Returning favorites Take the Reins jumped in the car before headlining Punk Rock Tacos at Cemitas Poblanas in Villa Park on May 10, 2024. In addition to catching up on all the things that have been happening with the band…
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…
R.I.P. Steve Albini
Sad to learn about the death of legendary musician and engineer Steve Albini (1962-2024). In this clip, taken from an interview I did for a never-published book on the Chicago music scene, Albini talked about he saw himself.
Her Head’s on Fire (or HHOF w JVO @ TBKG) – Episode 950
Her Head’s on Fire band members Jeff Dean (Guitars) and Rodrigo Palma (Bass) join me for veggie tacos at TBK Grill in Skokie. We talk about the differences between recording the new album, “Strange Desires” (out 5/17), and the previous…
The Dennies are younger than you, and better than you’d imagine (Episode 949)
The Dennies join me for delicious food from Taco Mucho ( (220 Harrison, Oak Park) as I’m parked outside longtime local favorite record store Val’s halla Records. We talk about the recently-released “It All Fades to Grey,” how the band…
Goose Island opens Salt Shed Pub (Episode 948)
I visited Goose Island Beer Co.’s soon-to-open Salt Shed Pub (1357 N. Elston) on what turned out to be a perfect night for having a 312 on the river. Let’s get this out of the way: Goose has found the…
