Chewing

Episode 129: Chef Geno Bahena, La Grande Boucherie, John’s Food & Wine

This week, Monica and Louisa talk about mole, French food, and corned beef. First, Monica talks to veteran chef Geno Bahena who’s now cooking at Manchamanteles. Then, Monica talks to Emil Stefkov, founder of La Grande Boucherie, which claims it’s the biggest restaurant in Chicago. Finally, Louisa reveals details on the corned beef sandwich at John’s Food & Wine, where they’re paying their cooks $36 an hour! chewing.xyz chicagotribune.com/chewingpodcast facebook.com/chewingpodcast ...

Episode 128: Maxwells Trading, Feld, next gen chefs

This week, Monica and Louisa talk about the next gen of chefs and King Cake season. Monica interviews chef Erling Wu-Bower who just opened Maxwell Trading, plus chef and TikTok star Jacob Potashnick who’s planning to open Feld in Chicago. Then, Louisa gives us the rundown on Roscas, and what she's hoping for King Cake season.   chewing.xyz chicagotribune.com/chewingpodcast facebook.com/chewingpodcast Louisa Chu: Insta @louisachu1, Threads @louisachu Monica Eng: Insta ...

Episode 127: Zooey Deschanel, Mike Sula, Malört

This week, Monica and Louisa talk about the holidays, health, and drinks! Monica interviews Zooey Deschanel about her health app. Monica attends the 90th anniversary party for Malört and talks to our pal and James Beard award winning writer and pop-up maestro Mike Sula about his secret homemade drink made with wormwood. Finally, Louisa shares her experience at CosMc’s, the futuristic new concept from McDonald’s.   chewing.xyz chicagotribune.com/chewingpodcast facebook.com/chewi...

Episode 126: Kevin Pang, Michele Norris, power foods

This week, Monica and Louisa catch up after getting stuffed at Thanksgiving. Monica talks to America’s Test Kitchen’s Kevin Pang about his new book co-written with his dad, “A Very Chinese Cookbook: 100 Recipes From China And Not China (But Still Really Chinese).” Then, Monica chats with Emmy and Peabody award-winning journalist Michele Norris about her new podcast “Your Mama’s Kitchen.” Lastly, nutritionist and doctor Michael Crupain tells Monica about his new book “The Power Five Essenti...

Episode 125: Migrants, Immigrants and Spirits

This week, Monica and Louisa talk about migrants, immigrants, and spirits. Monica talks to Laura Tillman about her experience writing her latest book “The Migrant Chef: The Life and Times of Lalo García.” Plus, Monica talks to award-winning author Grace Lin about her new bestselling book “Chinese Menu: The History, Myths, and Legends Behind Your Favorite Foods.” Finally, Louisa dares us to taste “Flaming Flamers”...but will we eat it?   chewing.xyz chicagotribune.com/chewingpodcas...

Episode 124: Italian Village, Austin neighborhood, bone conduction lollipops

The ladies are back from summer break and ready for autumn! This week, Monica and Louisa share their Midwestern Adventures. Monica visits a South Side baseball chef, a Michigan jerky butcher, and a legendary Italian restaurant owner! Then, Louisa visits a West Side chef turned farmers market manager in the historic Austin neighborhood! The ladies finally test out the bone conduction lollipops from the Sweets and Snacks Expo, but will they eat it?   chewing.xyz chicagotribune.com/c...

Episode 123: Beard drama, France mama, “The Bear” trauma

This week, we talk about the big drama behind the scenes of the James Beard awards, and if Monica won after SIX nominations this year! Then, she goes back to France to visit her football player son and brings back an encore madcap recap. Have you watched The Bear? We talk about whether or not we’ve watched the hit Chicago-based streaming series, and why. Finally, Louisa brings a haul from the Sweets & Snacks Expo, for “Will She Eat It” in this season finale episode. We’ll be back around Lab...

