Chicago's Very Own Eats with Kevin Powell and Michael Piff: Recent Episodes
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The Chicago's Very Own Eats Podcast with Kevin Powell and Michael Piff from Chicago's Very Own, 720 WGN. From long-time favorites to newly opened locations, Italian beef joints to pizza places, burritos to sushi... 'Chicago's Very Own Eats' celebrates a WIDE range of food and restaurants in the greater Chicagoland area.
Italian Village has been an institution in Chicago for nearly a century (established in 1927). Fourth-generation co-owner Giovanna Capitanini and her brother, Jonathan, took over the family business a couple years ago, and you can learn all about it from Kevin Powell and Michael Piff’s conversation with them at the restaurant back in 2024.
Giovanna is back on the Chicago’s Very Own Eats podcast, joining Kevin and Michael in-studio at WGN Radio to talk about the Italian Village’s new espresso bar on the ground floor, Café Pisolino! Named after the Italian word for “Little Nap”, Café Pisolino invites guests to pause, whether for a morning espresso, a midday reset, or something in between. They discuss how the Cafe came together, the comfortable atmosphere that the space provides, being located in The Loop, the menu and having fun with seasonal items, and much more!
https://serve.castfire.com/audio/8580855/8580855_2026-08-07-194455.64kmono.mp3You can visit Café Pisolino on the ground floor at 71 W. Monroe Street in Chicago. Follow them on Instagram at CafePisolino_Chi and learn more at www.cafepisolino-chicago.com!
Recent postsChicago’s Very Own EatsGive yourself a break at Café Pisolino in The Loop.cls-4{fill:#000;}Old Town Pour House is coming to The Loop.cls-5{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}Biker Dude Burgers: Good vibes and the best burgers.cls-5{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}Cooperage Coffee: High quality cold brew to your door.cls-5{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}Enjoy good baseball and good eats in Schaumburg.cls-5{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}Click for more
Bottleneck Management was founded in 2001 by two college friends, Jason Akemann and Nathan Hilding, when they opened their first restaurant, Trace, in Wrigleyville. Since then, they’ve grown into a multi-brand hospitality company, with restaurants across the Chicago area, including Sweetwater Tavern & Grille on Michigan Ave, South Branch on the Chicago River, City Works, and Old Town Pour House.
Chief Marketing Officer Angela Zoiss joined Kevin Powell and Michael Piff on Chicago’s Very Own Eats, sponsored by The Puckered Pickle Company, to talk about Bottleneck’s history, how they’ve grown across the country, what you can expect at one of their restaurants, the new Old Town Pour House location opening in The Loop, the Naperville location’s 10th anniversary, and much more!
https://serve.castfire.com/audio/8521528/8521528_2026-07-17-170828.64kmono.mp3Angela was also gracious enough to bring some amazing eats for our WGN Radio staff from Sweetwater Tavern. Swipe through to see what we had the pleasure of enjoying for lunch.
- Mini Chicago Dogs from Sweetwater Tavern in Chicago. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- Blackened Chicken Caesar Wrap from Sweetwater Tavern in Chicago. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- The Sweetwater Burger and fries from Sweetwater Tavern in Chicago. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- The Bang Bang Shrimp from Sweetwater Tavern in Chicago. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- We had to show you these mini Chicago dogs again because they’re that good. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- Pretzel Bites from Sweetwater Tavern in Chicago. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- WGN Radio’s John Williams enjoying the spread provided by Bottleneck Management and Sweetwater Tavern. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio For updates and all things Chicago food, subscribe to Chicago’s Very Own Eats on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. All episodes are available on the Chicago’s Very Own Eats podcast page at WGNRadio.com.
Recent postsChicago’s Very Own EatsGive yourself a break at Café Pisolino in The Loop.cls-4{fill:#000;}Old Town Pour House is coming to The Loop.cls-5{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}Biker Dude Burgers: Good vibes and the best burgers.cls-5{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}Cooperage Coffee: High quality cold brew to your door.cls-5{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}Enjoy good baseball and good eats in Schaumburg.cls-5{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}Click for more
Darrin Klapprodt always had a dream of opening his own burger place. During the pandemic, Darrin took the steps make his dream a reality by perfecting his smashburger recipe, hosting “burger throwdowns” at local breweries, and started to serve up burgers at his own pop-ups. Fast forward to today, and Darrin’s “Biker Dude Burgers” are some of the most sought after in the entire greater Chicagoland area. Darrin joined Kevin Powell and Michael Piff on the Chicago’s Very Own Eats podcast, sponsored by The Puckered Pickle Company, to talk about his story, everything that goes into his making his famous burgers, how he loves promoting and telling the stories of other Chicago area restaurants and breweries, how you can hire him for your own events, where you can find him next, and much more! LISTEN below:
https://serve.castfire.com/audio/8501141/8501141_2026-07-10-000041.64kmono.mp3Swipe through to see photos from Darrin’s visit to WGN Radio and some of his amazing burgers below:
- WGN Radio’s Kevin Powell with Biker Dude Burgers’ Darrin Klapprodt. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- Behold! One of Biker Dude Burgers’ amazing smashburgers. Photo from Darrin Klapprodt / Biker Dude Burgers
- WGN Radio’s Michael Piff with with Biker Dude Burgers’ Darrin Klapprodt. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- Another glorious sight, aka one of Biker Dude Burgers’ amazing smashburgers. Photo from Darrin Klapprodt / Biker Dude Burgers
- WGN Radio’s Bob Kessler with Biker Dude Burgers’ Darrin Klapprodt. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- The award winning Biker Dude Burgers Team! Photo from Darrin Klapprodt / Biker Dude Burgers Follow and see where Biker Dude Burgers will be next on Instagram and Facebook. Check out the amazing places Darrin visits on his YouTube channel.
For updates and all things Chicago food, subscribe to Chicago’s Very Own Eats on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. All episodes are available on the Chicago’s Very Own Eats podcast page at WGNRadio.com.
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Before Starbucks and other chains made it more popular, Cooperage Coffee’s Eric Kobus was making cold-pressed coffee, aka cold brew, and has been selling it to coffee lovers in the greater DuPage County area since 2013. They have built a loyal following at the Wheaton French Market, where they serve cold brew and rotating flavors of iced draft lattes, and will deliver it your door with a subscription on CooperageCoffee.com. Eric joined Kevin Powell and Michael Piff on the Chicago’s Very Own Eats podcast, sponsored by The Puckered Pickle Company, to talk about how Cooperage began, the consistency and quality you get with their cold brew, what he loves about Farmers markets, what kinds of cold brew and iced lattes that they offer, trends in the coffee industry, growing their footprint and much more!
https://serve.castfire.com/audio/8487159/8487159_2026-07-01-202659.64kmono.mp3Follow Cooperage Coffee on Facebook and Instagram, and visit their website to learn more about them on CooperageCoffee.com.
- Cooperage Coffee director Eric Kobus at the WGN Radio studios. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- Eric Kobus from Cooperage Coffee meeting John Williams during his midday show on WGN Radio. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio For updates and all things Chicago food, subscribe to Chicago’s Very Own Eats on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. All episodes are available on the Chicago’s Very Own Eats podcast page at WGNRadio.com.
Recent postsChicago’s Very Own EatsGive yourself a break at Café Pisolino in The Loop.cls-4{fill:#000;}Old Town Pour House is coming to The Loop.cls-5{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}Biker Dude Burgers: Good vibes and the best burgers.cls-5{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}Cooperage Coffee: High quality cold brew to your door.cls-5{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}Enjoy good baseball and good eats in Schaumburg.cls-5{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}Click for more
Taking your family to a Cubs or White Sox game, while always a lot of fun, can be expensive and not always easy with young kids. In Schaumburg, the Boomers strive for a major league experience at an affordable price and comfortable time. Boomers EVP/GM Michael Larson and VP of food & beverage Ryan Dominick joined Kevin Powell and Michael Piff on Chicago’s Very Own Eats, sponsored by The Puckered Pickle Company, to talk about the ball club, running a baseball organization, the promotional nights to plan for, and yes, the food (this is a food podcast anyway). This was also a fun trip down memory lane for Michael Piff, as he was their stadium emcee for their first two seasons (2012-13). Listen to the conversation below:
https://serve.castfire.com/audio/8476618/8476618_2026-06-25-203618.64kmono.mp3Michael and Ryan also brought their friend and Boomers mascot, Coop, to WGN Radio. And Coop brought some amazing eats from Wintrust Field with them. Swipe through to see who Coop met and what he brought with!
- Schaumburg Boomers mascot Coop with the WGN Radio news team. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- Coop, The Boomer, with John Williams. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- The amazing spread from The Schaumburg Boomers. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- Funnel Cake Fries? Funnel Cake Fries. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- Coop and a tray of Italian Beef. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- Coop with WGN Radio Producer/Sports Anchor Jack Heinrich. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- Coop with WGN Radio’s Operations Manager Ashley Bihun. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- A Michael Piff “Team Photo” with Coop and Ryan Dominick from the Schaumburg Boomers. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio See the Schaumburg Boomers’ upcoming schedule and promo nights (including their July 3rd fireworks + drone shows, Jurassic Night, Back to the Future Night, and more) at boomersbaseball.com. Follow them on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn!
Recent postsChicago’s Very Own EatsGive yourself a break at Café Pisolino in The Loop.cls-4{fill:#000;}Old Town Pour House is coming to The Loop.cls-5{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}Biker Dude Burgers: Good vibes and the best burgers.cls-5{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}Cooperage Coffee: High quality cold brew to your door.cls-5{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}Enjoy good baseball and good eats in Schaumburg.cls-5{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}Click for more
After 3 weeks and 45,000 votes, we finally have a the winner of our inaugural Chicagoland’s Best Hot Dogs Tournament, sponsored by The Puckered Pickle Company.
Jon Hansen (in for John Williams) was joined by Chicago’s Very Own Eats Podcast co-host/bracketologist Michael Piff and Luke Newman from The Puckered Pickle Company to make the announcement and call the winner. LISTEN below to find out who won between Rand Red Hots and Cozzi Corner!
https://serve.castfire.com/audio/8468310/8468310_2026-06-22-160810.64kmono.mp3Congrats to Rand Red Hots for winning our first Chicagolands Hot Dog Tournament! And congrats to Cozzi Corner for the great run they made to reach the championship. Last but not least, thank you to everyone that voted and made this one of our biggest WGN Radio food tournaments yet!
See the rest of the round-by-round results on the 2026 Hot Dogs Tournament page. And follow The Puckered Pickle Company on Facebook and Instagram!
For more updates and all things Chicago food, subscribe to Chicago’s Very Own Eats on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. All episodes are available on the Chicago’s Very Own Eats podcast page at WGNRadio.com.
Recent postsChicago’s Very Own EatsGive yourself a break at Café Pisolino in The Loop.cls-4{fill:#000;}Old Town Pour House is coming to The Loop.cls-5{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}Biker Dude Burgers: Good vibes and the best burgers.cls-5{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}Cooperage Coffee: High quality cold brew to your door.cls-5{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}Enjoy good baseball and good eats in Schaumburg.cls-5{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}Click for more
After losing her job during the pandemic, Shawn Johnson found a hobby and a passion in making toffee. She turned that passion into a business, and now Shawn is winning awards with her in-demand Crafian Artisanal Toffee. Shawn joined Kevin Powell and Michael Piff on the Chicago’s Very Own Eats Podcast to talk more about her story, how she comes up with the fun and unique flavors, the markets and events that you can find her at, and how the Chicago Blackhawks’ Support West program is helping her grow her business! Listen below:
https://serve.castfire.com/audio/8463451/8463451_2026-06-18-192651.64kmono.mp3Kevin and Michael also gave an update on the Chicagoland’s Best Hot Dogs Tournament, now in the Championship round and sponsored by The Puckered Pickle Company.
You can learn more and see Crafian’s amazing toffee options (and what to pair them with) at Crafian.co. And you can follow Crafian on Instagram to stay updated on what they are doing!
Recent postsChicago’s Very Own EatsGive yourself a break at Café Pisolino in The Loop.cls-4{fill:#000;}Old Town Pour House is coming to The Loop.cls-5{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}Biker Dude Burgers: Good vibes and the best burgers.cls-5{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}Cooperage Coffee: High quality cold brew to your door.cls-5{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}Enjoy good baseball and good eats in Schaumburg.cls-5{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}Click for more
As WGN Radio’s inaugural Chicagoland’s Best Hot Dogs Tournament reaches its championship round, John Williams talked to Chicago’s Very Own Eats podcast co-host/bracketologist Michael Piff about the contenders facing off, Rand Red Hots and Cozzi Corner, and how listeners can vote. The champion will be announced Monday, June 22nd, on The John Williams Show after 10 AM. Vote between now and then right here!
https://serve.castfire.com/audio/8462995/8462995_2026-06-18-160735.64kmono.mp3For more updates and all things Chicago food, subscribe to Chicago’s Very Own Eats on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. All episodes are available on the Chicago’s Very Own Eats podcast page at WGNRadio.com.
Recent postsChicago’s Very Own EatsGive yourself a break at Café Pisolino in The Loop.cls-4{fill:#000;}Old Town Pour House is coming to The Loop.cls-5{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}Biker Dude Burgers: Good vibes and the best burgers.cls-5{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}Cooperage Coffee: High quality cold brew to your door.cls-5{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}Enjoy good baseball and good eats in Schaumburg.cls-5{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}Click for moreRecent PostsJohn WilliamsJohn Williams Speed Jokes 8-10-26.cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}John’s Photos: Ottawa’s Thai Cafe owner goes on vacation.cls-5{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}White Sox rain delay theatre with John’s granddaughter.cls-5{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}What do you think of the Sox Pope Hat giveaway?.cls-4{fill:#000;}John Williams Best of Speed Jokes 8-7-26.cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}Click for more
What began as Sunday family dinners and pop-ups during the pandemic, for Noel Peters, has become a growing, full-service catering business! Noel joined Kevin Powell and Michael Piff on Chicago’s Very Own Eats to talk about Soul Kitchen Chicago, the family traditions she honors with her menu, how the Chicago Blackhawks are supporting her and her business with their Support West program, and much more!
https://serve.castfire.com/audio/8448683/8448683_2026-06-12-185323.64kmono.mp3Michael and Kevin also discuss the latest with Chicagoland’s Best Hot Dogs Tournament, sponsored by The Puckered Pickle Company, and who is still in it!
For more on all things Chicago food, subscribe to Chicago’s Very Own Eats on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. All episodes are available on the Chicago’s Very Own Eats podcast page at WGNRadio.com.
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As you stroll through the 26th annual Ribfest Chicago, taking place June 5th to the 7th in the Northcenter neighborhood, you’ll see all of Nikki Haggerty’s barbecue teams setup along Lincoln. Chicago BBQ Company, Austin’s Texas Lightning BBQ, and Armadillo’s BBQ will be serving up ribs and competing among several other teams, but Nikki will be one of the only woman owners (and with 3 teams!).
Nikki joined Kevin Powell and Michael Piff on Chicago’s Very Own Eats to talk about her history in barbecue, taking over her dad’s business and then two more of her own, competing in festivals and competitions across the country, what sets Ribfest Chicago apart from other food festivals, and much more! Michael also gives an update following Round 1 of the inaugural Chicagoland’s Best Hot Dogs Tournament, sponsored by The Puckered Pickle Company. Listen below:
https://serve.castfire.com/audio/8432951/8432951_2026-06-04-215451.64kmono.mp3For more on all things Chicago food, subscribe to Chicago’s Very Own Eats on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. All episodes are available on the Chicago’s Very Own Eats podcast page at WGNRadio.com.
Recent postsChicago’s Very Own EatsGive yourself a break at Café Pisolino in The Loop.cls-4{fill:#000;}Old Town Pour House is coming to The Loop.cls-5{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}Biker Dude Burgers: Good vibes and the best burgers.cls-5{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}Cooperage Coffee: High quality cold brew to your door.cls-5{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}Enjoy good baseball and good eats in Schaumburg.cls-5{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}Click for more
The podcast that brought you the Chicago Pizza Madness Tournament, Best Beef Tournament and Best Burgers Tournament finally brings you its first Hot Dogs Tournament, sponsored by The Puckered Pickle Company.
