Every week on The Dining Table podcast, host David Manilow shares his own experiences from some of Chicago’s best places to eat, drink and shop. Crain’s reporters bring expert insight into all aspects of the city’s restaurant and food scene. And we welcome chefs, culinary experts, cookbook authors, bartenders, business owners and more to discover what makes them tick.
Here’s what you’ll find in the latest episode:
Chicago chefs’ favorite restaurants
At the start of every month, Dave takes a step back to discuss the Chicago restaurants that he visited the month prior. But with 2023 coming to an end, he decided to hand this rendition of the podcast over to the experts.
Instead of talking about his own experiences at the city’s restaurants, Dave posed the question to some of Chicago’s most beloved restaurateurs: Where are your favorite spots to dine in the city?
Responses are condensed for clarity.
Alpana Singh, owner of Alpana Restaurant
“There’s the restaurant that I go to the most and then there’s my favorite restaurant. They are both equally great. The one that I go to the most because it’s across the street from my house and I love everything about it is Gibson’s. I’m at Gibson’s all the time.
The one where I wish I did go more often — I try to get there at least twice a year, I just love it and I always recommend it — is Proxi in the West Loop. Chef Andrew Zimmerman, he is so talented.”
Genie Kwon, owner of Kasama
“We probably go to JJ Thai Street Food once a week. It’s super close and it’s delicious and the service is always amazing. They come and support us and it’s always great to see them. We’ve had the entire menu, everything is delicious.”
Mindy Segal, owner of Mindy’s Bakery
“Currently, I’m most excited about the restaurant Warlord. It kind of reminds me of my restaurant in the beginning. It’s a breath of fresh air.”
Lamar Moore, executive chef at Bronzeville Winery
“I love going to Virtue. It’s close to the neighborhood. It’s really cool.
When I want to do something off the ball, there’s this Mexican restaurant in Pilsen called Coyotes. Most people go there late night because they are hungover and want something good and greasy to eat, which I do. During the day, the tacos are bangin’. The breakfast is banging.
I love Goose Island Shrimp. There’s nothing like some good fried shrimp in that orange sauce.”
Louie Alexakis, owner of Avli
“My favorite restaurants in Chicago are from people who devote their whole essence to that restaurant. That’s going to be Bayan Ko and HaiSous. Those chef-owners, they put their heart and soul into it. They love what they are doing. This is their life.”
Source : Chicago Business