Episode 122: Top chef Stephanie Izard, puppy chow cake, viral Costco casserole

This week, Monica tells us about her whirlwind trip to Europe. Back in Chicago, Monica and Louisa visit Stephanie Izard’s new Little Goat Diner. Then, Monica learns about puppy chow cake from pastry chef Leigh Omilinsky at Daisies. Lastly, Louisa gets influenced to buy Chinese casseroles from Costco, but Will They Eat It? chewing.xyz chicagotribune.com/chewingpodcast facebook.com/chewingpodcast Louisa Chu: Insta @louisachu1, Twitter @louisachu Monica Eng: Insta @monicaengreporter, ...

Episode 121: Al’s Beef Chicago cheesesteak, spring break food

This week, we talk spring break and Chicago cheesesteaks. Louisa talks to Al’s Beef owner Chris Pacelli about Chicago cheesesteaks. Then, Monica shares her plans to visit her son in France, and our producer Iris shares her first trip to San Francisco’s Chinatown. Finally, Monica dares Louisa and Iris to eat salmon skin and salted egg chips from Singapore, but Will They Eat It?   chewing.xyz chicagotribune.com/chewingpodcast facebook.com/chewingpodcast   Louisa Chu: Insta...

Episode 120: American French food, Korean Chinese restaurants, expiration dates

This week, Monica and Louisa talk about Americans abroad! First, Monica has a conversation with her son about what he’s eating in France. In contrast, she talks to restaurateur Kevin Boehm about bringing French food to Chicago. Then, Monica talks to video game and filmmaker Josh Tsui about Korean Chinese food in LA and Chicago. Finally, in what may now become a tradition, Louisa dares Monica and Iris to eat expired jam, but Will They Eat It?   chewing.xyz chicagotribune.com/chewin...

Episode 119: Monica’s new book, Do Good Chicken, Niman Ranch

This week, Monica tells us about her new book, "Made in Chicago: Stories Behind 30 Great Hometown Bites," co-written with David Hammond. Then Monica interviews former Obama White House and Chicago restaurant chef Sam Kass about his organization Do Good Chicken that reduces food waste by putting it towards their chickens’ diet. Then she talks to Niman Ranch and Mariano's representatives about stocking sustainable pork behind the butcher counter. Finally, Monica shares tomato chips with the la...

Episode 118: Lunar New Year food and Lexington Betty Smokehouse

This week, we're celebrating Lunar New Year and talking BBQ. We start off by giving some updates on holiday health scares. Then Louisa gets the story behind the Lexington Betty Smokehouse barbecue style. And then the ladies are presented with a spicy Chinese  snack that's gone viral and chocolate fortune cookies, but will they eat it? chewing.xyz chicagotribune.com/chewingpodcast facebook.com/chewingpodcast Intro Music: Carsick Cars - Zhong Nan Hai  Outro Music: Carsick Cars - 15 Min...

Episode 117: Christkindlmarket, Feld restaurant, Omarcito’s Latin Café

This week, we're talking about holiday foods and new chefs. Monica visits the Christkindlmarket to find some fishy treats. Then she talks to TikTok chef Jake Potashnick who has plans to open a sustainable restaurant called Feld in Chicago. Louisa goes behind these scenes of Omarcito's Latin Café to find out more about chef Omar Cadena's family recipes. Finally, Monica shares a spread of sunflower cream cheese, but will they eat it? chewing.xyz chicagotribune.com/chewingpodcast facebook...

Episode 116: Thanksgiving, Little Fat Boy, Loaf Lounge

This week, we're gearing up for Thanksgiving by sharing our traditions (and disasters). Monica talks to Frankie Gaw, aka Little Fat Boy, about his first generation Taiwanese-American cookbook. Plus, she checks in with former Chicago Tribune restaurant critic Paula Camp at her cidery. Lastly, Louisa surprises Monica and Iris with a Thanksgiving pastry from Loaf Lounge.   chewing.xyz chicagotribune.com/chewingpodcast facebook.com/chewingpodcast   First Generation: Recipes from My T...

Episode 115: Grocery Stores, Beer and Bratwurst Potato Chips

This week, Monica explains the big news about the Jewel and Mariano's grocery store merger. She also shares the new grocery report card on antibiotic policies. Then, Louisa and Monica share grocery tips and talk about the politics of grocery store decisions. Plus, the ladies try beer and brat flavored potato chips from...you guessed it...Aldi!