Kevin Powell and Michael Piff discuss all the details on the latest episode of Chicago’s Very Own Eats. Voting will begin Monday, June 1st, at 10 AM on WGNRadio.com and the Chicago’s Very Own Eats Podcast page. Listen for more below:
https://serve.castfire.com/audio/8417964/8417964_2026-05-28-225704.64kmono.mp3As you listen, check out the inaugural Best Hot Dog Tournament bracket below.
Here are the Round 1 matchups for each region (which is very, very loosely based on geography)
The North Region
The Original Nana’s vs. Dogs on the Chain
Photo’s vs. Fratello’s
BellaLuke’s vs. Poppy’s
Hubby’s vs. Max’s Dawg House
Dog N’ Suds vs. The Mean Wiener
Paradise Pup vs. Z’s Char Dogs
Luke’s of Mundelein vs. Billy’s
Rand Red Hots vs. Dog Tracks
The East Region
Superdawg vs. Dear Franks
Budacki’s vs. Poochie’s
The Works vs. Flub a Dub Chub’s
Byron’s vs. Clark St. Dog
Jimmy’s vs. Mustard’s Last Stand
Bob-O’s vs. Bust Outs
Wolfy’s vs. Michael’s
Herm’s Palace vs. Chicago’s Dog House
The West Region
Gene and Jude’s vs. Happy Dog
Home Plate Hot Dogs vs. Gina’s
Pete’s vs. Fatt Mustard
Frannie’s vs. Teddy’s Red Hots
Henry’s vs. Parky’s
Heavenly Hot Dogs vs. Bubby’s
Double R Dogs vs. Boss Dawgz
Little Joe’s vs. Cozzi Corner
The South Region
35th Street Red Hots vs. Relish Chicago Hot Dogs
The Lucky Hot Dog vs. Fat Johnnie’s
Widen’s vs. Tasty Bite
Jody’s vs. Nicky’s Carryout
Duke’s Drive-In vs. Aussem Dogs
J’s Bacon Hot Dogs vs. Morry’s
Jacky’s vs. Hey! Hot Dog
Joe’s Hot Dogs vs. Sausage Fest Truck
Click here –> for the Chicagoland’s Best Hot Dogs Tournament voting page.
For more on all things Chicago food, subscribe to Chicago’s Very Own Eats on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. All episodes are available on the Chicago’s Very Own Eats podcast page at WGNRadio.com.
Recent postsChicago’s Very Own EatsGive yourself a break at Café Pisolino in The Loop.cls-4{fill:#000;}Old Town Pour House is coming to The Loop.cls-5{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}Biker Dude Burgers: Good vibes and the best burgers.cls-5{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}Cooperage Coffee: High quality cold brew to your door.cls-5{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}Enjoy good baseball and good eats in Schaumburg.cls-5{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}Click for more
Chicago’s Very Own Eats podcast co-host Mike Piff joins Wendy Snyder, in for Bob Sirott, to preview ‘Chicagoland’s Best Hot Dogs Tournament,’ sponsored by The Puckered Pickle Company, which kicks off June 1st. There will be 64 mom-and-pop shops across the area that will battle for the top spot! Mike asks listeners for their recommendations on the best hot dog places.
https://serve.castfire.com/audio/8405175/8405175_2026-05-22-125715.64kmono.mp3Recent postsChicago’s Very Own EatsGive yourself a break at Café Pisolino in The Loop.cls-4{fill:#000;}Old Town Pour House is coming to The Loop.cls-5{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}Biker Dude Burgers: Good vibes and the best burgers.cls-5{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}Cooperage Coffee: High quality cold brew to your door.cls-5{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}Enjoy good baseball and good eats in Schaumburg.cls-5{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}Click for moreRecent PostsBob SirottFresh blueberries included in the cyclospora outbreak.cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}Galloping Ghost Arcade to appear at Fan Expo Chicago.cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}Cat lovers grace Lincoln Square for a successful Caturday.cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}Blockbuster Blake’s review of ‘One Night Only’.cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}Associated Bank Market Outlook: 08/10/26.cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}Click for more
One of the best things about Chicago in the spring and summer is food festival season, and it officially starts with the fifth annual Windy City Hot Dog Fest from May 29th to May 31st. It’s organized by the Six Corners Chamber of Commerce, sponsored by Vienna Beef, and takes place at 4000 N. Milwaukee Avenue between Cuyler Avenue and Irving Park Road.
Also part of the festival are 10 of Chicagoland’s favorite hot dog vendors, who will be competing to be the “Top Dog” of the festival. One of the vendors that has been at the festival since the beginning is Byron’s Hot Dogs. Owner Mike Payne joined Kevin Powell and Michael Piff on the Chicago’s Very Own Eats Podcast, now sponsored by the Puckered Pickle Company, to talk about the festival, the history of Byron’s, why he only refers to ketchup as the “K Word”, serving hot dogs on the East Lawn of the White House, and much more!
Kevin and Michael introduced WGN Radio’s upcoming inaugural Chicagoland’s Best Hot Dogs Tournament, launching on June 1st! Listen below to learn all about it.
https://serve.castfire.com/audio/8403926/8403926_2026-05-21-193126.64kmono.mp3And thank you to Mike for bringing some Chicago style and Byron’s style jumbo dogs to the station for our staff to try. He has a lot of big fans at WGN Radio.
- Byron’s Hot Dogs owner Mike Payne with WGN Radio’s Jon Hansen. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- Mike Payne from Byron’s in a “Team Photo” with Chicago’s Very Own Eats co-hosts Kevin Powell and Michael Piff. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- A jumbo Chicago hot dog from Byron’s at WGN Radio. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio Get more details for the Windy City Hot Dog Fest, like vendors, hot dog eating contest, live music lineup, activities for children and the the “Top Dog” parade on ChicagoEvents.com! Follow Byron’s Hot Dogs on Facebook and Instagram, and visit either of their locations on Irving Park Road and Lawrence Ave!
For more on all things Chicago food, subscribe to Chicago’s Very Own Eats on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. All episodes are available on the Chicago’s Very Own Eats podcast page at WGNRadio.com.
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Jim Photopoulos opened the original Photo’s Hotdogs in Mount Prospect back in 1989 and that was WGN Radio sports anchor Kevin Powell’s stomping grounds when he was growing up. While Photo’s isn’t in Mount Prospect anymore, the location in Palatine is thriving on Northwest Highway, and giving back to the community that it helps bring together.
Jim joined Kevin and Michael Piff on the Chicago’s Very Own Eats podcast for a trip down memory lane for Kevin, but to also talk about the ways his business is helping others. For National Foster Care Awareness Month, Photo’s Hotdogs is donating $1 for every Chicken Pita sold (their most popular item) as part of Sip & Share for Foster Care and One Hope United. Listen fore more below:
https://serve.castfire.com/audio/8383049/8383049_2026-05-14-204049.64kmono.mp3Jim was also gracious enough to bring in an amazing spread from the menu at Photo’s for our WGN Radio staff. Swipe through below to see some of the great things they offer. There’s a good chance you’ll get hungry.
- Jim Photopoulos from Photo’s Hotdogs in Palatine. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- The incredible spread from Photo’s Hotdogs in Palatine. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- The Chili Dog from Photo’s in Palatine. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- BBQ Chicken Quesadilla from Photo’s. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- The cheeseburger from Photo’s. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- The Italian Beef from Photo’s. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- The gyro on pita from Photo’s. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio Photo’s Hotdogs is located at 301 North Northwest Highway, Palatine, IL 60067. Learn more about them on their website at photoshotdogs.com, and follow them on Instagram and Facebook!
For more on all things Chicago food, subscribe to Chicago’s Very Own Eats on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. All episodes are available on the Chicago’s Very Own Eats podcast page at WGNRadio.com.
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Sweet Baby Ray’s started in Chicago with Duce Raymond’s father, Chef Larry Raymond, and uncle, Dave Raymond – the creators of Sweet Baby Ray’s Barbecue Sauce. Great barbecue sauce is in his blood, and as an accomplished, award-winning chef, Duce is carrying his family’s legacy into a new era with Sweet Baby Ray’s Catering, Duce’s Wild BBQ and True Cuisine.
Duce joined Kevin Powell and Michael Piff on the Chicago’s Very Own Podcast to talk about his family’s story, the growing popularity of catering barbecue, creating food content, educating aspiring chefs and grillers, and to share some breaking news regarding his new restaurant coming to Wood Dale! Kevin and Michael also get some much-needed tips on barbecue and grilling that you don’t want to miss out on.
https://serve.castfire.com/audio/8351685/8351685_2026-04-30-223425.64kmono.mp3Follow Duce Raymond on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. Check out his podcast on Apple or wherever you get your podcasts too!
For more on all things Chicago food, subscribe to Chicago’s Very Own Eats on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. All episodes are available on the Chicago’s Very Own Eats podcast page at WGNRadio.com.
Recent postsChicago’s Very Own EatsGive yourself a break at Café Pisolino in The Loop.cls-4{fill:#000;}Old Town Pour House is coming to The Loop.cls-5{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}Biker Dude Burgers: Good vibes and the best burgers.cls-5{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}Cooperage Coffee: High quality cold brew to your door.cls-5{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}Enjoy good baseball and good eats in Schaumburg.cls-5{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}Click for more
In 2014, Anas Masoud had an idea to create a club for Chicago area burger lovers to connect, try and talk about their favorite burgers. As he puts it, “life happened” and the idea was put on the backburner. Fast forward to today, and Nas has brought his Windy City Burger Social Club to life on Instagram, and created his own recipe that has become a viral sensation – which he cooks at his South Loop Market location in Logan Square, and makes at pop-ups all over the Chicago area.
Nas joined Kevin Powell and Michael Piff on the Chicago’s Very Own Eats podcast to talk all about his story, reviewing burgers across the area, different places and styles they each love, and much more.
https://serve.castfire.com/audio/8333377/8333377_2026-04-24-173217.64kmono.mp3We were also very appreciative of Nas for bringing some of his delicious burgers, cheesesteak sandwiches and chicken wrap sandwiches. Swipe below to see them.
- The famous Windy City Burger Social Club smashburger. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- John Williams getting to try the Windy City Burger Social Club burger and meeting Anas Masoud during a commercial break. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- Anas Masoud showing off his Cheesesteak sandwich. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- Yes, it’s even better than it looks. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- Anas in a “Team Photo” with Chicago’s Very Own Eats hosts Michael Piff and Kevin Powell. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio Find each of the South Loop Market locations here. And to see where his next pop-up will be, follow Nas on Instagram at WindyCityBurgerSocialClub!
For more on all things Chicago food, subscribe to Chicago’s Very Own Eats on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. All episodes are available on the Chicago’s Very Own Eats podcast page at WGNRadio.com.
Recent postsChicago’s Very Own EatsGive yourself a break at Café Pisolino in The Loop.cls-4{fill:#000;}Old Town Pour House is coming to The Loop.cls-5{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}Biker Dude Burgers: Good vibes and the best burgers.cls-5{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}Cooperage Coffee: High quality cold brew to your door.cls-5{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}Enjoy good baseball and good eats in Schaumburg.cls-5{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}Click for more
Since 2017, Roaring Table in Lake Zurich has been brewing some of the best beer in the greater Chicagoland area. And in the last year, they have been serving some of the best pizza too.
Founders and husband-wife duo Lane Fearing and Beth May joined Kevin Powell and Michael Piff on the Chicago’s Very Own Eats to talk about their story, their roles at the brewery, the Shakespearean inspiration for the name, what sets them apart from other brewers, the several different styles of pizza that they serve, upcoming events, and much more!
https://serve.castfire.com/audio/8276643/8276643_2026-04-16-211443.64kmono.mp3Beth and Lane were also generous enough to bring their pizza and beer down for our WGN Radio staff to try. Swipe below to see some of their Chicago tavern, New York and Detroit-style offerings, which we all will be thinking about for a very, very long time.
- Beth May and Lane Fearing from Roaring Table in Lake Zurich, with a lineup of their beer and one of the pizzas they brought to our WGN Radio studio. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- Beth May and Lane Fearing, with an incredible selection of their pizzas from Roaring Table in Lake Zurich. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- Chicago, New York and Detroit all represented at Roaring Table. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- The “Nonna’s Meatball” pizza is special. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- There’s something for everyone at Roaring Table. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- John Williams quickly became a Roaring Table believer after trying it. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- Beth and Lane from Roaring Table with Chicago’s Very Own Eats co-hosts Kevin Powell and Michael Piff. (WGN Radio) Roaring Table is located at 739 West Route 22, Lake Zurich, IL 60047. Learn more and check out their menu at RoaringTable.com. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
For more on all things Chicago food, subscribe to Chicago’s Very Own Eats on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. All episodes are available on the Chicago’s Very Own Eats podcast page at WGNRadio.com.
Recent postsChicago’s Very Own EatsGive yourself a break at Café Pisolino in The Loop.cls-4{fill:#000;}Old Town Pour House is coming to The Loop.cls-5{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}Biker Dude Burgers: Good vibes and the best burgers.cls-5{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}Cooperage Coffee: High quality cold brew to your door.cls-5{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}Enjoy good baseball and good eats in Schaumburg.cls-5{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}Click for more
Our 2026 Chicago Pizza Madness Tournament, sponsored by Chicago Brick Oven, started with 128 pizza places in our “Mom & Pops” bracket. The one to come out on top was Bartolini’s of Midlothian!
A day after winning our month-long tournament, owner Chris Bartolini joined Kevin Powell and Michael Piff on the Chicago’s Very Own Eats podcast to talk about what being a part of the tournament was like, talking and reconnecting with other competing pizza owners, the support from longtime customers and the community, his wife’s efforts running their social media, and much more.
https://serve.castfire.com/audio/8063102/8063102_2026-03-27-192802.64kmono.mp3And thank you to Chris for bringing some of their award-winning pizza and meatballs for us to try at WGN Radio!
If you haven’t yet, go visit Chris and his team at 3844 West 147th Street, Midlothian, IL. You can learn more about them at Bartolinis.com. They also ship nationwide and to Canada on GOLDBELLY! (Chris has tattoo to show his appreciation). Follow them on Facebook and Instagram to see all the work they put in to promote their matchups in this year’s tournament too!
For more on Chicago Pizza Madness and all things Chicago food, subscribe to Chicago’s Very Own Eats on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. All episodes are available on the Chicago’s Very Own Eats podcast page at WGNRadio.com.
Recent postsChicago’s Very Own EatsGive yourself a break at Café Pisolino in The Loop.cls-4{fill:#000;}Old Town Pour House is coming to The Loop.cls-5{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}Biker Dude Burgers: Good vibes and the best burgers.cls-5{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}Cooperage Coffee: High quality cold brew to your door.cls-5{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}Enjoy good baseball and good eats in Schaumburg.cls-5{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}Click for more
After 4 weeks of voting on 160 Chicago pizza places, 128 Mom & Pops and 32 Local Chains, the polls are closed and we have our 2026 Chicago Pizza Madness Champions.
Chicago’s Very Own Eats co-host and WGN Radio bracketologist Michael Piff joined John Williams and Andy Masur to announce and call the winners. Listen below:
https://serve.castfire.com/audio/8060102/8060102_2026-03-26-151302.64kmono.mp3Congrats to Bartolini’s of Midlothian for winning our Mom and Pops Championship, and Rosati’s for winning our Local Chains Championship! We also appreciate Uncle Jerry’s and Antioch Pizza Shop, and the communities that support them, for all of their work, energy and enthusiasm to make the runs that they did in our 2026 Tournament.
And thank you to our sponsor, Chicago Brick Oven, for their support throughout our tournament. For round-by-round results in both “Mom & Pops” and “Local Chains” brackets, go to our main 2026 Chicago Pizza Madness page.
Updated brackets are below:
The final “Mom & Pops Edition” BracketThe final “Local Chains Division” BracketFor more on Chicago Pizza Madness and all things Chicago food, subscribe to Chicago’s Very Own Eats on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. All episodes are available on the Chicago’s Very Own Eats podcast page at WGNRadio.com.
