Dining Out Loud

Latest Episodes:

Episode #16: Good for the ‘Hood Nov 30, 2018

Show notes

Mike says “like” more than a valley girl in this edition of Dining Out Loud where we check out Etta, the new restaurant from Danny Grant and the Maple & Ash folks. Penny continues to correct Mike’s pronunciation. Mike goes full curmudgeon about menu fonts, large vases, and the closeness of the tables. Penny loved the pizza. Mike liked the pizza, but gives a treatise on great pizza crust. Penny declares her love for burnt food. Mike also refers to Phil Vettel in this podcast as “our good friend”, but full disclosure, Mike has only met Phil once. Mike and Penny both declare their hatred for overused food review terms like “toothsome” and “mouthfeel”.

Check out Penny’s behind-the-scenes dining notes.

Etta is located at 1840 W. North Ave, Chicago, IL

Episode #15: Midwestern Twain-g Oct 24, 2018

Show notes

Mike and Penny visit Twain, the new Logan Square gourmet homage to Midwestern cuisine from Tim and Rebekah Graham. In this podcast we parse the latest design trend of undergarments hanging from restaurant ceilings, the wisdom of glamming up ants on a log, and the glory of bone marrow. Mike explains what a “Kid Rock” shandy is and both Penny and Mike brave shrimp-spiked liquor. Penny claims she’s old and persnickety, but Mike is also a straight curmudgeon in this review too.

As always, read Penny’s secret agent undercover dining notes.

Episode #14: Penny in Paris (via Chicago) Oct 12, 2018

Show notes

Penny checks out the classic Chicago spot Bistro Campagne, the restaurant founded by the late Michael Altenberg. Mike professes his love for the dreamy Emmanuel Macron. Penny ignores this love (or thinks I’m crazy – it’s hard to tell). Mike and Penny find common ground over their passion for organ meats. We tell you where to find the best French onion soup in Chicago and discuss the most Instagrammable French dish.

Read Penny’s super insider dining notes.

Episode #13: One, Two, Three Strikes You’re Out Sep 29, 2018

Show notes

Just in time for a Cubs post-season run, Penny and Mike check out Dutch and Doc’s the new Wrigleyville restaurant from Boka group. Penny grew up on the south side and Mike’s second favorite baseball team is the 2005 White Sox (the first is the 1984 Detroit Tigers), so the Wrigleyville mystique isn’t exactly at work here. Mike admits his deep love for Taco Bell and his history of bad birthday meals. Penny continues to order the chicken.

Read Penny’s deep insider super special secret dining notes.

Episode #12: The High Life at Miller’s Pub Sep 21, 2018

Show notes

Penny Pollack goes back in time to check out the old school loop staple Miller’s Pub after the owners did a quick relaunch. Mike reminisces about the old decor. Penny challenges Chicago liquor laws and demands more alcohol. And, of course, Penny orders the legendary ribs.

Download and read Penny’s always detailed dining notes.

Episode #11: Rock You Like a Hurricane Sep 07, 2018

Show notes

Ina Mae Tavern blew in to Wicker Park a few months ago with the verve of a second line brass band. In this episode Mike checks out the pomp and circumstance and tries to mainline beignet sugar.

Episode #10: The One About the Hummus Aug 22, 2018

Show notes

Penny and I check out Aba, the hot West Loop spot from CJ Jacobson and Lettuce Entertain You. In this podcast, Penny teaches me how to pronounce the word hummus. We give a shoutout to Rahm’s new podcast. We talk about the great Swedish supergroup, Abba, which has nothing to do with the restaurant. And I disclose the food addiction that will likely kill me.

Also, check out Penny’s super detailed dining notes.

ABA, 302 N. Green St., 3rd floor, 773-645-1400, Fulton Market District

Episode #9: Flyin’ the Friendly S.K.Y. Jul 25, 2018

Show notes

In this episode, Penny and Mike review S.K.Y. a luxury pan-Asian restaurant in Pilsen where they dive in to questions of gentrification. Penny continues to make fun of Mike for being “fancy”. Mike admits he might be the Floyd Mayweather of food critics because he does like to live large. Mike seeks revenge though and chides Penny because she’s obsessed with frisée.

Check out Penny’s super secret special behind-the-scenes dining notes.

Episode #8: Clockin’ In at Pacific Standard Time Jun 22, 2018

Show notes

Worried that they’d be inundated with kale smoothies, tofu, and other hallmarks of California cuisine, Mike and Penny are surprised to find that Pacific Standard Time serves up killer wood-fired bread and Asian-influenced eats. Penny and Mike throw down over high-end steak service and Mike confirms that Penny is a curmudgeon. Mike also complains that he hates meringue and that after like 20 seasons, Top Chef contestants still don’t know how to make dessert. PST’s pastry chef Natalie Saben makes Mike love meringue again.

Read Penny’s dining notes here.

PST is located at 141 W. Erie, Chicago, IL

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