Episode 114: Publican Quality Bread, Historic Pot Pies and Oil-Fried Ghosts

This week, Monica concludes her conversation with Oprah’s former personal chef Art Smith. Plus, she talks to James Beard award-winning chef Greg Wade about his debut cookbook. Louisa tells us about her search for the woman behind the historic pot pie recipe in Chicago, and then we hear about some delicious ghost stories.

Chewing Extra: Clyde's at Goodman Theater

This week, Monica talks to production director Tyler Jacobson about sandwiches and the behind-the-scenes of the play Clyde's now showing at the Goodman Theater.

Episode 113: Reunion, Art Smith, Maa Maa Dei mooncakes

Louisa and Monica are back to report on their summer vacations. Monica talks to Oprah’s former personal chef Art Smith, plus, Louisa picks up some street corner mooncakes for the ladies to try.

Episode 112: Summer vacation food, “The Bear” and Italian beef

This week, it's the season finale where Monica Eng and Louisa Chu get Jeremy Allen White, star of the new Chicago-based show "The Bear," to do a Chicago accent. Plus, Louisa shares her list of the best Italian beef to binge with the show.

Episode 111: James Beard Awards

This week, Louisa Chu and Monica Eng talk to the big winners of the James Beard Awards...and Louisa has a run-in with security. Plus, Monica finds some delicious treats at a Little Village farmers market, and dares Louisa and their producer to eat preserved eggs. But will they eat it?

Episode 110: Martin Yan, Candy Show

This week, Monica Eng shares the serendipitous story behind how Martin Yan started his cooking show Yan Can Cook. Louisa Chu regales us with the offerings of the Sweets & Snacks Expo, aka The Candy Show, and presents Monica and Iris with some intense treats. But will they eat it?

Episode 109: Chop Suey and Mushrooms

Louisa Chu and Monica Eng talk about their trip to the oldest Chinese restaurant in Chicago, Orange Garden, and reveal who bought their classic old neon sign. Plus, a conversation about the nation's first Chinese-American TV chef Joyce Chen, and another close encounter with COVID.

Episode 108: Beards, Bakeries, and Backyard Gardens

Chewing podcast co-host Louisa Chu got her first James Beard award nomination, so co-host Monica Eng reveals secrets as a five-time nominee and formers Beards judge. Then Louisa shares behind the scenes moments on the last day at Dinkel's Bakery, closed after 100 years in Chicago. And Monica shares tips on getting compost ready for planting season.

Episode 107: Cheesy and Jelly

Chewing podcast co-host Louisa Chu went to Philadelphia so talks Philly cheesesteaks, and the cherry pepper bars at Pat's and Geno's. Then she dares co-host Monica Eng and producer Iris Lin to taste taco truck jellybeans, but Will They Eat Them?

Episode 106: Covid and Spice Bags

Chewing podcast co-host talks about her trip to Ireland, where she got unlucky with COVID-19. Then co-host Louisa Chu explains how to have The Talk, and set boundaries with COVID prevention. And Monica shares her visits to Chinese-Irish fast food shops, and their specialty called spice bags.

Episode 105: Pie, Women’s History and Future

Chewing podcast co-hosts Louisa Chu and Monica Eng talk favorite pies, including Mrs. Hering's 1890 chicken pot pie at The Walnut Room in Chicago for Women's History Month. Then Louisa dares Monica and their producer Iris Lin to taste three-cup lion's mane mushroom, inspired by sanbeiji or three-cup chicken, from Veggie House, the first dedicated vegetarian and vegan restaurant in Chinatown.

Episode 104: Pandemic-versary Number Two

Chewing podcast co-hosts Louisa Chu and Monica Eng talk about what they're doing, or not doing, anymore when it comes to eating out on the second anniversary of the COVID-19 pandemic. Then Louisa dares Monica and their producer Iris Lin Iris to taste blood pudding pizza from Irish-inspired bar and restaurant The Wolfhound in Chicago, but Will They Eat It?