Recent postsChicago’s Very Own EatsGive yourself a break at Café Pisolino in The Loop.cls-4{fill:#000;}Old Town Pour House is coming to The Loop.cls-5{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}Biker Dude Burgers: Good vibes and the best burgers.cls-5{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}Cooperage Coffee: High quality cold brew to your door.cls-5{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}Enjoy good baseball and good eats in Schaumburg.cls-5{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}Click for more
Billy Bricks CEO Ric Gruber has been busy. With seven Billy Bricks Pizza locations and a mobile fleet of pizza and ice cream trucks, he’s bringing his Moo Joe’s ice cream to Evanston in the beloved Parlor on Central (2002 Central Street). Ric joined Kevin Powell and Michael Piff on Chicago’s Very Own Eats to talk about all the things Billy Bricks and Moo Joe’s have going on, and shares an exclusive announcement regarding the next Moo Joe’s location that will be coming to the Chicagoland area.
https://serve.castfire.com/audio/8048825/8048825_2026-03-20-194325.64kmono.mp3As you listen to Ric talk about the delicious Moo Joe’s ice cream, swipe below to see it for your self.
- Billy Bricks CEO Ric Gruber pouring a root beer float with his wide variety of Moo Joe’s ice cream options. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- The lineup from Moo Joe’s ice cream. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- That ice cream sandwich was the size of a Chicago softball! Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- If you weren’t already craving ice cream, we bet you are now. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- Billy Bricks CEO Ric Gruber with a delicious variety of Moo Joe’s ice cream at WGN Radio. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio Kevin and Michael also discuss the latest with Chicago Pizza Madness, sponsored by Chicago Brick Oven.
Stay updated on tournament results and all things Chicago food by subscribing to Chicago’s Very Own Eats on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. All episodes are available on the Chicago’s Very Own Eats podcast page at WGNRadio.com.
Recent postsChicago’s Very Own EatsGive yourself a break at Café Pisolino in The Loop.cls-4{fill:#000;}Old Town Pour House is coming to The Loop.cls-5{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}Biker Dude Burgers: Good vibes and the best burgers.cls-5{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}Cooperage Coffee: High quality cold brew to your door.cls-5{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}Enjoy good baseball and good eats in Schaumburg.cls-5{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}Click for more
Between St. Patrick’s Day, Illinois Primary Election Day, and just being one Chicago’s all-time great places for comfort food, it’s an understatement to say Manny’s Deli is busy. Because of that, Kevin Powell and Michael Piff were glad 4th-generation owner Dan Raskins could make time to join them for the 100th episode of Chicago’s Very Own Eats!
https://serve.castfire.com/audio/8030755/8030755_2026-03-12-203655.64kmono.mp3Some of the topics covered in this wide-ranging conversation include…
– how Chicagoans love to get their corned beef from them for St. Paddy’s
– where the tradition on politicians stopping by on election day came from
– how you can find their meats in other restaurants across Chicagoland
– weddings taking place at the restaurant
– some of Dan’s favorite things on the menu
– the growing deli scene in Chicago
– and why Dan embraces collaboration and community over competition
- Chicago’s Very Own Eats Podcast hosts Michael Piff and Kevin Powell with Manny’s Deli owner Dan Raskin. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- 4th-generation owner of Manny’s Deli Dan Raskins on the Chicago’s Very Own Eats Podcast with Kevin Powell and Michael Piff. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- A Manny’s Reuben sandwich, provided by owner Dan Raskin. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio They also discuss the latest with this year’s Chicago Pizza Madness Tournament, as a new round begins for our Mom & Pops Bracket and Local Chains Division. Sponsored by Chicago Brick Oven – the finest U.S. made pizza ovens for your backyard.
Last, but not least, thanks to everyone who has listened to our podcast for the past few years, and for everyone that has joined us as guests! We’re already looking forward to the next 100, but we wouldn’t be able to do this without you all.
Stay updated on tournament results and all things Chicago food by subscribing to Chicago’s Very Own Eats on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. All episodes are available on the Chicago’s Very Own Eats podcast page at WGNRadio.com.
Recent postsChicago’s Very Own EatsGive yourself a break at Café Pisolino in The Loop.cls-4{fill:#000;}Old Town Pour House is coming to The Loop.cls-5{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}Biker Dude Burgers: Good vibes and the best burgers.cls-5{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}Cooperage Coffee: High quality cold brew to your door.cls-5{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}Enjoy good baseball and good eats in Schaumburg.cls-5{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}Click for more
Jarosch Bakery opened in Elk Grove Village in 1959, and has been a staple in the community ever since. In 2024, owners Ken and Kathy Jarosch sold to family-owned Ideal Bakery and still remain very involved with Jarosch’s in its new era. Ideal Bakery president Chris Kowall joined Kevin Powell and Michael Piff on the Chicago’s Very Own Eats podcast to talk about the misconceptions that surround Jarosch’s today, the necessity of the new location (111 E. Higgins Rd. in Elk Grove Village) how they’ve kept all the same recipes, techniques and employees from before, and why you should ask for him or one of his family members when you visit.
https://serve.castfire.com/audio/8017263/8017263_2026-03-06-203503.64kmono.mp3Chris was also kind enough to bring some amazing treats from both Jarosch and Oak Mill bakeries for our WGN Radio staff to try.
- WGN Radio’s John Williams with Ideal Bakery/Jarosch President Chris Kowal, with a delicious display of sweets. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- A beautiful and tasty spread of sweets from Jarosch’s and Oak Mill bakeries. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- A beautiful and tasty spread of sweets from Jarosch’s and Oak Mill bakeries. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- A beautiful and tasty spread of sweets from Jarosch’s and Oak Mill bakeries. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- A beautiful and tasty spread of sweets from Jarosch’s and Oak Mill bakeries. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- Jarosch Bakery has been “baking memories” since 1959. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio Kevin and Michael also discussed the latest with Chicago Pizza Madness, which is currently underway on WGNRadio.com! Sponsored by Chicago Brick Oven – the finest U.S. made pizza ovens for your backyard.
Follow Ideal Bakery on Instagram, as well as Jarosch and Oak Mill Bakery.
Stay updated on tournament results and all things Chicago food by subscribing to Chicago’s Very Own Eats on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. All episodes are available on the Chicago’s Very Own Eats podcast page at WGNRadio.com.
Recent postsChicago’s Very Own EatsGive yourself a break at Café Pisolino in The Loop.cls-4{fill:#000;}Old Town Pour House is coming to The Loop.cls-5{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}Biker Dude Burgers: Good vibes and the best burgers.cls-5{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}Cooperage Coffee: High quality cold brew to your door.cls-5{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}Enjoy good baseball and good eats in Schaumburg.cls-5{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}Click for more
Chicago’s Very Own Eats podcast co-host Michael Piff joins Bob Sirott to talk about the 2026 Pizza Madness tournament and how Bob inspired a twist for the local chains competition.
https://serve.castfire.com/audio/8016069/8016069_2026-03-06-130409.64kmono.mp3Click here to vote in the Chicago Pizza Madness Tournament 2026 and the Chicago Pizza Madness 2026: Local Chains Division.
Recent postsChicago’s Very Own EatsGive yourself a break at Café Pisolino in The Loop.cls-4{fill:#000;}Old Town Pour House is coming to The Loop.cls-5{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}Biker Dude Burgers: Good vibes and the best burgers.cls-5{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}Cooperage Coffee: High quality cold brew to your door.cls-5{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}Enjoy good baseball and good eats in Schaumburg.cls-5{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}Click for moreRecent PostsBob SirottFresh blueberries included in the cyclospora outbreak.cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}Galloping Ghost Arcade to appear at Fan Expo Chicago.cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}Cat lovers grace Lincoln Square for a successful Caturday.cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}Blockbuster Blake’s review of ‘One Night Only’.cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}Associated Bank Market Outlook: 08/10/26.cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}Click for more
Host of WGN Radio podcast “Chicago’s Very Own Eats” Mike Piff joins Wendy Snyder, filling in for Lisa Dent, to talk the 2026 Pizza Bracket. This year, the bracket features more pizza joints than ever before. 128 “Mom and Pop” pizza places will duke it out in their own bracket, separated by region, while 32 of Chicago’s most popular pizza chains compete in another. Keep up with the bracket all month long and support your local pizza spot.
https://serve.castfire.com/audio/8008243/Michael_Piff_03_03_2026_2026-03-03-210543.64kmono.mp3Recent postsChicago’s Very Own EatsGive yourself a break at Café Pisolino in The Loop.cls-4{fill:#000;}Old Town Pour House is coming to The Loop.cls-5{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}Biker Dude Burgers: Good vibes and the best burgers.cls-5{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}Cooperage Coffee: High quality cold brew to your door.cls-5{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}Enjoy good baseball and good eats in Schaumburg.cls-5{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}Click for moreRecent PostsLisa DentPaulie Gee’s: A pizza the size of Sabrina Carpenter?.cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}Glink: Weak jobs report amid an AI-fueled economy.cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}The 12th annual Taste of Evanston food festival.cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}Beep Baseball’s 50th World Series.cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}Dr. Willie Wilson makes his case for Chicago Mayor.cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}Click for more
How has it already been a year since our last Pizza Madness Tournament?
After doubling the field last year to 128, and the championship victory by Rosati’s, we go into Year 4 of Chicago Pizza Madness with another new twist! We have moved the local chains into their own 32-competitor division, and will allow 128 “Mom & Pop” pizza places to duke it out in their own bracket-style tournament. Listen to our Chicago’s Very Own Eats podcast preview with Kevin Powell and Michael Piff for more info.
https://serve.castfire.com/audio/8001653/8001653_2026-02-27-194953.64kmono.mp3The 2026 edition of Chicago Pizza Madness starts Tuesday, March 3rd at 10 AM. Champions will be crowned on Thursday, March 26th, after the final polls close at 10 AM. Sponsored by Chicago Brick Oven – the finest U.S. made pizza ovens for your backyard.
[UPDATE]: POLLS HAVE OFFICIALLY CLOSED and our Chicago Pizza Madness Champions have been announced. Listen to the announcement from The John Williams Show here!Congrats to Bartolini’s of Midlothian for winning our Mom and Pops Championship, and Rosati’s for winning our Local Chains Championship! We also appreciate Uncle Jerry’s and Antioch Pizza Shop, and the communities that support them, for all of their work, energy and enthusiasm to make the runs that they did in our 2026 Tournament.
Below is the full “Mom and Pops” bracket, which you can view closer by clicking on the graphic:
See the North Region Matchups hereSee the East Region Matchups hereSee the West Region Matchups hereSee the South Region Matchups hereThe Local Chains Division Voting will take place entirely in the link below, starting March 3rd at 10 AM. [UPDATE] The Local Chains Division Championship between Antioch Pizza Shop and Rosati’s goes until Thursday, March 26th at 10 AM.
See the Local Chains Division Polling hereThroughout the tournament, TUNE IN to WGN Radio 720 AM for round-by-round score updates or stream on wgnradio.com. After each round, we will post the results of each matchup here.
“Mom and Pops” Round 6 (Final Feast)Uncle Jerry’s over Pequod’s with 64% of the vote
Bartolini’s over Wooden Paddle with 59% of the vote
“Mom and Pops” Round 5 (Elite Eats)In the North Region…Uncle Jerry’s (Cary) over Nick’s (Crystal Lake) with 67% of the vote
In the East Region…Pequod’s (Lincoln Park) over Pat’s (Lincoln Park) with 51% of the vote
In the West Region…Wooden Paddle (Lemont) over Dan’s (Downers Grove) with 63% of the vote
In the South Region…Bartolini’s (Midlothian) over Fox’s (Orland Park) with 85% of the vote
Local Chain’s Division Round 4 (Final Four)Antioch Pizza Shop over Pizzeria Uno with 73% of the vote
Rosati’s over Lou Malnati’s with 74% of the vote
“Mom and Pops” Round 4 (Slice 16)In the North Region…Uncle Jerry’s over Emil’s with 68% of the vote
Nick’s over Bill’s with 50.1% of the vote
In the East Region…Pequod’s over Chicago Pizza & Oven Grinder Company with 62% of the vote
Pat’s over Zaza’s with 69% of the vote
In the West Region…Dan’s over Nonnie’s with 65% of the vote
Wooden Paddle over Mamma Maria’s with 68% of the vote
In the South Region…Bartolini’s over Village Pizza with 62% of the vote
Fox’s over Palermo’s of 63rd with 62% of the vote
Local Chain’s Division Round 3 (Elite Eats)Pizzeria Uno over Nancy’s with 50.2% of the vote
Antioch Pizza Shop over Aurelio’s with 64% of the vote
Rosati’s over Gino’s East with 80% of the vote
Lou Malnati’s over Giordano’s with 60% of the vote
“Mom and Pops” Round 3In the North Region…Uncle Jerry’s over JJ Twigs with 79% of the vote
Emil’s over Chicago Pizza Authority with 57% of the vote
Nick’s over Georgio’s with 53% of the vote
Bill’s over Mug’s with 62% of the vote
In the East Region…Pequod’s over Coalfire with 72% of the vote
Chicago Pizza & Oven Grinder over D’Amato’s with 56% of the vote
Zaza’s over Art of Pizza with 54% of the vote
Pat’s over Pizz’Amici with 55% of the vote
In the West Region…Nonnie’s over Kim’s Uncle with 53% of the vote
Dan’s over Barone’s with 63% of the vote
Wooden Paddle over Papa’s Place with 59% of the vote
Mamma Maria’s over Positano’s with 53% of the vote
In the South Region…Bartolini’s over Vito & Nick’s with 62% of the vote
Village Pizza over Phil’s with 62% of the vote
Fox’s over Palermo’s on 95th with 51% of the vote
Palermo’s of 63rd over Angie’s with 51% of the vote
Local Chain’s Division Round 2 (Slice 16)Uno’s over Barraco’s with 69% of the vote
Nancy’s over Salerno’s with 53% of the vote
Antioch Pizza Shop over Pizano’s with 54% of the vote
Aurelio’s over Moretti’s with 59% of the vote
Rosati’s over Tortorice’s with 91% of the vote
Gino’s East over D’Agostino’s with 66% of the vote
Giordano’s over Home Run Inn with 57% of the vote
Lou Malnati’s over Paisan’s with 79% of the vote
“Mom and Pops” Round 2 ResultsIn the North Region…Uncle Jerry’s over Italian Pizza Kitchen with 83% of the vote
JJ Twigs over Buddyz with 52% of the vote
Emil’s over Burt’s Place with 57% of the vote
Chicago Pizza Authority over Tievoli with 64% of the vote
Georgio’s over Silo with with 71% of the vote
Nick’s over Barnaby’s with 56% of the vote
Mug’s over George’s with 57% of the vote
Bill’s over White Cottage with 72% of the vote
In the East Region…Pequod’s over Professor Pizza with 68% of the vote
Coalfire over Pompei with 54% of the vote
Chicago Pizza & Oven Grinder over Robert’s with 65% of the vote
D’Amato’s over Paulie Gee’s with 67% of the vote
Zaza’s over Spacca Napoli with 60% of the vote
Art of Pizza over Piece with 51% of the vote
Pat’s over Labriola with 64% of the vote
Pizz’Amici over Zarella with 73% of the vote
In the West Region…Kim’s Uncle over Little Italian with 53% of the vote
Nonnie’s over Fast Eddy’s with 73% of the vote
Dan’s over Amato’s with with 66% of the vote
Barone’s over Angelo’s with 50.5% of the vote
Papa’s Place over Capri Pizza with 69% of the vote
Wooden Paddle over Armand’s with 61% of the vote
Positano’s over Pizza Napoli with 52% of the vote
Mamma Maria’s over Rosario’s with 50.6% of the vote
In the South Region…Vito & Nick’s over Danny’s Place with 85% of the vote
Bartolini’s over Fat Ricky’s with 78% of the vote
Village Pizza over Joe’s Italian Villa with 60% of the vote
Phil’s over Connie’s with 56% of the vote
Palermo’s on 95th over Mid Villa with 76% of the vote
Fox’s over Ed & Joe’s with 54% of the vote
Angie’s over Chicago Dough Company with 66% of the vote
Palermo’s of 63rd over Rico’s with 76% of the vote
Local Chain’s Division Round 1Pizzeria Uno over Papa Saverio’s with 63% of the vote
Barraco’s over Dimo’s with 66% of the vote
Salerno’s over Slyce with 74% of the vote
Nancy’s over Little Pops with 74% of the vote
Antioch Pizza Shop over Maciano’s with 56% of the vote
Pizano’s over Riverside Pizza and Pub with 63% of the vote
Moretti’s over Beggars with 62% of the vote
Aurelio’s over Gia Mia with 75% of the vote
Rosati’s over Taylor Street with 89% of the vote
Tortorice’s over Italian Fiesta with 59% of the vote
Gino’s East over Bob’s Pizza with 77% of the vote
D’Agostino’s over Jimano’s with 69% of the vote
Home Run Inn over Parlor with 73% of the vote
Giordano’s over Bacci with 78% of the vote
Paisan’s over Falco’s with 65% of the vote
Lou Malnati’s over Billy Bricks with 81% of the vote
“Mom & Pop” Bracket Round 1 ResultsIn the North Region…Uncle Jerry’s over Tammy’s with 84% of the vote
Italian Pizza Kitchen over Little Joey’s with 53% of the vote
Buddyz over Joe’s with 56% of the vote
JJ Twigs over Nonna Silvia’s with 66% of the vote
Burts Place over Pizzeria DeVille with 53% of the vote
Emil’s over Kaiser’s with 65% of the vote
Tievoli over Hitz with 59% of the vote
Chicago Pizza Authority over Quonset with 70% of the vote
Georgio’s over Buffo’s with 80% of the vote
Silo over Trattoria Poretta with 51% of the vote
Barnaby’s over Nino’s with 68% of the vote
Nick’s over Frato’s with 85% of the vote
George’s over Joanie’s with 59% of the vote
Mug’s over Wayne’s with 50.1% of the vote
White Cottage over Geo’s with 54% of the vote
Bill’s over Station 34 with 71% of the vote
In the East Region…Pequod’s over Ranalli’s with 81% of the vote
Professor Pizza over Flo & Santo with 53% of the vote
Coalfire over Pizza Lobo with 55% of the vote
Pompei over Michael’s with 61% of the vote
Chicago Pizza & Oven Grinder over Peanut Park with 72% of the vote
Robert’s over Exchequer with 76% of the vote
Paulie Gee’s over JB Alberto’s with 68% of the vote
D’Amato’s over Milly’s with 69% of the vote
Spacca Napoli over Bellona’s with 50.1% of the vote
Zaza’s over Bartoli’s with 61% of the vote
Art of Pizza over Jimmy’s with 63% of the vote
Piece over Pizzeria Portofino with 55% of the vote
Labriola over Candlelite with 71% of the vote
Pat’s over Novel Pizza with 81% of the vote
Zarella over Roots by 50.1% of the vote
Pizz’Amici over Forno Rosso with 69% of the vote
In the West Region…Kim’s Uncle over Dough with 67% of the vote
Little Italian over Mattone with 70% of the vote
Nonnie’s over Pie Life with 79% of the vote
Fast Eddy’s over Nemec Bros. with 62% of the vote
Dan’s over Pyramid with 89% of the vote
Amato’s over Giardino Trattoria with 63% of the vote
Angelo’s over V&V Paesano with 80% of the vote
Barone’s over Bertoli’s with 59% of the vote
Papa’s Place over Al’s with 54% of the vote
Capri Pizza over Euro Crepes & Pizza with 84% of the vote
Wooden Paddle over Brasi’s with 63% of the vote
Armand’s over Nonno Carm’s with 65% of the vote
Pizza Napoli over Dominick’s with 65% of the vote
Positano’s over Gulliver’s with 51% of the vote
Mamma Maria’s over Freedom Bros. with 72% of the vote
Rosario’s over Gianorio’s with 64% of the vote
In the South Region…Vito & Nick’s over Fasano’s with 82% of the vote
Danny’s Place over Punky’s with 75% of the vote
Fat Ricky’s over Milano’s with 60% of the vote
Bartolini’s over Villa Nova with 83% of the vote
Joe’s Italian Villa over Rosangela’s with 54% of the vote
Village Pizza over Pizza Nova with 81% of the vote
Phil’s over Louisa’s with 60% of the vote
Connie’s over Mama Vesuvio’s with 51% of the vote
Palermo’s 95th over Russo’s with 81% of the vote
Mid Villa over Route 66 Pizza with 60% of the vote
Ed & Joe’s over Chesdan’s with 77% of the vote
Fox’s over Jullianni’s with 78% of the vote
Chicago Dough Company over Cipriani with 55% of the vote
Angie’s over Pizza Castle with 80% of the vote
Rico’s over Pudgy’s with 63% of the vote
Palermo’s of 63rd over Old Chicago Pizza with 71% of the vote
As it was 4 years ago when we first launched our Chicago’s Very Own Eats food tournaments, the goal of Chicago Pizza Madness is to promote local businesses. While we encourage everyone to support and promote their favorite pizza places, we also highly recommend trying as many of this year’s participants as possible. A resource to help you find each pizza place will be made available soon.
