This week on Chewing, we talk about babes, pizza, and hot stuff. First, Monica talks to My Pi pizza founder Larry Aronson about his last pizzeria closing in Chicago after 54 years. Then, Professor Steve Balkin talks about the death of Maxwell Street as he makes Monica some homemade matzo brie. Lastly, James Park talks about his cookbook “Chili Crisp: 50+ Recipes to Satisfy Your Spicy, Crunchy, Garlicky Cravings.” chewing.xyz chicagotribune.com/chewingpodcast facebook.com/chewingpodcast Insta Lou...
Jul 28, 2025•1 hr 1 min
This week on Chewing, we talk about international street food. First, Monica talks to Faraz Sardharia about his new restaurant Rickshaw Pakistani & Indian Street Eats, which raises funds for unhoused people in Chicago. Monica also talks to women’s rights advocate Rohini Dey about transforming her pioneering modern Indian restaurant Vermilion into a women-centric “cocktail den” called Sanctuary in River North. Then, Monica talks to Steven Marks, the American who co-founded the Mexican restaur...
Mar 20, 2025•47 min
This week on Chewing, we talk about plants, Feld, and krill. First, Monica talks to Washington Post Food and Dining editor — and bestselling author — Joe Yonan about his new book, "Mastering the Art of Plant-Based Cooking"! Then Louisa talks to the chef and owner of one of the most polarizing new restaurants in Chicago — and former guest of Chewing, Jake Potashnick of Feld. Monica talks to the owner of Fry the Coop about why he only uses beef fat when frying. Lastly, Monica dares Louisa and Iris...
Dec 30, 2024•1 hr 5 min
This week on Chewing, we talk about how sisters are doing it for sustainability! First, Monica talks to legendary author and editor Ruth Reichl about her new documentary film Food and Country. Then, we talked to Hewn Bread founder Ellen King and Volition Tea founder Annie Xiang about their big expansions. Finally, Monica talked to Upside Food COO Amy Chen who offered Monica a taste of their cultivated meat, but did she eat it? Lastly, a new bonus segment with a new jingle! chewing.xyz chicagotri...
Oct 21, 2024•1 hr 12 min
This week, Monica and Louisa talk Honey and Fun Guys. First, Monica went to the inaugural George R.R. Martin Summer Intensive Writing Workshop, where she made Malaysian rice balls with fellow fellow, Honey Ahmad. Monica also talked to author and filmmaker Curtis Chin about his book “Everything I Learned, I Learned in a Chinese Restaurant.” Finally, Monica talks to Josh Noel about his new book on Malort and dares Louisa and Iris to try fungi yogurt, but will they eat it? chewing.xyz chicagotribun...
Sep 16, 2024•1 hr 3 min
This week on Chewing, Monica and Louisa report back from the James Beard Awards. Monica talks to Outstanding Chef winner Michael Rafidi, Best Chef: Great Lakes winner Hajime Sato, and Lifetime Achievement Award winner Ruth Reichl. Then, Monica chats with Capriole Goat Cheese founder Judy Schad and Prairie Grass Cafe chef and co-owner Sarah Stegner. Louisa talks about her story on The Bear and dares Monica and Iris to try a James Beard award-winning chef’s cannabis chocolate. Last, Monica catches...
Jul 15, 2024•1 hr 10 min
This week on Chewing, Monica recaps her Chicago adventures in beef, beer, bowls, and baseball. Then, she tastes fake fish and talks to Aqua Cultured Foods co-founder and CGO Brittany Chibe! Lastly, Louisa dares Monica & Iris to eat black jello from Costco and dares our dogs to eat treats from José Andrés! chewing.xyz chicagotribune.com/chewingpodcast facebook.com/chewingpodcast Insta Louisa Chu @louisachu1 Monica Eng @monicaengreporter Links: Order Made in Chicago: Stories Behind 30 Great Ho...
May 13, 2024•47 min
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 Louisa Chu:...
Mar 11, 2024•49 min
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 @monicaengreporter Links: Ord...
Jan 22, 2024•47 min
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/chewingpodcast Louisa Chu...
Dec 25, 2023•40 min
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 Essential Foo...
Dec 04, 2023•1 hr 23 min
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/chewingpodcast facebook.com/ch...
Nov 05, 2023•57 min
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/chewingpodcast fac...
Oct 09, 2023•1 hr 2 min
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 Labo...
Jul 17, 2023•59 min
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 , Twitter @mon...
May 01, 2023•1 hr
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 @louisachu1 , Twitter @louis...
Mar 20, 2023•37 min
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/chewingpodcast facebook...
Feb 27, 2023•51 min
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 ladies...
Feb 06, 2023•1 hr 5 min
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 Minutes Older Seg...
Jan 16, 2023•35 min
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.com/chewi...
Dec 19, 2022•43 min
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 Taiwanese-American Ho...
Nov 21, 2022•49 min
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!
Oct 31, 2022•46 min
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.
Oct 17, 2022•37 min
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.
Oct 08, 2022•9 min
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.
Oct 01, 2022•52 min
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.
Jul 18, 2022•36 min
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?
Jul 01, 2022•48 min
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?
Jun 08, 2022•49 min
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.
May 23, 2022•56 min
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.
May 09, 2022•47 min
