The Dining Table

Latest Episodes:

The Indian-Mexican fusion spot getting national acclaim Dec 16, 2025

Show notes

Chefs Zubair Mohajir and Rishi Kumar join host David Manilow to talk about the history of Indian and Mexican restaurants and how they fused them together at Mirra in Bucktown.

Plus, hear about their unexpected Michelin Bib Gourmand nod, what makes Napa like Narnia, and why food is the best way to tell immigrant's stories.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This chef closed his restaurant to cook all over the world Dec 02, 2025

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Chef Theo Gilbert may be working outside the grind of restaurant ownership, but he’s still cooking up a storm. In this episode, host David Manilow talks with Gilbert about making homemade pasta in the window at the former Terragusto and his journey to creating pop-up dining experiences through Chicago Bite Club. Plus, hear how he got hooked on cooking all over the world. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

David Manilow talks to Michelin star winners Nov 19, 2025

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The Michelin stars have been awarded for 2025, and Chicago now has 20 Michelin-starred restaurants.

In this episode, host David Manilow talks with Michelin-honored chefs John Shields of Smyth, Genie Kwon & Tim Flores of Kasama, Indienne's Sujan Sarkar, and Feld's Jake Potashnick. Some of Chicago’s most-revered restaurateurs share what it takes to create bold menus and develop engaging service.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Chicago’s bagel shop boom Nov 04, 2025

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During the past decade, Chicago hasn't had much of a deli culture — but now, the bagel shop boom has begun.

In this episode, host David Manilow talks with chef Sam Zeitlin about his brand-new Zeitlin's Delicatessen on Clybourn Avenue in Lincoln Park. Hear about the intricacies of making the perfect bagel, the key ingredients to deli hospitality and what makes an authentic nosh.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

How this chef became a cultural ambassador Oct 21, 2025

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Host David Manilow is a huge fan of Ethiopian food. Spices including turmeric and cardamom are alluring, no doubt, but it's really the communal nature of Ethiopian dining that makes the meal special. In this episode, Manilow talks with chef Tigist Reda of Demera — an Ethiopian restaurant in Uptown — about her life in Chicago, how she became a revered cultural ambassador, and why you won’t need a fork to enjoy her food. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Where Chicago chefs eat when they're off the clock Oct 07, 2025

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Chefs in Chicago are often generous with their time and resources in supporting their neighborhoods. That collaborative spirit also defines the city's dining scene. In this episode, host David Manilow talks with chefs Tony Montuano, Arshiya Farheen, Cliff Rome, Lacey Irby, Bill Kim and more about their favorite Chicago restaurants that they can’t stop recommending. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Building more than a business at Kilwin's Sep 23, 2025

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Jackie Jackson has plenty to say about mentoring. Her devotion to it is clear. In this episode, host David Manilow talks to Jackson about her journey of perseverance and the challenges and rewards of being an entrepreneur and mentor to young employees at her eight Chicago-area Kilwin’s candy and ice cream franchises. Hear about her devotion to quality and why the little things mean a lot to her. Jackson was also named the 2024 Illinois Small Business Administration’s Person of the Year. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A new kind of omakase in Chicago Sep 10, 2025

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In his youth, host David Manilow sampled a lot of sushi restaurants. Eventually he would tell sushi chefs to surprise him, even before omakase — a Japanese term that means "I’ll leave it up to you" — was all the rage around Chicago. Now, there's a new omakase spot everywhere you turn. In this episode, Manilow talks with Mari Katsumura and Adam Sindler, who just opened a new restaurant in Old Town called Shō. You’ll hear how they combine Japanese heritage with whimsical plating and inventive flavor combinations for a whole new experience. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Artisan bakeries multiply across Chicago neighborhoods Aug 27, 2025

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Quality bakeries have been popping up all over Chicago. There's Fat Peach in Bridgeport, Sugar Moon in Logan Square and Umaga Bakehouse on the Northwest Side, to name a few that have popped up over the past few years.

In this episode, host David Manilow talks with chef Arshiya Farheen of Verzênay, a French patisserie and cafe in Lincoln Park, about her journey to bring a slice of Paris to Chicago and more.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Restaurants that wowed — and one that didn't Aug 13, 2025

Show notes

Host David Manilow has been running around town and trying a whole bunch of restaurants. In this episode, Manilow shares some that he can’t wait to get back to — and at least one stop where he’s one and done. Hear about his experiences at Cellar Door Provisions, Maxwell’s Trading, Nic + Junior’s, Piccolo Sogno and S.K.Y. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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