Stay updated on tournament results and all things Chicago food by subscribing to Chicago’s Very Own Eats on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. All episodes are available on the Chicago’s Very Own Eats podcast page at WGNRadio.com.
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Sankyu Sushi & Izakaya is new to the Mount Prospect area, and has the goal of bringing an elevated Japanese dining experience to the Northwest suburbs. Sankyu Sushi spokesman Han Jeon joined Kevin Powell and Michael Piff on the Chicago’s Very Own Eats podcast to talk about why they opened in Kevin’s hometown, what Japanese traditions they incorporate into their day-to-day operations, how they value serving their guests the freshest and best food they can find, their new karaoke room, and much more!
https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7986260/7986260_2026-02-20-012700.64kmono.mp3As mentioned on the podcast, Kevin, Michael and several of their WGN Radio teammates were treated to sushi and skewers prepared by the team from Sankyu. Swipe to see what they enjoyed below:
- Sushi and skewers from Sankyu Sushi & Izakaya in Mount Prospect. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- Sushi and skewers from Sankyu Sushi & Izakaya in Mount Prospect. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- Sushi and skewers from Sankyu Sushi & Izakaya in Mount Prospect. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- Sushi and skewers from Sankyu Sushi & Izakaya in Mount Prospect. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- Sushi and skewers from Sankyu Sushi & Izakaya in Mount Prospect. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- What you can look forward to having to drink at Sankyu. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio Learn more about Sankyu Sushi & Izakaya by visiting their website, and follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
Stay updated on all things Chicago food by subscribing to Chicago’s Very Own Eats on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. All episodes are available on the Chicago’s Very Own Eats podcast page at WGNRadio.com.
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On the 21st floor of The LaSalle Chicago hotel (208 S LaSalle St, Chicago, IL) is a hidden gem that is better described as an “experience” than just a restaurant. Grill on 21, as part of Roanoke Hospitality, offers a modern, elevated twist on the classics you know from American steakhouses, and a bar that will make you feel like you’re in ‘Mad Men.’
Executive Chef Carlos Deleon joined Kevin Powell and Michael Piff on the Chicago’s Very Own Eats podcast to talk about Grill on 21, the menu, the collaboration with Chef Rick Tramonto, his experience and influences as a chef, and much more!
https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7975784/7975784_2026-02-13-194824.64kmono.mp3Chef Carlos was kind enough to bring some dishes for Kevin, Michael and the WGN Radio staff to try. Swipe through to see them while you listen!
- Chef Carlos Deleon with Kevin Powell and Michael Piff after recording the Chicago’s Very Own Eats Podcast. (WGN Radio)
- Lobster Mac and Cheese from Grill on 21. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- A delicious 14 oz. strip from Grill on 21. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- Lobster and shrimp salad from Grill on 21. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- An 8 oz. filet from Grill on 21. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- The wedge salad from Grill on 21. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio Learn more about Grill on 21 and see the menu at Grillon21.com. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
Stay updated on all things Chicago food by subscribing to Chicago’s Very Own Eats on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. All episodes are available on the Chicago’s Very Own Eats podcast page at WGNRadio.com.
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“Tievoli” backwards is “I love it.” And you’ll be saying exactly that when you try their pizza.
That’s what Chef Giovanni Labbate had in mind when he opened his restaurant at 44 W. Palatine Rd in Palatine, 3 years ago. Tievoli Pizza Bar celebrates its 3rd anniversary on Valentine’s Day this year, after winning and placing in competitions in both the U.S. and Italy with their authentic New York and Detroit-style pizzas. Chef Giovanni joined Kevin Powell and Michael Piff on the Chicago’s Very Own Eats Podcast to talk about Tievoli, participating in pizza competitions, his love for pizza, their pizza truck, opening in Palatine, and how Tievoli plans to celebrate their 3rd anniversary.
https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7961602/7961602_2026-02-06-183302.64kmono.mp3Our WGN Radio staff was also thrilled to try the pizza that Chef Giovanni brought from Tievoli, as you can see below:
- Chef Giovanni Labbate from Tievoli PIzza Bar at WGN Radio. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- Bob Kessler and Ryan Burrow from the WGN Radio Newsroom, glad they got a slice from Tievoli. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- Chef Giovanni Labbate from Tievoli Pizza Bar, with John Williams, Kevin Wells and Bob Ferguson enjoying his pizza behind him. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- Chef Giovanni Labbate between Chicago’s Very Own Eats hosts Kevin Powell and Michael Piff. Photo by Bob Ferguson / WGN Radio Follow Tievoli Pizza bar on Facebook and Instagram. Learn more, check out the menu and place an order at TievoliPizzaBar.com!
Stay updated on all things Chicago food by subscribing to Chicago’s Very Own Eats on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. All episodes are available on the Chicago’s Very Own Eats podcast page at WGNRadio.com.
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What began as a beloved donut shop in Los Angeles, since the 1960s, has become a gourmet staple across the Chicago area for over a decade.
Stan’s Donuts Learning & Development Manager Jeff Krause joined Kevin Powell and Michael Piff on the Chicago’s Very Own Eats Podcast to talk about how Rich Labriola (of Labriola Baking Company) brought Stan’s to Chicago, the origins of their famous ‘Le Stan’ donut, how Stan’s has grown from their first location on Damen in Wicker Park, special offerings for The Super Bowl, Valentine’s Day, and Paczki Day, what they offer besides donuts, and so much more!
https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7946018/7946018_2026-01-30-194618.64kmono.mp3We also greatly appreciate “Donut Man” Jeff for bringing our staff donuts and coffee, including items he tells us about on the podcast that you can checkout below:
- Jeff Krause from Stan’s Donuts with Kevin Powell and Michael Piff after recording Chicago’s Very Own Eats. (WGN Radio)
- The famous ‘Le Stan’ donut from Stan’s Donuts. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- The “Dubai Chocolate” Donuts from Stan’s. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- The “Turtle Donuts” from Stan’s. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- Valentine’s donuts from Stan’s. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- Stan’s “Trinidad Donuts’ in collaboration with Fannie May. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- The Stan’s/Fannie May “Trinidad” Donuts are approved by Wendy Snyder (who is being hugged by WGN Radio’s Marlene Wells). Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio Follow Stan’s on Instagram at stansdonutschicago. See everything they have to offer on stansdonuts.com!
Stay updated on all things Chicago food by subscribing to Chicago’s Very Own Eats on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. All episodes are available on the Chicago’s Very Own Eats podcast page at WGNRadio.com.
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Chicago Restaurant Week is underway! From January 23rd to February 8th, over 500 restaurants across the city and its neighborhoods are offering great opportunities to try their menus at an affordable price. One of those restaurants is La Dolce Vita Cucina in Portage Park.
Andrew Hayes from World Business Chicago and La Dolce Vita Cucina co-owner Roberto Munoz Ramos joined Kevin Powell and Michael Piff on the Chicago’s Very Own Eats podcast to talk about their collaboration for Chicago Restaurant Week, the Chicago-inspired items on the menu (like ‘The Ben Johnson Handshake’), the Restaurant Week BINGO card and prizes you can win, and much more.
https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7939244/7939244_2026-01-27-235444.64kmono.mp3La Dolce Vita Cucina is located at 5007 West Irving Park Road, Chicago, IL 60641. See the menu and book a table at LaDolceVItaCucina.Net. Below are photos of some of the amazing drinks and dishes that Roberto brought in.
- The “Windy City Spritz” from La Dolce Vita Cucina. Photo by Michael PIff / WGN Radio
- Chi-Town Nitro Negroni from La Dolce Vita Cucina. Photo by Michael PIff / WGN Radio
- Charcuterie from La Dolce Vita Cucina. Photo by Michael PIff / WGN Radio
- Pan Seared 7oz Loch Duart Salmon served with Escarole and White Bean Stew and Cherry Tomatoes from La Dolce Vita Cucina. Photo by Michael PIff / WGN Radio
- Rigatoni Bolognese from La Dolce Vita Cucina. Photo by Michael PIff / WGN Radio
- Andrew Hayes showing off the World Business Chicago BINGO card, found at La Dolce Vita Cucina. Photo by Michael PIff / WGN Radio
- Guinness gelato and Limoncello sorbet from La Dolce Vita Cucina. Photo by Michael PIff / WGN Radio Follow World Business Chicago on Instagram at worldbusinesschicago, and La Dolce Vita Cucina Vita at ladolcevitacucina.
Stay updated on all things Chicago food by subscribing to Chicago’s Very Own Eats on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. All episodes are available on the Chicago’s Very Own Eats podcast page at WGNRadio.com.
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Angelo Corso and Brian Rock founded Doughnate Pizza with a shared love for pizza and community. They have successfully provided meals for more than 50,000 people by working with local businesses and like-minded organizations to bring food directly to those in need.
Angelo and Brian joined Kevin Powell and Michael Piff on the Chicago’s Very Own Eats podcast to talk about how Doughnate began, how they met, how they partner with small businesses, events they have been a part of, and what’s next!
https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7930167/7930167_2026-01-22-211807.64kmono.mp3Below is a list Doughnate Pizza’s partners and sponsors. Learn more at DoughnatePizza.com and follow them on Instagram at doughnatepizza.
- Angie’s Sports Bar and Pizzeria
- Sysco (Food Service)
- Professor Pizza
- Jet’s Pizza
- Ranalli’s Pizza Lincoln Park
- D’Agostino’s Wrigleyville
- Pizza Lobo
- Bob’s Pizza
- Cranky Al’s
- Joey’s Red Hots
- Pizza Boy
- Pizza Di Farfalla
- Palermo’s on 95th
- Panino’s Pizzeria
- Pat’s
- Paulie Gee’s
- Robert’s
- Homeslice
- ZaZa’s Pizzeria
- Bourgeous Pig
- Paradise Park
- Happy Camper
- Coalfire
- Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop
- La Crosta
- Lou Malnati’s
- Piece
Stay updated on all things Chicago food by subscribing to Chicago’s Very Own Eats on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. All episodes are available on the Chicago’s Very Own Eats podcast page at WGNRadio.com.
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Friend of the Chicago’s Very Own Eats Podcast and “Popup/Collab Champ” Billy Zureikat is in playoff mode with his Chicago Squares, creating pizzas based on the Bears’ opponents each week.
Billy joined Kevin Powell and Michael Piff to share what he has in store for the Bears’ divisional round matchup against the Rams, how he’s partnering with Solemn Oath Brewery on a beer for “Green Bay Tears”, what he has cooking for Derrick Rose’s jersey retirement at the United Center, his team-up with Fanatics to give away a Colston Loveland jersey, and much more!
Michael also had a special announcement regarding this year’s Pizza Madness Tournament that you don’t want to miss. Listen below:
https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7919020/7919020_2026-01-15-210320.64kmono.mp3Stay updated on all things Chicago food by subscribing to Chicago’s Very Own Eats on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. All episodes are available on the Chicago’s Very Own Eats podcast page at WGNRadio.com.
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The 1985-86 Chicago Bears aren’t the only icons in Chicago celebrating their 40th anniversary. In 1985, Chicago food lovers didn’t know much about tapas (or even small plates), but Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba wasn’t afraid to introduce it to them when they opened their doors at 2024 N Halsted St. Fast forward four decades, and Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba is pulling out all the stops to celebrate their 40th.