Episode 103: Nom Nom New Year Food

Chewing podcast co-host Monica Eng talks to New York Times best-selling cookbook author Michelle Tam about "Nom Nom Paleo," co-written with Henry Fong. Then co-host Louisa Chu gets a galette des rois from Floriole bakery in Chicago, the seasonal French pastry fit for queens. Then Louisa dares Monica to taste snail noodles, the viral sensation from China.

Episode 102: How To Eat Like A Better Human

Chewing podcast co-host Monica Eng talks to archaeologist, chef, and author Dr. Bill Schindler about his new book “Eat Like a Human." Then co-host Louisa Chu goes to Chicago’s most infamous hot dog stand, The Wieners Circle. And Monica meets up with humanitarian, chef, and old friend of Chewing, José Andrés.

Episode 101: The Korean Vegan, Owamni by The Sioux Chef

Chewing podcast co-host Monica Eng visits TikTok star The Korean Vegan aka Joanne Lee Molinaro to talk about her debut bestselling cookbook "The Korean Vegan Cookbook: Reflections and Recipes from Omma's Kitchen." Then co-host Louisa Chu goes to Owamni by The Sioux Chef restaurant in Minnesota to talk to founders Dana Thompson and Sean Sherman about Indigenous food and decolonized ingredients. And Louisa brings Monica Owamni's maple crickets, but Will She Eat It?

Episode 100: Catherine Lambrecht, Abra Berens, County Fair Foods

Episode 99: Chinese Zongzi, Peter Engler, Krakatoa Hot Chips

Episode 98: Steve Dolinsky, Paula Camp, 80s Restaurants

Chewing podcast co-hosts Louisa Chu and Monica Eng talk to hungry hound Steve Dolinsky, author of the upcoming book “The Ultimate Chicago Pizza Guide: A History of Squares & Slices in the Windy City.” Then they’re joined by former Chicago Tribune restaurant critic, now a cider maker / owner of Carriage House Ciders and trans woman, Paula Camp. Then they play a pop food quiz on 80s restaurants in Chicago.

Episode 97: Steven Raichlen, Top Chef Gregory Gourdet, giardiniera

Chewing podcast co-host Monica Eng talks about chef Gregory Gourdet, author of “Everyone's Table: Global Recipes for Modern Health.” Then from the live Twitch stream, she and co-host Louisa Chu talk to barbecue guru Steven Raichlen about his new book “How to Grill Vegetables: The New Bible for Barbecuing Vegetables Over Live Fire.” Then Monica dares Louisa to eat giardiniera straight out of the jar, but Will She Eat It?

Episode 96: Buona Beefless, Jacoby Cochran, Barry Estabrook, Chicago all-in-one hot dog sauce

Chewing podcast co-hosts Louisa Chu and Monica Eng talk to Jimmy Buona about the new Italian Beefless sandwich, City Cast Chicago host Jacoby Cochran about South Side vegan food, author Barry Estabrook about his new book “Just Eat: One Reporter's Quest for a Weight-Loss Regimen that Works,” and Big Fork founder Lance Avery about his new Chicago Sauce that blends all the toppings of a Chicago-style hot dog into one bottle.

Episode 95: Tomato Bliss, Regional Hot Dogs, Coney Sauces

Episode 95: Tomato Bliss, Regional hot dogs, Coney sauces

Chewing podcast co-host Monica Eng talks to Tomato Bliss. Then from the Chewing Twitch Monica and co-host Louisa Chu talk hot dogs with Chicago Tribune food reporter Nick Kindelsperger and author / Coney dog expert T.M. Goeglein. And Monica dares Louisa to taste beef heart hot dog Coney sauces, but Will She Eat It?

Episode 94: New Bourdain book, Soom Foods tahini, My Halal Kitchen

Chewing podcast co-host Louisa Chu talks to Anthony Bourdain’s co-author Laurie Woolever about their new book “World Travel: An Irreverent Guide.” Then co-host Monica Eng talks tahini and tahina with Soom Foods co-founder Amy Titleman. And from the Chewing Twitch stream Yvonne Maffei of My Halal Kitchen about Ramadan recipes and Dr. Brenda Rivera Garcia of Americares about a TikTok mask dance campaign.

