The Dining Table

A Charlie Trotter alum sets up shop down the street

Chef Bill Kim joins host David Manilow to talk about his days cooking at the great Charlie Trotter’s. Now he's a partner with Cornerstone Restaurant Group, which is opening up a new place just down the block called Dimmi Dimmi, and chef Matt Eckfeld is set to helm the kitchen. Cornerstone CEO Josh Zadikoff also joins the conversation to share stories about their restaurant ventures in Chicago, across the U.S. and in Korea. Plus, you’ll hear how they got into business with Bulls legend Michael Jordan.

Star chef Tony Mantuano makes his Chicago return

James Beard Award-winning and Michelin-starred chef Tony Mantuano brought Italian fine dining to Chicago for decades via the legendary Spiaggia, which closed in 2021. Mantuano then opened Nashville’s Yolan, which was ranked as Food & Wine’s top restaurant in the country for its inaugural reader’s choice awards in 2023. In this episode, host David Manilow talks with Mantuano about his new vision for the Purple Pig, which is opening a suburban location in Oak Brook. Plus, hear his praise for chef Joe Flamm's Roman cuisine at il Carciofo, the difference between eating Italian in New York versus Chicago, and what he sees for the future of Michigan Avenue dining.

Does the Alston redefine the upscale steakhouse experience?

Host David Manilow has been eating his way around town via sandwich shops, chicken places and taco joints. He’s also gone upscale at the Alston, a new French steakhouse in the Gold Coast. In this episode, Manilow catches up with two of the Alston partners, chef Jenner Tomaska and Scott Weiner of The Fifty/50 Restaurant Group. Hear why this isn’t your typical Chicago chophouse. Tomaska, the chef behind the Michelin-starred Esmé, also shares what he has planned next.

How Bridgeport’s dining scene is finding its new groove

The food scene in Bridgeport has experienced a significant evolution in recent years. Chef Won Kim, who is changing the perception of Asian cuisine with his Korean-Polish fusion restaurant Kimski, has much to say about the neighborhood’s changing tastes. In this episode, host David Manilow talks to Kim about his chaotic journey as a chef, artist and DJ. Plus, we’ll celebrate Chicago’s James Beard Award winners.

Where to eat lunch downtown when business is on the menu

Looking for the right spot for a memorable lunch meeting? In this episode, host David Manilow gives his recommendations for business-friendly lunches in the heart of the city. He shares half a dozen spots from the South Loop to River North to the West Loop; there’s a Thai spot, a Greek place, a French eatery, a couple Italian restaurants and more. Plus, we’ll hear some restaurant suggestions from Peach’s chef Cliff Rome and Shaw’s executive partner Bill Nevruz.