Partner Mark Sotelino and Senior Executive Chef Eric Jorgensen joined Kevin Powell and Michael Piff on the Chicago’s Very Own Eats podcast to talk about their restaurant’s history, the favorites that generations of customers come back for, how they come up with new items, what to expect when you visit for the first time, their 40th birthday bash, and much more!
https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7914293/7914293_2026-01-13-193033.64kmono.mp3As mentioned in the episode, swipe through the gallery below to see the delicious food that Mark and Chef Eric brought for Kevin and Michael to try, and what you can look forward to when you dine at Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba or Lil’ Ba-Ba-Reeba.
- Pressed “Bikini” Sandwiches from Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- Roasted Dates Wrapped in Bacon from Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- Chicken Thigh & Market Vegetable Paella from Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- Tortilla Española from Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- The Classic Red Sangria from Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- Partner Mark Sotelino and Senior Executive Chef Eric Jorgensen from Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio Make your reservation on OpenTable. Follow Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba! on Facebook and Instagram!
Stay updated on all things Chicago food by subscribing to Chicago’s Very Own Eats on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. All episodes are available on the Chicago’s Very Own Eats podcast page at WGNRadio.com.
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The Bears aren’t in the playoffs often, so let this be your permission to treat it like the Super Bowl with what you prepare to eat. Chicago’s Very Own Eats podcast co-host Michael Piff joined Bob Sirott on the morning show to share some of his favorite dishes and recipes for gameday. Listen and see the recipes of what Michael mentions and more below!
https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7906257/7906257_2026-01-09-140557.64kmono.mp3Here are the ingredient’s and instructions for recipes that Michael mentioned.
Michael Piff’s Gameday Menu + RecipesApps and Snacks (Yes, lots of cream cheese is involved) Chili Queso* + Can of Hormel Chili + Two blocks of cream cheese + 10 oz. can Ro-Tel Original Diced Tomatoes & Green Chilies + Pinch of cayenne pepper (or however hot you want it)
Preparation
- Place cream cheese and chili in a heated pot over the stove or crockpot
- Stir as cream cheese softens
- Drain Ro-Tel and mix with cream cheese and chili mixture
- Add cayenne at your own discretion
- Taco Roll-ups
- 1 pkg. flour tortillas (8 in package)
- 2 – 8oz cream cheese
- 2 Tablespoons Taco Seasoning
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 – can of chopped black olives
- 1 – 4oz can mild green chiles diced
Preparation
- Blend together cream cheese and taco seasoning.
- Add shredded cheese, black olives, and chiles.
- Spread on tortilla and roll up.
- Refrigerate
- Slice and serve with salsa.
- The Piff Family Sausage Rolls
- 1 lb pkg of breakfast sausage
- 2 Original rolls of Pillsbury crescent rolls
- 2 bricks of cream cheese
Preparation
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees
- Crumble sausage, cook until done and drain off the fat
- Add cream cheese to mixture in a pot over the oven, while warm
- Unroll crescent rolls and divide into rectangles (two triangles per) onto a 9×13 pan
- Place spoonfuls of cream cheese and breakfast sausage mixture down the middle (long way) of each rectangle
- Fold long sides of dough over the mixture, and pinch the ends to close each rectangle
- Cook time should be between 17-20 minutes, or until the dough is starting to get crispy
- Remove from oven and allow rolls to cool. Slice into individual servings and enjoy!
Something a little healthier…7-Layer Salad (My wife, Amy, found on WholesomeYum.com)
- Greens
- Grape Tomatoes
- Bell Peppers
- Hard Boiled Eggs
- Red Onion
- Shredded Cheese
- Bacon
- Dressing: Mayo & Sour Cream whisked together
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight
Entrees Luke Stuckmeyer’s Sliders* + 1.5 lb ground beef + 1 lb cheddar cheese (shredded) + 1 package of onion soup mix + 3 packages of mini buns + 2 tbsp of mayonnaise + pickles
Preparation
- Brown meat and drain
- Put in large bowl and mix in onion soup mix, cheese and mayonnaise
- Place buns on large cookie sheet. Cut the buns in half (easiest to cut the whole sheet instead of each individual bun, then you can just spread the meat over the whole pack)
- Spread mixture over the buns, then reapply the tops of the buns
- Cover with foil and bake at 400 degrees for 10-15 minutes
- Kevin Powell’s Braised Short Rib Nachos
- 3 lbs bone-in beef short ribs
- kosher salt
- neutral oil (safflower, vegetable, etc.)
- 1 red onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp mustard powder
- Pinch cayenne pepper
- 2 ½ cups beef stock
- 12 small corn tortillas (about ½ lb)
- 6 oz pepper jack cheese, shredded
- 6 oz monterey jack cheese, shredded
Preparation
- Let the short ribs sit at room temperature for 10 minutes. Season generously with salt on all sides. Heat a large, heavy-bottom pot (or Dutch oven) over medium heat. Add enough oil to coat the bottom. Work in batches to sear the short ribs on all sides (you don’t want to overcrowd the pot). Transfer the seared short ribs to a plate.
- Add the red onions to the pot. Sauté for about 6 minutes until tender and slightly caramelized. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute. Stir in the smoked paprika, mustard powder, and cayenne pepper.
- Add the short ribs back to the pot. Pour in the beef stock. Bring the stock to a simmer. Cover the pot, leaving an open crack on one side, and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 2 hours. Remove the lid and continue to simmer for 30-45 more minutes, or until the short ribs are falling off the bone and fork tender.
- Meanwhile, add enough oil to a large sauté pan to come ½” up the sides. Heat over medium-low heat. Cut the tortillas in quarters. Once the oil is hot, work in batches to fry the tortillas on both sides until golden brown. Transfer the tortillas to a sheet pan lined with paper towels. Immediately sprinkle with salt.
- Once the short ribs are finished cooking, preheat the oven to 425°F. Remove the short ribs from the pot and gently shred with a fork.
-
Assemble the nachos by layering the tortillas, short ribs, and cheese in a large cast-iron skillet. Finish with a layer of cheese on top. Bake the nachos for about 5 minutes until the cheese is fully melted.
-
Garnish the nachos with the green onions, shaved radishes, sliced avocado, a sprinkle of aleppo pepper, and a generous squeeze of lime juice. Serve with more garnishes on the side.
On the grill… Variety of brats from local butcher* + I get mine from the Wheaton Meat Co. - Cheddar - Bacon Gouda - Supreme Pizza
Preparation
- Grill until fully cooked
- slice up into bite-size pieces
- provide tooth picks for picking up and enjoying
- A very shareable steak
- I like doing this with a tomahawk
- Slice up, and pull pieces as you need them
Stay updated on all things Chicago food by subscribing to Chicago’s Very Own Eats on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. All episodes are available on the Chicago’s Very Own Eats podcast page at WGNRadio.com.
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Before recording the latest episode of the Chicago’s Very Own Eats podcast, hosts Kevin Powell and Michael Piff were treated to incredible dishes and flavors they’ve never had before, thanks to their guests from Mirra. Zubair Mohajir (Partner), Rishi Kumar (Executive Chef & Partner) and David Mor (Beverage Director & Partner) brought their award-winning cuisine for Kevin and Michael to try, then sat down for a conversation about how the three industry veterans came together, the significance and history of their Indian-Mexican menu, how Year-1 in Bucktown has gone, what listeners can expect when they visit their restaurant, and so much more.
https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7863804/7863804_2025-12-17-203704.64kmono.mp3As mentioned in the episode, swipe through the gallery below to see the delicious food that Zubair, Rishi and David talk about, and what you can look forward to when you dine at Mirra.
- Mirra’s Crispy Tacos – Hudson Bay Scallops, Mexican Green Curry, Nopales Pico, Crispy Fenugreek Roti. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- Mirra’s Chaas Aguachile – Hamachi, Buttermilk Aguachile, Garlic-Serrano Achar, Nopales & Curry Leaves. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- Mirra Messe – Housemade Achar, Salsa Tatemado, Sikil Pak, Guacamole, Tlayudas & Papads
- Rasul’s Roti Quesadilla – Roasted Mushroom, Amul Cheese, Chettinad Masala. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- Lamb Barbacoa Biryani – Basmati Rice, Saffron, Mint, Roti Seal
- INSIDE the Lamb Barbacoa Biryan. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- Rasmalai Tres Leches – Olive Oil Citrus Cake , Mango Mousse, Saffron Cardamom Infused Milks. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio Mirra is located at 1954 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, Illinois. Follow them on Instagram to see more and make your reservation on MirraChicago.com!
Stay updated on all things Chicago food by subscribing to Chicago’s Very Own Eats on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. All episodes are available on the Chicago’s Very Own Eats podcast page at WGNRadio.com.
Recent postsChicago’s Very Own EatsGive yourself a break at Café Pisolino in The Loop.cls-4{fill:#000;}Old Town Pour House is coming to The Loop.cls-5{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}Biker Dude Burgers: Good vibes and the best burgers.cls-5{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}Cooperage Coffee: High quality cold brew to your door.cls-5{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}Enjoy good baseball and good eats in Schaumburg.cls-5{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}Click for more
Ten years ago, Maple & Ash chef Danny Grant and partner Jim Lasky didn’t know what their new restaurant was going to be, but the didn’t want it to be like most steakhouses. Fast-forward a decade and they have created an atmosphere with “a heartbeat” and one that welcomes all to make themselves at home, and celebrate special occasions and milestones.
Danny and Jim joined Kevin Powell and Michael Piff on the Chicago’s Very Own Eats podcast to talk about Maple & Ash’s 10th Anniversary celebration, what sets their restaurant apart from everywhere else, how they have evolved and adjusted over the years, the significance of their location, the menu, and much more!
https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7820523/7820523_2025-11-18-235723.64kmono.mp3We were also very fortunate and appreciative of the Maple & Ash team’s hospitality and generosity, bringing in an amazing spread. See the items that were discussed on the podcast below!
- Jim Lasky and Danny Grant from Maple & Ash, with an amazing spread at WGN Radio. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- They don’t mess around at Maple & Ash. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- We love you too, Maple & Ash. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- Roasted seafood tower from Maple & Ash. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- The 45-day Dry-Aged Tomahawk steak from Maple & Ash. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- The chocolate cake from Maple & Ash. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- A coconut cake that deserves a vertical photo. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- Can’t forget about the champagne tower that made this even more special. Thanks, Maple & Ash! Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio Maple & Ash is located at 8 W Maple St, Chicago, IL 60610. You can follow them on Facebook and Instagram, and learn more about them at MapleAndAsh.com.
Stay updated on all things Chicago food by subscribing to Chicago’s Very Own Eats on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. All episodes are available on the Chicago’s Very Own Eats podcast page at WGNRadio.com.
Recent postsChicago’s Very Own EatsGive yourself a break at Café Pisolino in The Loop.cls-4{fill:#000;}Old Town Pour House is coming to The Loop.cls-5{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}Biker Dude Burgers: Good vibes and the best burgers.cls-5{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}Cooperage Coffee: High quality cold brew to your door.cls-5{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}Enjoy good baseball and good eats in Schaumburg.cls-5{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}Click for more
Crying Tiger is Lettuce Entertain You’s newest restaurant, located in River North in the old Hub 51 space. Chef Thai Dang describes it as a celebration of Southeast Asian culinary traditions and cuisine, and brought some of his favorite dishes for Kevin Powell and Michael Piff to try at WGN Radio. On the latest episode of the Chicago’s Very Own Eats podcast, Kevin and Michael talk to Chef Thai about bringing Crying Tiger to life, working with Lettuce Entertain You, being a part of the Chicago culinary community, his love for cooking and what inspired him to make it his profession, and much more!
https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7789454/7789454_2025-10-30-202454.64kmono.mp3As mentioned in the podcast, check out the food items that Chef Thai brought and describes to Kevin and Michael below. Yes, it’s as good as it looks!
- Chef Thai Dang with Chicago’s Very Own Eats hosts Kevin Powell and Michael Piff. Photo by Julia McGuire / WGN Radio
- Prawn Toast Youtiao from Crying Tiger. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- Crispy Hong Kong Pork Belly from Crying Tiger. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- Crying Tiger Nam Tok Salad (with Wagyu beef). Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- Chargrilled Sugarcane Beef Bo La Lot wrapped in Betel Leaves. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- Chef Thai Dang holding the Crying Tiger Dessert (wait, there’s more). Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- A 3D printed mold, created by Lettuce Pastry Chef Juan Gutierrez, winner of Netflix’s “School of Chocolate”. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio Crying Tiger is located at 51 W. Hubbard Street at the corner of Dearborn in River North and is open Sunday – Thursday from 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM and Friday and Saturday from 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM for dinner service. Reservations are available on OpenTable and on the LettuceEats app. For more information, follow Crying Tiger on Instagram or visit www.cryingtiger.com.
Stay updated on all things Chicago food by subscribing to Chicago’s Very Own Eats on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. All episodes are available on the Chicago’s Very Own Eats podcast page at WGNRadio.com.
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Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steaks & Stone Crab is a staple to the Chicago and River North food scene, and they have been for 25 years. It’s a testament to their culinary excellence, warm hospitality and the family traditions that they have become a part of for so many Chicagoans.
To celebrate 25 years in River North, Joe’s Chicago invites Chicago food lovers to their 25th Anniversary Reception on Saturday, October 18, from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM. Tickets are still available on Joes.Net/Chicago. And from October 20th to October 31st, Joe’s is offering a four-course 25th anniversary menu, featuring a range of Joe’s signatures for $125 per person, plus tax. Associate Partner Rose Waldmeier and Chef Partner Justin Diglia from Joe’s and Lettuce Entertain You joined Kevin Powell and Michael Piff on the Chicago’s Very Own Eats podcast to talk about the history of Joe’s, how it has evolved over the last 25 years, how they are celebrating their anniversary, what they recommend trying when you visit for the first time, fun facts about the restaurant, and much more.
https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7766248/7766248_2025-10-16-205048.64kmono.mp3And, as mentioned on the podcast, Kevin and Michael were treated to items from the anniversary menu. See the photos below, get hungry, and make plans to visit ASAP.
- The Anniversary Signature Menu spread that Joe’s Chicago graciously brought to WGN Radio. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- Steak is in the name at Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steaks and Stone Crab and it is delicious. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- One of the fantastic salads at Joe’s. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- Michael Piff had heard about the chicken at Joe’s Chicago. Now he knows how good it is. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- More of the Joe’s spread, including stone crab, grilled tomatoes and hashbrowns. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- Stone crab from Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steaks and Stone Crab. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- The fantastic hashbrowns from Joe’s Chicago. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- Alaskan Red King Crab from Joe’s Chicago. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- Joe’s Famous Grilled Tomatoes. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- The dessert end of the Joe’s spread. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- There is always room for THIS. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- Peanut butter mousse in an Oreo crust Homer Simpson noises Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- The famous Joe’s Key Lime Pie. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab Chef Partner Justin Diglia and Associate Partner Rose Waldmeier. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio Stay updated on all things Chicago food by subscribing to Chicago’s Very Own Eats on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. All episodes are available on the Chicago’s Very Own Eats podcast page at WGNRadio.com.
Recent postsChicago’s Very Own EatsGive yourself a break at Café Pisolino in The Loop.cls-4{fill:#000;}Old Town Pour House is coming to The Loop.cls-5{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}Biker Dude Burgers: Good vibes and the best burgers.cls-5{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}Cooperage Coffee: High quality cold brew to your door.cls-5{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}Enjoy good baseball and good eats in Schaumburg.cls-5{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}Click for more
Host of WGN Radio podcast “Chicago’s Very Own Eats” Michael Piff joins Bob Sirott to talk about the United Center’s new menu items for Blackhawks and Bulls events and the prices for the items. Some of the new food options include Centennial 6 Stack Burgers, Mozzarella Pucks, Rotating “Chapter” themed Jumbo Hot Dog Series, and more.
