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The Dining Table — Business
The Dining Table

Crain’s Chicago Business presents The Dining Table with “Check Please!” creator David Manilow. David tells the story of Chicago through the intimate stories that drive the business of food. You’ll savor the tales about what makes the unique Chicago food scene come to life and hear from those making it happen.

Copyright: © Crain Communications

Latest Episodes:

Our fall restaurant recommendations Sep 29, 2026

Show notes

As the autumn days get shorter, host David Manilow offers his short list of favorite places for each meal — breakfast, lunch and dinner.
In this episode, we hear from Chicago chefs who are getting their props nationally. Manilow revisits his conversation with Adam McFarland and Tom Rogers of John’s Food and Wine in Lincoln Park. Plus, we’ll share highlights from our chat with Mirra’s Zubair Mohajir and Rishi Kumar.

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Chicago’s Greek restaurant renaissance Sep 15, 2026

Show notes

This week, host David Manilow explores the evolution of Greek restaurants and Greek communities in Chicago. Manilow is joined by the founder of Diamond Wine Importers, Ted Diamantis.
Back in the day, Greektown was packed with bars, eateries and grocery stores. In this episode, get a history lesson on the past and learn why Chicago is in the middle of a Greek dining renaissance.

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Gibson’s takes on the West Loop Aug 25, 2026

Show notes

The Gibson’s Restaurant Group is making its move on the Fulton Market District. In this episode, host David Manilow talks with Liz Lombardo Stark about her family’s Gibson Tavern concept, and why it will stand out in the West Loop.
Stark shares their plans to expand to Nashville, as well as the challenges of her role as board chair for the Illinois Restaurant Association. You’ll also hear what it’s like working with her legendary father, Steve Lombardo, founder of Gibson’s.

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One of Chicago’s most unique Latin restaurants Aug 18, 2026

Show notes

Chef Omar Cadena’s restaurant is a celebration of his Chicago upbringing. In this episode, host David Manilow talks with Cadena about how Omarcito’s Latin Cafe acquired the influences of Cuba, Ecuador, Guatemala, Colombia and Puerto Rico.
Plus, hear what it takes to be big on service, and what the chef's pet peeves are when it comes to dining out.

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Chicago's top chefs share dining picks Aug 04, 2026

Show notes

Over the past several years, host David Manilow has heard from Chicago’s greatest chefs about where they go to dine.
In this episode, hear those recommendations and what kind of hospitality is most appealing to them. Manilow has assembled suggestions from another list of award-winning chefs including John Manion, Hsing Chen, Doug Psaltis, Stephanie Hart, Oliver Poilevey and more.

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The challenges and rewards of a hidden gem Jul 21, 2026

Show notes

Chef Khalid Kamal grew up on a farm in Morocco near the Atlas Mountains. In this episode, host David Manilow talks with Kamal about how he has created a sense of home with Shokran, his restaurant in Old Irving Park. Hear why his passion for sharing his native cuisine requires patience and persistence.
Plus, Kamal shares how his connection to agriculture deepened his appreciation for food.

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How this chef juggles 3 menus daily Jul 07, 2026

Show notes

If a restaurant owner told host David Manilow they're planning to do one thing for breakfast at 7 a.m., another thing for lunch at noon, and a completely different thing for dinner at 7 p.m., he’d probably say they're doomed to fail. But, somehow, Daisies in Logan Square and its chef/owner Joe Frillman pull it off.
In this episode, hear how Frillman makes it work, why he has a service charge at the end of the meal, plus the back story on his new bar/restaurant, The Radicle.

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The world-traveling chef who just won Chicago’s only James Beard Award Jun 23, 2026

Show notes

Feld’s Jake Potashnick was named Best Chef in the Great Lakes region by the James Beard Awards. In this episode, host David Manilow talks with Potashnick about his journey cooking at fine dining spots all over the world, from Sweden to Japan.
He returned home to Chicago to open Feld in West Town two years ago. Hear about this ambitious effort where dinner features a tasting menu of more than 30 courses.

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Is Chicago’s riverfront the city’s hottest new dining area? Jun 09, 2026

Show notes

A massive new Greek- and Levantine-influenced restaurant on the riverfront is without question one of the hottest reservations in Chicago. In this episode, host David Manilow talks with the owners of Naia, Luke Stoioff and David Rekhson of DineAmic Hospitality, who are also partners in spots such as Lyra, Fioretta and Siena Tavern. Hear why their vision for Naia on the Chicago River took more than a decade to complete.
Plus, Stoioff and Rekhson share news about their newly re-opened steakhouse Prime & Provisions.

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The secrets behind this restaurateur's success May 26, 2026

Show notes

In addition to his thriving city restaurants such as DeNucci’s, Gemini and Sophia Steak, Ryan O’Donnell has significantly impacted high-end suburban dining around Chicago. In this episode, host David Manilow talks about this and more with the founder and CEO of Ballyhoo Hospitality.
Hear how O’Donnell continues to learn and evolve as he opens Zenzi Den in Glenview. Plus, he’ll share his decision-making process for future projects and how he engages in the community with taste tests before officially opening.

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