Episode 93: Crate Free USA, Maui Nui Venison, Brown Sugar Bakery

Chewing podcast co-host Monica Eng talks to Crate Free USA founder Jessica Chipkin about reducing the suffering of animals on factory farms. Then Monica talks to Maui Nui Venison founder Jake Muise about wild Hawaiian deer. And she and co-host Louisa Chu talk to Brown Sugar Bakery founder Stephanie Hart about Vice President Kamala Harris’ visit to her shop in Chicago and the border controversy that followed.

Episode 92: LA’s Friends & Family, Chicago’s Carver 47, CBD ‘Chilli Crisp’

Chewing podcast co-host Monica Eng talks to chef Roxana Jullapat, owner of Friends & Family bakery in Los Angeles, about her new book “Mother Grains: Recipes for the Grain Revolution.” Then Monica talks to chef Lizz Wright and owner Monica Haslip of Carver 47 food and wellness market on the South Side of Chicago. Then Louisa Chu dares her podcast co-host to try CBD “Chilli Crisp” by Co-op Sauce, but Will She Eat It?

Episode 92: Grains and Groceries

Episode 91: Emily Nunn, Dennis Lee, Oreo Spam burger

Chewing podcast co-host Monica Eng talks to author Emily Nunn about her Substack newsletter The Department of Salad. Then Monica talks to food writer Dennis Lee about his Substack newsletter Food is Stupid. Plus Monica dares co-host Louisa Chu to taste an Oreo Spam burger, but Will She Eat It?

Episode 90: The State of Black-Owned Restaurants & More

Episode 90: MacArthur's cafeteria, critic critique, alcohol-free IPA, Korean snack

Chewing podcast co-host Louisa Chu talks with MacArthur's cafeteria owner Mac Alexander for her Chicago Tribune 8-part series on Black-owned restaurants after a year of pandemic, protests, and politics. Then Louisa and co-host Monica Eng critique the role of restaurant critic in Chicago. Plus Monica debuts a new game (with Big Drop alcohol-free IPA beer) that she calls Can You Guess? Finally she dares Louisa to try a grilled Korean macaroni pumpkin snack, but Will She Eat It?

Episode 89: Chefs Zoe Schor and Beverly Kim, Flamin' Hot mac and cheese

Chewing podcast co-host Louisa Chu talks with chef Zoe Schor about why she has not reopened for indoor or outdoor dining yet in Chicago. Co-host Monica Eng talks with Top Chef Beverly Kim and Asian American restaurateurs Rohini Dey, Mary Nguyen Aregoni, and Geri Guidote Hernandez about how to cope during COVID. Monica dares Louisa with Flamin’ Hot mac and cheese, but Will She Eat it?

Episode 88: “Eat Like You Give a Fork,” Village Farmstand, Chinese hot water

Chewing podcast co-host Monica Eng talks to Mareya Ibrahim, author of “Eat Like You Give a Fork: The Real Dish on Eating to Thrive.” Plus Monica checks in with filmmaker / grocer Matt Wechsler of Village Farmstand in Evanston near Chicago. Then co-host Louisa Chu dares her to drink hot water, the Chinese go-to beverage, but Will She Drink It?

Episode 87: The Podcast Before Christmas

Episode 87: Tulip Tree Gardens, Sleep Medicine, Hank Shaw, and Ida's Artisan Ice Cream

Chewing podcast co-host Monica Eng talks to CBD Tulip Tree Gardens founders Rachael and Jesse Smedberg and tries their CBN oil in her quest for a peaceful pandemic night's sleep. Then Monica consults to sleep doctors at the Northwestern Medicine Center for Circadian & Sleep Medicine. Plus she asks chef and author Hank Shaw about how to get her goose cooked. Finally Monica dares co-host Louisa Chu and producer Iris Lin to taste CBD ice cream from Ida's Artisan Ice Cream, but Will They E...

Episode 86: Mills, Needlessly GenderedMen, And Futuristic Ramen

Episode 86: Mockmill, Man in the Kitchen, and Vite Ramen

Chewing podcast co-host Monica Eng tries home grain mill Mockmill. Then Monica talks to Man in the Kitchen founder Steve Katz. And she dares co-host Louisa Chu to taste self-described "nutritious" Vite Ramen, but Will She Eat It?