See everything Michael talks about and more from his United Center Media Day photo gallery!
https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7754993/7754993_2025-10-10-135833.64kmono.mp3Recent postsChicago’s Very Own EatsChicago Pizza Tours, American Ghost Walks team up.cls-5{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}United Center rolls out new menu for sports events.cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}Photos: New ‘Banner Level’ and United Center eats.cls-5{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}Pickles are having a moment in Chicago.cls-4{fill:#000;}Chicago Culinary Kitchen knows how to have fun.cls-5{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}Click for moreRecent PostsBob SirottUnited Center rolls out new menu for sports events.cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}Bob Dernier: Cubs, Brewers battle for right to play Dodgers.cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}Avoid ‘gray divorce’ by evolving your relationship.cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}Homegrown Studio in Pilsen shows off local artists’ talents.cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}John Lodge, singer of Moody Blues, dies at 82.cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}Click for more
With the inaugural Chicago Area’s Best Burgers Tournament behind us, Kevin Powell and Michael Piff talk to co-sponsor/Puckered Pickle Company owner Chuck Newman on the Chicago’s Very Own Eats podcast. Chuck talks to Kevin and Michael about the story of his company, the process of diving into the pickle business, all the products that Puckered Pickle offers (including relish, giardiniera and muffaletta), where you can find them, and recipes to try! They also discuss the “moment” that pickles are having in the Chicago food world (like pickles on a pizza?!)
Listen to the latest episode of Chicago’s Very Own Eats below:
https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7736278/7736278_2025-09-30-162918.64kmono.mp3Follow Puckered Pickle Company on Facebook and Instagram.
Stay updated on all things Chicago food by subscribing to Chicago’s Very Own Eats on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. All episodes are available on the Chicago’s Very Own Eats podcast page at WGNRadio.com.
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On the heels of the inaugural Chicago Area’s Best Burgers Tournament, tourney participant and northwest suburban, award-winning favorite Chicago Culinary Kitchen wanted to show Chicago’s Very Own Eats podcast hosts Kevin Powell and Michael Piff how good their burgers really were.
“Special Operations” Manager Jay Goldberg joined Kevin and Michael for a very fun conversation, and discussed what “CCK” is all about, how much fun he and his team have coming up with their weekly specials, staying authentic and promoting their menu on social media, being a part of the Bears fans’ gameday tradition from the Arena Club Tailgates, bringing CCK to the people with their food truck, collaborations with other local restaurants and breweries (like Uncle Jerry’s and Roaring Table), upcoming events (like Bangin’ BBQ and Bargains in Wauconda), catering your Thanksgiving, and so much more. Listen to the full episode below:
https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7730597/7730597_2025-09-25-235137.64kmono.mp3We also appreciate Jay for bringing some of CCK’s famous BBQ and the aforementioned burgers. See for yourself in the photo gallery below:
- The award-winning bbq from Chicago Culinary Kitchen. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- Jay Goldberg with his CCK burgers. Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- The CCK “Oklahoma Onion Burger”. Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- The “Steakhouse Smashburger”, egg upfront. Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- The other side you needed to see of the Steakhouse Burger from CCk, with their famous steakhouse bacon. Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- CCK’s Jay Goldberg with Chicago’s Very Own Eats hosts Kevin Powell and Michael Piff. Follow Chicago Culinary Kitchen on Facebook and Instagram.
Stay updated on all things Chicago food by subscribing to Chicago’s Very Own Eats on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. All episodes are available on the Chicago’s Very Own Eats podcast page at WGNRadio.com.
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After 4 weeks of voting on 64 local burger businesses, the inaugural Chicago Area’s Best Burgers Tournament, sponsored by Turano Baking Company and The Puckered Pickle Company, has its champion.
The announcement was made on The John Williams Show, as Chicago’s Very Own Eats co-host and WGN Radio bracketologist Michael Piff joined John to call the winner live. Listen to hear the announcement below:
https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7729465/7729465_2025-09-25-152305.64kmono.mp3Congrats to Nick’s Tavern of Lemont for winning the championship and taking home the Chicago Area’s Best Burgers Tournament crown!
We thank both Nick’s and Smash’D, as well as their communities, for making this championship week so fun to follow. We also thank the rest of our field of 64 Chicago area burger places for being good sports and helping us with promoting local businesses.
Hear more about the tournament and all things Chicago food by subscribing to Chicago’s Very Own Eats on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. All episodes are available on the Chicago’s Very Own Eats podcast page at WGNRadio.com.
Recent PostsJohn WilliamsIs attending a four-year university still worth it?.cls-4{fill:#000;}How AI will impact jobs and higher education.cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}What to know about Gaza ceasefire deal.cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}John Williams Best of Speed Jokes 10-10-25.cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}Do you care about the Super Bowl halftime show?.cls-4{fill:#000;}Click for moreRecent postsChicago’s Very Own EatsChicago Pizza Tours, American Ghost Walks team up.cls-5{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}United Center rolls out new menu for sports events.cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}Photos: New ‘Banner Level’ and United Center eats.cls-5{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}Pickles are having a moment in Chicago.cls-4{fill:#000;}Chicago Culinary Kitchen knows how to have fun.cls-5{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}Click for more
Host of WGN Radio podcast “Chicago’s Very Own Eats,” Michael Piff, joins Bob Sirott to talk about the final four contenders in the Chicago Area’s Best Burger Tournament, sponsored by Turano Baking Company and Puckered Pickle Co. He discusses how he monitors the incoming votes, how each of the burger places are spreading the word to their fans, and the current standings.
https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7719611/7719611_2025-09-19-124111.64kmono.mp3Recent postsChicago’s Very Own EatsChicago Pizza Tours, American Ghost Walks team up.cls-5{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}United Center rolls out new menu for sports events.cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}Photos: New ‘Banner Level’ and United Center eats.cls-5{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}Pickles are having a moment in Chicago.cls-4{fill:#000;}Chicago Culinary Kitchen knows how to have fun.cls-5{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}Click for moreRecent PostsBob SirottUnited Center rolls out new menu for sports events.cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}Bob Dernier: Cubs, Brewers battle for right to play Dodgers.cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}Avoid ‘gray divorce’ by evolving your relationship.cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}Homegrown Studio in Pilsen shows off local artists’ talents.cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}John Lodge, singer of Moody Blues, dies at 82.cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}Click for more
With the Chicago Area’s Best Burgers Tournament, sponsored by Turano Baking Company and The Puckered Pickle Company, and football season both underway, WGN Radio sports correspondent and Dan Patrick Show executive producer Paul Pabst joined Kevin Powell and Michael Piff for a very fun episode of Chicago’s Very Own Eats.
As deep into sports Paul might be, he was clearly much more invested in the ‘Best Burgers Tournament’, giving Kevin and Michael his analysis and favorites in the 64-burger place bracket. They also talked about what makes a great burger and clear signs you’re in the right place for them. And as college football and the NFL kickoff their seasons, they talk about what they’re eating on gameday and where to go to enjoy sports. Listen below and don’t forget to vote for your favorite burger places in the Chicago Area’s Best Burgers Tournament!
https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7697188/7697188_2025-09-05-191328.64kmono.mp3Follow Paul Pabst on Twitter/X and Instagram. And TUNE IN to hear him weekly on The John Landecker Show!
Stay updated on tournament results and all things Chicago food by subscribing to Chicago’s Very Own Eats on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. All episodes are available on the Chicago’s Very Own Eats podcast page at WGNRadio.com.
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What better way to celebrate National Burger Day than announcing our new Chicago’s Very Own Eats Podcast tournament!
The Chicago Area’s Best Burgers Tournament, sponsored by Turano Baking Company and Puckered Pickle Co., will launch on Thursday, September 4th. Kevin Powell and Michael Piff discussed all the details on a brand new CVOE episode. Listen below:
https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7684259/7684259_2025-08-28-185159.64kmono.mp3Voting will take place on the tournament voting page (click here), starting at 10 AM on Sept. 4th. You’ll find it on the WGNRadio.com homepage, the Chicago’s Very Own Eats podcast page, and WGN Radio’s Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn pages.
Stay updated on tournament results and all things Chicago food by subscribing to Chicago’s Very Own Eats on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. All episodes are available on the Chicago’s Very Own Eats podcast page at WGNRadio.com.
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Billy Zurekait first joined Kevin Powell and Michael Piff on the Chicago’s Very Own Eats podcast in February of 2023, and now has been on 5 more times since then with their latest episode.
As he raises awareness and funds for the Muscular Dystrophy Association, Billy has grown from a home chef to an in-demand collaborator with famous Chicago restaurants and pop-ups across the city. His “Tripping Billy Chicago Tour” has made 20 stops, bringing his signature toppings of shishito pepper cream sauce sauce, corn, pickled jalapenos, scallions and mix of cheddar and mozzarella cheeses and serves them as pizzas, sandwiches, knishes and even a glizzy! Billy revels on the podcast where he’ll be taking his talents next. Hint: There are locations in Highwood and Lakeview. Listen below:
https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7544039/7544039_2025-07-25-204639.64kmono.mp3Billy also talks about his new podcast, ‘Over The Line’ with cohost Chef Dan Jacobs, his team-up with Lula Cafe, his pop-ups with Bang Bang Pie in Logan Square, what he has cooking for this coming season of “Chicago Squares” pizzas, and oh-so-much more. Follow Billy on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. And plan on seeing him September 7th as the featured chef at Sportman’s Sunday BBQ.
Stay updated on all things Chicago food by subscribing to Chicago’s Very Own Eats on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. All episodes are available on the Chicago’s Very Own Eats podcast page at WGNRadio.com.
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When you have out-of-town company visiting the Chicago area, what’s the one thing you make sure is part of their experience? If your answer isn’t “pizza”, you’re a bad host and you need to fix that. Taking them on the original Chicago Pizza Tour is a great way to do so.
Chicago’s Very Own Eats hosts Kevin Powell and Michael Piff with Jonathan Porter from Chicago Pizza Tours. Photo by Brett Jackson / WGN RadioChicago Pizza Tours founder Jonathan Porter joined Kevin Powell and Michael Piff on the Chicago’s Very Own Eats podcast to talk about celebrating the 15th anniversary of his company, how it began, the different experiences and corporate outings they offer, a history lesson on Tavern-style pizza, the Chicago pizza community, his upcoming collaboration with Chicago Fireboat Tours, and much more. Listen to the full episode below:
https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7524625/7524625_2025-07-16-152125.64kmono.mp3As mentioned on the podcast, Michael went on the bus tour with his dad and brother, and would recommend it to anyone, whether you’re visiting Chicago or you’ve lived here your whole life. Below are photos from Michael’s experience to give you an idea of what’s in store.
- Starting the Chicago Pizza Tour at Pizano’s (61 E Madison St, Chicago, IL 60603) with both deep dish and thin crust options. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- Chicago Pizza Tours founder Jonathan Porter and WGN Radio’s Michael Piff in the Pizano’s basement. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- Chicago Pizza Tours guide James, sharing some Chicago history on the way to the next stop. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- Tour Guide James and 3 glorious tavern style pizzas at Flo & Santo’s. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- Close and personal with some of Chicago’s best thin crust pizza (at Flo & Santo’s). Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- The pepperoni and whipped ricotta at Coalfire in West Town. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- Tour Guide James checking on everyone to see if they still have room for one more stop. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- The last stop: Bartoli’s in West Town. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- What a way to close out a pizza tour. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- Experienced Chicago Pizza-eating veterans don’t mind one more slice of deep dish. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- WGN Radio’s Michael Piff with his Dad (John) and brother (Stephen) outside Bartoli’s. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- The end of the tour, and we can’t wait to go on another one. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio Learn more at ChicagoPizzaTours.com and follow them on Instagram.
Stay updated on all things Chicago food by subscribing to Chicago’s Very Own Eats on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. All episodes are available on the Chicago’s Very Own Eats podcast page at WGNRadio.com.
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After 3 weeks of voting on 64 Chicago area “Mom & Pop” Italian Beef places, we finally have a new champion of our annual Chicago’s Best Beef Tournament, sponsored by Turano Baking Company and Caruso Provisions.
John Williams was joined by Chicago’s Very Own Eats podcast cohost / WGN Radio bracketologist Michael Piff to call the winner, live on the radio. Listen to the announcement and the 2025 champion’s live reaction below:
https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7493475/7493475_2025-06-26-153815.64kmono.mp3John Williams holding his copy of the 2025 Chicago’s Best Beef Tournament bracket. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN RadioCongrats to Duke’s Drive-In for winning this year’s Chicago’s Best Beef Tournament! And great showing by Johnnie’s Beef and their incredibly well-earned Chicago area following for helping make the 2025 Best Beef Tournament so fun.
See the round-by-round results of the 2025 Best Beef Tournament on the original tournament page. The reason we do these tournaments is to support local businesses, so try as many of the participating Italian Beef places and check them out here.
Stay updated on tournament results and all things Chicago food by subscribing to Chicago’s Very Own Eats on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. All episodes are available on the Chicago’s Very Own Eats podcast page at WGNRadio.com.
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For the three years that we’ve held our annual Chicago’s Best Beef Tournament, Turano Baking Company has been gracious enough to support it as a sponsor.
Mario and Giancarlo Turano joined Kevin Powell and Michael Piff on the Chicago’s Very Own Eats podcast to talk about this year’s tournament, the history of their family’s business, the variety of products they sell, the bakery you can find at the Turano headquarters in Berwyn, Mario’s “Lunch with Turano” video series, some of their favorite family spots growing up, and much more! Listen to the full episode below:
https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7491922/7491922_2025-06-25-204922.64kmono.mp3Giancarlo and Mario Turano with Kevin Powell and Michael Piff. Photo by Ashley Bihun / WGN RadioTo see the videos and recipes we discussed follow Turano on Instagram and Facebook.
Stay updated on all things Chicago food by subscribing to Chicago’s Very Own Eats on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. All episodes are available on the Chicago’s Very Own Eats podcast page at WGNRadio.com.
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What’s the Chicago version of peanut butter and jelly? Well, Italian Beef and giardiniera, of course! But even as a co-sponsor of our 2025 Chicago’s Best Beef Tournament, Caruso Provisions aims to be more than a condiment for your dipped sandwich.
Peter Caruso, co-owner of Caruso Provisions, joined Kevin Powell and Michael Piff on the Chicago’s Very Own Eats podcast to tell the story of his family’s business, how they fine-tuned the recipe from their mother, the several products they offer, teaming up with Chicago’s Very Own Eats All-Star Billy Zureikat, what sets them apart from other giardiniera companies and more!
Listen below and “elevate” your next meal with Caruso’s giardiniera.
https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7480060/7480060_2025-06-18-232500.64kmono.mp3 The lineup of products from Caruso Provisions, found on arusoprovisions.com. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio * Caruso Provisions co-owner Peter Caruso with Chicago’s Very Own Eats co-host/WGN Radio bracketologist Michael Piff. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio Stay updated on all things Chicago food by subscribing to Chicago’s Very Own Eats on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. All episodes are available on the Chicago’s Very Own Eats podcast page at WGNRadio.com.*
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Before the 2025 Chicago’s Best Beef Tournament kicks off on Thursday, Rich Bartell from Bob-O’s joined Kevin Powell and Michael Piff on the Chicago’s Very Own Eats podcast to talk about defending their championship title. Rich shared with Kevin and Michael what it was like from a business owner’s perspective being on the competing end of one of our WGN Radio food tournaments, how new people were introduced to the 50-year-old Chicago establishment, the new location in Norwood Park that is specifically for Italian beef, and much more.
Michael also talked through all of the details for this year’s ‘Mom & Pop’ edition of the tournament, when voting starts, where to vote, how you can keep track of scores, how zero funny business will be tolerated, and how this is meant to support local businesses. Special thanks to our sponsors, Turano Baking Company and Caruso Provisions. Listen to the full episode below:
https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7448918/7448918_2025-06-03-193918.64kmono.mp3* An Italian Beef from Bob-O’s. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio * The Bob-O’s team with Chicago’s Very Own Eats cohost Michael Piff. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio Get all the details and final draft of the 2025 Chicago’s Best Beef Tournament bracket here. See all the 2025 competitors and where to find them here.
Stay updated on tournament results and all things Chicago food by subscribing to Chicago’s Very Own Eats on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. All episodes are available on the Chicago’s Very Own Eats podcast page at WGNRadio.com.
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WGN Radio’s Senior Digital Strategist and co-host of the Chicago’s Very Own Eats podcast Michael Piff joins Wendy Snyder (in for Bob Sirott) to talk about the third edition of WGN’s ‘Chicago’s Best Beef Tournament’, sponsored by Turano Baking Company and Caruso Provisions. Michael details this year’s bracket which features 64 mom-and-pop restaurants from the Chicagoland area. Wendy, Michael, and Andy Masur also talk about some of their favorite beef sandwiches, unique ways to have Italian beef, and preview season 4 of ‘The Bear’, which was originally set in an Italian beef sandwich shop in Chicago. Voting for Round 1 begins Thursday, June 5th at 10 AM.
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What began as a day to celebrate “the most Chicago food item of all,” has now expanded into a month-long celebration. The family behind the winner of our inaugural Chicago’s Best Beef Tournament, the Buonavolantos, joined forces with the Scalas and Pacellis (from Al’s Beef) to petition for a National Italian Beef Day, and this month marks its 10th anniversary.
Founding member of the family, Joe Buonavolanto Jr. joined Kevin Powell and Michael Piff on the Chicago’s Very Own Eats podcast to talk about Italian beef’s rich history in Chicago, his family’s business and how it began, Buona’s specials and promotions during Italian Beef Month and National Italian Beef Day (May 24th), Buona’s collaboration with Giordano’s, and much more! Listen below and stay tuned for a Chicago’s Very Own Eats announcement that you don’t want to miss:
https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7418825/7418825_2025-05-15-184025.64kmono.mp3Michael was also invited for a behind-the-scenes look at Buona’s original location in Berwyn with GM Sinisa Podoreski. Michael learned more about what sets Buona apart from other Chicago food businesses, how they support the communities that their locations are in, what they really mean when they say “Buona means Good”, and more as you swipe through the photo gallery below:
- Buona’s original location at 6745 Roosevelt Rd. in Berwyn, where it all began. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- How do you like your beef? Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- Pull up a chair. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- Buona GM Sinisa Podoreski, leading the Buona Team in Berwyn. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- Ready to go behind-the-scenes at Buona. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- The tools. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- And more tools. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- Chilling in the fridge. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- Buona’s homemade Giardineira. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- More ingredients from Buona’s authentic recipes. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- For slicing the beef. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- Might need to get one of my own. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- Getting to know the Buona employees across the Chicagoland area. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- Getting a hot dog order (no ketchep). Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- How the process to making your Buona beef sandwich begins. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- First goes on the mozz. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- Then the beef. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- A layer of hot peppers. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- Then a layer of sweet peppers. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- A craftsman with his work. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- The Buona Beef beauty shot. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- Oh, and they have pasta too! Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- The team at Buona in Berwyn! Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- Go Mustangs! Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- The Buonavolanto Family shows their appreciation to customers on their way out of each of their locations. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- On the way out, a customer stopped to tell me about how he remembered back when there was a gas station here, and how much he loves coming to visit this spot. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio Stay updated on all things Chicago food by subscribing to Chicago’s Very Own Eats on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. All episodes are available on the Chicago’s Very Own Eats podcast page at WGNRadio.com.
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Like many of us pizza lovers, Jerry and Nancy Czerwinski had “Pizza Fridays” with their family, picking up Lou Malnati’s and Pequod’s every week. When they moved to Cary, Jerry bought a 25-pound bag of flour, and began making his own pizzas at home, which slowly well known throughout the community.
Located in the heart of Cary, Jerry and Nancy’s pizza shop, Uncle Jerry’s, shares a space with multiple businesses and has Chicago area pizza lovers flocking to try it. They have also been runner-up in back-to-back years of our Chicago Pizza Madness Tournament, and have become beloved by those in their area and across Chicagoland. If you’ve tried it, then you know exactly why.
Jerry joined Kevin Powell and Michael Piff on the Chicago’s Very Own Eats podcast to talk more about the story of Uncle Jerry’s, the support they get from the community, how they are looking into expanding, and much more! Before National Deep Dish Day on April 5th, take a listen and check out the below photo gallery to see why you need to get up to Cary, IL.
https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7355844/7355844_2025-04-04-171344.64kmono.mp3Jerry and Nancy were gracious enough to treat our WGN Radio team to their famous pizza, making us all believers in what they do.
- Jerry Czerwinski cutting up Uncle Jerry’s deep dish for our WGN Radio staff. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- The hot honey pepperoni and veggie pizzas from Uncle Jerry’s. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- Jerry and Nancy Czerwinski with Cary’s Very Own (and WGN Radio), Kevin Wells! Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- Jerry and Nancy Czerwinski with John Williams in the WGN Radio studio. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- Jerry and Nancy Czerwinski from Uncle Jerry’s with Chicago’s Very Own Eats host and WGN Radio bracketologist Michael Piff. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio Stay updated on all things Chicago food by subscribing to Chicago’s Very Own Eats on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. All episodes are available on the Chicago’s Very Own Eats podcast page at WGNRadio.com.
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After 4 weeks of voting on 128 Chicago area pizza places, with more than 95,000 votes casted by WGN Radio listeners and pizza lovers, we have a new Chicago Pizza Madness Champion!
The championship was down to Uncle Jerry’s from the North Region and Rosati’s from the Local Chain Region. Jon Hansen was joined by Chicago’s Very Own Eats podcast host and WGN Radio bracketologist Michael Piff to announce and call the winner on WGN Radio! Listen below:
https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7347759/7347759_2025-03-31-163559.64kmono.mp3Congratulations to Rosati’s for winning this year’s tournament, joining Georgio’s (2023) and Antioch Pizza Shop (2024) as Chicago Pizza Madness Champions!
Graphic and photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
Also, congrats to Uncle Jerry’s Pizza Company for making the championship for a 2nd year in a row. Ahead of National Deep Dish Day this weekend, you have to go try them 133 W Main St, Cary, IL.
For round-by-round results, check back to our main Chicago Pizza Madness page. Stay updated on all things Chicago food by subscribing to Chicago’s Very Own Eats on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. All episodes are available on the Chicago’s Very Own Eats podcast page at WGNRadio.com.
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WGN Radio and Chicago’s Very Own Eats Podcast listeners may know Wings and Rings for winning our Chicago’s Best Wings Tournament in 2023, and it’s beloved among diehard White Sox fans who go before and after games. New owner Gustavo Espinosa is reintroducing the Bridgeport establishment with renovations and a menu fit for sports fans and families.
Gustavo joined Kevin Powell and Michael Piff on the latest CVOE Podcast to talk about his story, the amazing food, the “new and improved” shuttle to take Sox fans to the ballpark and back, how important the community is to Wings and Rings’ success, and much more.
https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7338528/7338528_2025-03-25-215828.64kmono.mp3As Gustavo says in the episode, mention “WGN Radio” or the “Chicago’s Very Own Eats Podcast” and you’ll be entered to win a catered Final Four party for 8 AND a ride by their “Wing Express Shuttle Bus.”
Also worth noting:
- ‘Pregame Wednesdays’ means all premium drinks are $5.
- Yuengling Drafts are $5 throughout the NCAA Tournament
- And Wings and Rings is offering free delivery through 4/13. Use Promo Code ‘BRINGIT” with a minimum of $30 purchases. Available via the Wings & Rings App or website at wingsandrings.com.
Stay updated on all things Chicago food by subscribing to Chicago’s Very Own Eats on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. All episodes are available on the Chicago’s Very Own Eats podcast page at WGNRadio.com.
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Host of WGN Radio podcast “Chicago’s Very Own Eats” Mike Piff joins Bob Sirott to talk about his 2025 Pizza Madness bracket, as well as how a winner will be determined and how he helps to maintain the integrity of the tournament. Freelancer Samantha Nelson also joins Bob to share details about Lent specials around the Chicagoland area. Some of the places include Shaw’s Crab House, Fabulous Freddy’s Italian Eatery, and Bonefish Grill.
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Chicago Pizza Madness returns to Chicago’s Very Own Eats and WGN Radio on Thursday, March 6th, and it’s bigger than ever. Literally.
Hosts Kevin Powell and Michael Piff preview this year’s tournament, which has now doubled from 64 to 128 Chicago area pizza places. They discuss the 60+ new participants, how to vote, the round-by-round schedule for voting, and so much more. Take a listen and get your first look at the 2025 edition of the bracket below:
https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7307332/7307332_2025-03-04-193332.64kmono.mp3The Chicago Pizza Madness remain the same (City, North, Local Chains and South/West), with 32 pizza places in each region.
Click to see better. Graphic by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
Voting begins Thursday, March 6th, at 10 AM. Voting for this year’s tournament will all take place on the same web post this year, which will live on the Chicago’s Very Own Eats page and WGNRadio.com’s homepage. Once the tournament begins, tune in to WGN Radio 720 or stream on WGNRadio.com for updated scores, results and reaction.
Full round-by-round schedule below:
- Round 1 begins Thursday, March 6th at 10 AM and will end on Monday, March 10th at 8 AM.
- Round 2 begins Monday, March 10th at 10 AM and will end on Thursday, March 13th at 8 AM.
- Round 3 begins Thursday, March 13th at 10 AM and will end on Monday, March 17th at 8 AM.
- Round 4 (The Slice 16) begins Monday, March 17th at 10 AM and will end on Thursday, March 20th at 8 AM
- Round 5 (The Elite Eats) begins Thursday, March 20th at 10 AM and will end on Monday, March 24th at 8 AM
- Round 6 (The Final Feast) begins Monday, March 24th at 10 AM and will end on Thursday, March 27th at 8 AM
- Round 7 (The Championship) begins Thursday, March 27th at 10 AM and will end on March 31st at 10 AM.
One last thing, there are no seedings in Pizza Madness. Just good matchups and quality fun.
Stay updated on all things Pizza Madness and Chicago food by subscribing to Chicago’s Very Own Eats on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. All episodes are available on the Chicago’s Very Own Eats podcast page at WGNRadio.com.
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Piece Pizzeria & Brewery owner/operator Bill Jacobs returned to the Chicago’s Very Own Eats podcast, and he brought a special guest with him. Bill and Doug Sohn of Hot Doug’s have teamed up to kickoff the annual ‘Slice To Meet You’ campaign, supporting PAWS Chicago. From January 9th to February 8th, you can order their ‘Bill and Doug’s Excellent Adventure’ pizza, a white New Haven pizza with sliced Yukon potatoes, Hot Doug’s Hungarian sausage, scallions and Pecorino, horseradish cream sauce. A vegetarian option is available as well. With every purchase of the $35 pizza, $70 will be donated to PAWS Chicago, the Midwest’s largest no-kill shelter. Orders and donations can be made on PAWSChicago.org. Adoptable dogs will be featured on the Piece pizza boxes. Since 2023, ‘Slice to Meet You’ has raised $90,000 for PAWS Chicago.
Bill and Doug joined Kevin Powell and Michael Piff to talk about the ‘Slice To Meet You’ project, how they first met over a decade ago, meeting Anthony Bourdain, shout-outs to some of their favorite restaurants, and yes, the Chicago Bears. Bill also breaks some news on who he will be collaborating with for Part II and Part III of the of the Slice To Meet You campaign. Listen for more below:
https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7142818/7142818_2025-01-09-213218.64kmono.mp3See the photos below to get a better idea of how fun it is to be around Bill and Doug.
- Bill Jacobs and Doug Sohn prepare to put their “Excellent Adventure” in the oven. Photo via Bill Jacobs / Piece
- The “after” photo of Bill and Doug’s Excellent Adventure. Photo via Bill Jacobs / Piece
- Three Chicago legends in one photo. Photo via Bill Jacobs / Piece
- You’ll often find these two at Wrigley Field. Photo via Bill Jacobs / Piece
- …as well as the rotating Hot Doug’s sausages in the Wrigley Field bleachers. Photo via Bill Jacobs / Piece
- Bill Jacobs and Doug Sohn with the late and great Anthony Bourdain. Photo via Bill Jacobs / Piece Stay updated on all things Chicago food by subscribing to Chicago’s Very Own Eats on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. All episodes are available on the Chicago’s Very Own Eats podcast page at WGNRadio.com.
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As the year comes to a close, Chicago’s Very Own Eats podcast hosts Kevin Powell and Michael Piff look back at their favorite meals, restaurants and Chicago experiences they had in 2024.
Find out about…
- The meals that stuck out most to them
- Things they tried for the first time
- Things they had for the first time in a long time
- Favorite places for comfort food
- Iconic Chicago restaurants
- Date Night spots
- Favorite pizzas
- Favorite burgers
- Favorite barbecue
- Favorite donuts
…and more! Listen below to hear their answers. And Happy Holidays from the Chicago’s Very Own Eats podcast.
https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7116868/7116868_2024-12-18-140308.64kmono.mp32024 in ReviewRecent postsChicago’s Very Own EatsChicago Pizza Tours, American Ghost Walks team up.cls-5{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}United Center rolls out new menu for sports events.cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}Photos: New ‘Banner Level’ and United Center eats.cls-5{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}Pickles are having a moment in Chicago.cls-4{fill:#000;}Chicago Culinary Kitchen knows how to have fun.cls-5{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}Click for moreStay updated on all things Chicago food by subscribing to Chicago’s Very Own Eats on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. All episodes are available on the Chicago’s Very Own Eats podcast page at WGNRadio.com.
Fourth-generation owners of the The Italian Village and siblings Giovanna and Jonathan Capitanini are opening a new restaurant in Chicago’s Loop neighborhood, combining Italian bar and Chicago tavern culture. It will be the first concept to open in the basement of the Italian Village complex (71 W. Monroe) since 1955, and the goal is to be the neighborhood’s go-to place for comfort food and drinks with an Italian and international twist.
After joining Kevin Powell and Michael Piff on Chicago’s Very Own Eats with Giovanna back in August, Jonathan returns to the podcast to talk about Sotto, how it came together, collaborating on the menu with Chef Steven Mendez and embracing the “Chicago basement” concept in the Loop.
CVOE hosts Kevin Powell and Michael Piff with Jonathan Capitanini from Sotto/Italian Village
And as the holiday season kicks off in Chicago, Jonathan tells Kevin and Michael what Thanksgiving is like with Capitanini family. Listen to the full episode below:
https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7087319/7087319_2024-11-25-214019.64kmono.mp3Here’s more of what to look forward to from Sotto before the official Grand Opening in December!
- What to look forward to at Sotto, including ‘Italian’ Grilled Cheese and Cacio e Pepe Arancini. Photo by Jack X. Li / via Italian Village
- Giardiniera braise short ribs at Sotto. Photo by Jack X. Li / via Italian Village
- Homemade pastas and entrees at Sotto. Photo by Jack X. Li / via Italian Village
- Lamb ribs at Sotto. Photo by Jack X. Li / via Italian Village
- Polenta Parm at Sotto. Photo by Jack X. Li / via Italian Village
- Porchetta at Sotto. Photo by Jack X. Li / via Italian Village
- Smoked sweet potato tortellini at Sotto. Photo by Jack X. Li / via Italian Village
- More to get started with when you visit Sotto. Photo by Jack X. Li / via Italian Village Stay updated on all things Chicago food by subscribing to Chicago’s Very Own Eats on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. All episodes are available on the Chicago’s Very Own Eats podcast page at WGNRadio.com.
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The 2024 edition of the Chicago Pizza Summit, Chicago’s original pizza festival, takes place Sunday, November 3rd. Organizer Anthony Spina has been there since the beginning in 2016, and has seen both the festival and the Chicago pizza community evolve over the years. Anthony returns to the Chicago’s Very Own Eats podcast to chat with Kevin Powell and Michael Piff about what Chicago Pizza Summit is all about, this year’s lineup of pizza places and vendors, surprises to look forward to, and so much more.
https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7018809/7018809_2024-11-01-202209.64kmono.mp3Chicago Pizza Summit tickets are available on Bucketlisters.com. Sunday’s sessions are 12 to 3 PM (all ages) and 4 to 6 PM (21+) at the Royal Palms Shuffleboard Club (1750 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647).
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Michael Piff, Senior Digital Strategist for WGN Radio, joins Lisa Dent on the show to talk about his Chicago Food Truck Summer project and the 30 different Chicago area food trucks he tried. Listen below to hear some of the favorites!
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One of the most anticipated seasons in Chicago Bears history begins this Sunday at Solider Field when they host the Tennessee Titans. The fanbase has been salivating over their new franchise quarterback, additional playmakers on offense, and a defense that finished as one of the best units in the sport last season. The concession stand is also creating a buzz. Mike Piff, co-host of the Chicago’s Very Own Eats podcast, joins Wendy Snyder (in for Bob Sirott) to discuss the plethora of new menu items being served at Bears games this season.
https://serve.castfire.com/audio/6320923/Mike_Piff_090624_2024-09-06-165923.64kmono.mp3For those who may not make it to the lakefront for a Bears game, Mike shares his recommendations for the best Buffalo Wings in and around Chicagoland. Later on, Mike has details on how to battle muscular dystrophy by ordering pizza.
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Home chef, Chicago’s Very Own Eats podcast All-Star, and Muscular Dystrophy Association ambassador Billy Zureikat brought football and pizza fans together with his weekly ‘Chicago Squares’ series last year. Every week, he created a new tavern style pizza with ingredients inspired by the Bears’ opponents. If you followed the Chicago Squares series last year and wished you could try each week’s creation, you’re in luck!
This year, Billy is partnering with Pizza Matta to bring his Chicago Squares to life. Every gameday, a limited number of Bears opponent-inspired pizzas will be made and available for order. Billy joined Kevin Powell and Michael Piff on the Chicago’s Very Own Eats podcast to talk about how the partnership with Pizza Matta came together, his process for creating the Chicago Squares pizzas, his team-up with Harebrained on a new logo and upcoming merch, and how it all supports the Muscular Dystrophy Association.
https://serve.castfire.com/audio/6275521/6275521_2024-09-05-182921.64kmono.mp3You can follow Billy on Instagram at therealbillyz, where he plans to announce each week’s Chicago Squares pizza. Week 1 against the Titans will include Nashville hot chicken. They are located at 3211 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL and can be reached via phone at 773-661-6521.
[Update] Pizzas will be available for order on the Pizza Matta website at 8 AM on gamedays, right as Billy announces the week’s Chicago Squares pizza.
Billy Zureikat’s Week 1 Chicago Squares pizza, which will be available at Pizza Matta on Sunday, September 8th. Photo by Billy ZureikatFor more of Billy’s story and everything he does (there’s a lot), go to trippingbillyz.com.
Recent postsChicago’s Very Own EatsHelp the ‘Super Pizza World’ cookbook come to life.cls-5{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}A new menu awaits Bears fans at Soldier Field.cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}How to get Billy Zureikat’s ‘Chicago Squares’ pizzas.cls-4{fill:#000;}What’s new to eat and experience at Soldier Field.cls-5{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}Get ready for a ‘chef’s table’ experience at Carnivale.cls-4{fill:#000;}Click for moreStay updated on all things Chicago food by subscribing to Chicago’s Very Own Eats on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. All episodes are available on the Chicago’s Very Own Eats podcast page at WGNRadio.com.
Of all the amazing restaurants in Fulton Market, you can consider Carnivale to be the ‘OG’. Many Chicago food lovers know it for its pan-latin fusion cuisine and flair-filled entertainment, but soon you can have your very own ‘Chef’s Table’ experience.
Chef Carlos Garza joined Kevin Powell and Michael Piff on the Chicago’s Very Own Eats podcast to talk about Komal at Carnivale – an intimate and interactive multi-course dining experience curated, prepared and served by Chef Garza himself. Listen to find out what sets Carnivale apart from everywhere else, what Komal means, what you can expect from the experience, and Chef Garza loves about what he does and much more.
https://serve.castfire.com/audio/6074639/6074639_2024-08-28-173539.64kmono.mp3Reservations for Komal at Carnivale are now live on Tock. Dining reservations can also be made at carnivalechicago.com or over the phone at 312-850-5005. You can also follow Carnivale on Instagram and Facebook.
Recent postsChicago’s Very Own EatsHelp the ‘Super Pizza World’ cookbook come to life.cls-5{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}A new menu awaits Bears fans at Soldier Field.cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}How to get Billy Zureikat’s ‘Chicago Squares’ pizzas.cls-4{fill:#000;}What’s new to eat and experience at Soldier Field.cls-5{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}Get ready for a ‘chef’s table’ experience at Carnivale.cls-4{fill:#000;}Click for moreStay updated on all things Chicago food by subscribing to Chicago’s Very Own Eats on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. All episodes are available on the Chicago’s Very Own Eats podcast page at WGNRadio.com.
As Italian Village Restaurants nears their 97th year in business, the new generation is putting as much love and hard work as ever into their business.
The siblings, Jonathan and Giovanna Capitanini, grew up in the restaurant and have seen how it has evolved over the years since they were little. Having taken the reins a few years ago, they are putting their time, energy and expertise into preserving, restoring and improving a place that Chicago has loved for almost a century.
Jonathan and Giovanna took Chicago’s Very Own Eats podcast hosts Kevin Powell and Michael Piff on a tour of The Village on the upper level and gave them a peek of Bar Sotto downstairs. Kevin and Michael sat down with Jonathan and Giovanna for a conversation and were also treated to several amazing dishes from The Village menu. They discussed the nine-decade longevity of their business, the staff that feels like family and is key to their success, the award-winning wine collection that is unlike anything you’ll see anywhere else, and so much more.
https://serve.castfire.com/audio/5915172/5915172_2024-08-21-201612.64kmono.mp3Because Chicago loves its food, Italian especially, Jonathan and Giovanna have put a strong focus on culinary excellence in both The Village and Bar Sotto. Kevin and Michael can attest to it after trying many of the dishes that you can see in the gallery below:
- The Italian Village restaurant complex is located at 71 W Monroe St. in Chicago. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- The legendary bar at The Village. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- The interior design and murals in The Village transport you all the way to northern Italy, where the Capitanini family is from. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- Jonathan and Giovanna Capitanini have put a ton of hard work into restoring and improving The Village experience. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- Every table and booth makes you feel like you are in an Italian village. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- The Capitaninis pay so much attention to detail into the space at The Village, and their other concepts within the complex. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- And now for lunch…Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- Classic fried calamari, which can also be ordered grilled with garlic, olive oil, oregano and paprika. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- One of the ‘House Specialty’ items, meatballs with marinara, parmesan and garlic toast. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- Beef Carpaccio, thinly sliced raw filet mignon, arugula, parmigiano-reggiano and EVOO. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- Giovanna’s favorite (and we now know why) Rigatoni di Franco, ground chicken thigh ragu, cherry tomatoes and basil. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- The House Specialty lasagna with meat sauce, bechamel and parmesan. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- Chicen Piccata, grilled chicken breasts, mushrooms, marsala wine and linguine. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- Legend has it, Italian Village is the first restaurant to serve Chicken Vesuvio. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- Salmon puttanesca, grilled Atlantic salmon, tomatoes, capers, olives, garlic, basil, white wine and sauteed spinach. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- The Capitaninis are “embracing the basement” with a new concept coming in the fall. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- Bar Sotto will have its own dedicated chef, kitchen and handmade pasta-making ‘theater.” The goal is to be the best basement bar in Chicago! Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- Giovanna and Jonathan Capitanini with staffers that have been a part of the Italian Village family for decades. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio Follow Italian Village, The Village and Bar Sotto on Instagram. See more of the menu and make a reservation on the Italian Village website!
Recent postsChicago’s Very Own EatsItalian Village is in good hands with the new generation.cls-5{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}Our favorite places to get wings around Chicago.cls-4{fill:#000;}Celebrate National Chicken Wing Day with Melnick’s.cls-4{fill:#000;}The 2024 Chicago’s Best Beef Tournament Champion is….cls-4{fill:#000;}Union and Half Acre team up for Chicago foodie dinner.cls-4{fill:#000;}Click for moreStay updated on all things Chicago food by subscribing to Chicago’s Very Own Eats on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. All episodes are available on the Chicago’s Very Own Eats podcast page at WGNRadio.com.
The 2024 Chicago’s Best Beef Tournament, sponsored by Turano Baking Company and Mauro Provisions, started on June 27th in conjunction with ‘The Bear’ season 3 dropping on Hulu. The field expanded from 16 of the Chicago area’s favorite Italian beef places, a year ago, to 64 this year.
The updated Chicago’s Best Beef Tournament graphic. By Michael Piff / WGN Radio3 weeks and 100,000 votes later, our Best Beef Tournament has a new champion. Kevin Powell and Michael Piff called the winner, between Bob-O’s and Fat Ricky’s, on the Chicago’s Very Own Eats podcast. Listen below to find out who it is:
https://serve.castfire.com/audio/5351650/5351650_2024-07-18-182250.64kmono.mp3We want to thank Turano Baking Company and Mauro Provisions for supporting our tournament this year. We also want to thank the 64 competing Italian Beef places for enthusiastically promoting their matchups, and for their very, very passionate fans for voting over the three week span.
We know that some of your favorites didn’t advance to the championship, or maybe weren’t included this year (trust us, it’s really hard to choose just 64), but we highly encourage you o try the places you haven’t had yet that were listed in our bracket. You can find them here.
At the end of the day, we just wanted to have fun with fellow Chicago food lovers and promote local businesses, and we think we accomplished both.
Recent postsChicago’s Very Own EatsThe 2024 Chicago’s Best Beef Tournament Champion is….cls-4{fill:#000;}Union and Half Acre team up for Chicago foodie dinner.cls-4{fill:#000;}Jeff Mauro brings Chicago food coast-to-coast.cls-5{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}Chicago’s Best Beef Tournament 2024: The Championship.cls-4{fill:#000;}Chicago’s Best Beef Tournament 2024: Final Four.cls-4{fill:#000;}Click for moreStay updated on all things Chicago food by subscribing to Chicago’s Very Own Eats on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. All episodes are available on the Chicago’s Very Own Eats podcast page at WGNRadio.com.
Food Network host, Chicago chef, CEO/Founder of Mauro Provisions, podcaster, musician and all-around-good-dude Jeff Mauro joins Kevin Powell and Michael Piff on the Chicago’s Very Own Eats podcast!
- Food Network host and Mauro Provisions owner Jeff Mauro. Photo provided by Emily Mauro
- Jeff Mauro in the WGN Radio podcast studio with Kevin Powell and Michael Piff Jeff is one of the busiest people in the food industry and when you listen to this episode, you’ll find out why. We learn how Mauro Provisions started, the amount of creativity and care goes into everything they offer, how he takes pride in representing Chicago on ‘The Kitchen’, what’s on the horizon for his TV schedule and so much more.
With Mauro Provisions sponsoring our Chicago’s Best Beef Tournament, along with Turano Baking Company, Jeff gives his expert opinion of the 64-Italian Beef place bracket, how it has unfolded, and the “Bangladeshian Beef Debacle of 2024!” Listen below for more from one of the best episodes of Chicago’s Very Own Eats we’ve ever had.
https://serve.castfire.com/audio/5306639/5306639_2024-07-16-201039.64kmono.mp3Follow Jeff Mauro on Instagram. Listen to the ‘Come On Over’ podcast with his sister, Emily Mauro. Go see his band, Jeff Mauro & The Jewel Bags play live! And don’t forget to vote on the championship matchup of the Chicago’s Best Beef Tournament. Polls will remain open until Thursday morning, July 18th.
Recent postsChicago’s Very Own EatsThe 2024 Chicago’s Best Beef Tournament Champion is….cls-4{fill:#000;}Union and Half Acre team up for Chicago foodie dinner.cls-4{fill:#000;}Jeff Mauro brings Chicago food coast-to-coast.cls-5{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}Chicago’s Best Beef Tournament 2024: The Championship.cls-4{fill:#000;}Chicago’s Best Beef Tournament 2024: Final Four.cls-4{fill:#000;}Click for moreStay updated on Chicago’s Best Beef Tournament and all things Chicago food by subscribing to Chicago’s Very Own Eats on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. All episodes are available on the Chicago’s Very Own Eats podcast page at WGNRadio.com.
National Fried Chicken Day is Saturday, July 6th and what better way to celebrate than with a Nashville hot chicken sandwich!
Photo provided by Craveworthy Brands
The Budlong Southern Chicken is commemorating the holiday AND their 8th birthday by offering $5 Budlong Original Chicken Sandwiches for the enter month of July. Craveworthy Brands CEO Gregg Majewski join Kevin Powell and Michael Piff to talk about their special deal for Chicago food lovers, the Budlong’s origin story, what sets them apart from everyone else, how they were serving Nashville hot chicken before it was cool, and more! Dine-in at any of the Budlong’s Chicago area locations to enjoy your $5 chicken sandwich.
Kevin and Michael also discuss Round 1 of the Chicago’s Best Beef Tournament, sponsored by Turano Baking Company and Mauro Provisions, and the big shocker that occurred. Listen for more below:
https://serve.castfire.com/audio/5272396/5272396_2024-07-02-202436.64kmono.mp3Recent postsChicago’s Very Own EatsThe 2024 Chicago’s Best Beef Tournament Champion is….cls-4{fill:#000;}Union and Half Acre team up for Chicago foodie dinner.cls-4{fill:#000;}Jeff Mauro brings Chicago food coast-to-coast.cls-5{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}Chicago’s Best Beef Tournament 2024: The Championship.cls-4{fill:#000;}Chicago’s Best Beef Tournament 2024: Final Four.cls-4{fill:#000;}Click for moreStay updated on Chicago’s Best Beef Tournament and all things Chicago food by subscribing to Chicago’s Very Own Eats on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. All episodes are available on the Chicago’s Very Own Eats podcast page at WGNRadio.com.
The inaugural Chicago’s Best Beef Tournament featured 16 of the area’s best Chicago beef places. This year, we are extending the tournament to 64 competitors.
Chicago’s Best Beef Tournament Bracket 2024 by Michael Piff / WGN Radio. Click to see clearer. The 2024 Chicago’s Best Beef Tournament is sponsored by Turano Baking Company and Mauro Provisions. Joining Kevin Powell and Michael Piff on the Chicago’s Very Own Eats to talk about it and get us ready for Round 1 are Mario and Giancarlo Turano from Turano Baking Company! They discuss the Turano family’s history, how they like their beef sandwiches, what Chicagoans love about Italian beef and their neighborhood spots, the ‘Lunch with Turano’ series on social media and this year’s bracket. Listen below for more:
https://serve.castfire.com/audio/5246341/5246341_2024-06-25-175441.64kmono.mp3As we do with all of our Chicago’s Very Own Eats Tournaments, you can see all the competitors and where to find them here. ‘Chicago’s Best Beef’ voting will begin Thursday, June 27th on wgnradio.com and the Chicago’s Very Own Eats page.
Recent postsChicago’s Very Own EatsThe 2024 Chicago’s Best Beef Tournament Champion is….cls-4{fill:#000;}Union and Half Acre team up for Chicago foodie dinner.cls-4{fill:#000;}Jeff Mauro brings Chicago food coast-to-coast.cls-5{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}Chicago’s Best Beef Tournament 2024: The Championship.cls-4{fill:#000;}Chicago’s Best Beef Tournament 2024: Final Four.cls-4{fill:#000;}Click for moreStay tuned and stay updated on all things Chicago food by subscribing to Chicago’s Very Own Eats on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. All episodes are available on the Chicago’s Very Own Eats podcast page at WGNRadio.com.
WGN Radio’s Mike Piff joins Wendy Snyder, in for Bob Sirott, to talk about the Second Annual Chicago’s Best Beef Tournament and how it highlights small businesses. He also shares details about his summer dedicated to trying foods from Chicagoland’s food trucks and where you can find regular updates.
https://serve.castfire.com/audio/5137710/Michael_Piff_061424_2024-06-14-123610.64kmono.mp3The Chicago’s Best Beef Tournament starts on June 27th on the Chicago’s Very Own Eats page and is sponsored by Turano Baking Company and Mauro Provisions
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Chicago’s Best Beef Tournament, sponsored by Turano Baking Company and Mauro Provisions, returns on June 27th, and Buona Beef is ready for their title defense.
Jimmy Buonavolanto and Andrew Regalado from Buona Beef with Kevin Powell and Michael Piff from the Chicago’s Very Own Eats podcastJimmy Buonavolanto and Andrew Regalado from Buona joined Kevin Powell and Michael Piff on the Chicago’s Very Own Eats podcast to talk about the history of Buona, Chicago’s love for Italian beef, the bond between family businesses, and so much more! Listen to the episode below:
https://serve.castfire.com/audio/5137218/5137218_2024-06-13-183018.64kmono.mp3Stay tuned for more details before the 2024 Chicago’s Best Beef Tournament kicks off. The full bracket will be revealed in the coming weeks.
Recent postsChicago’s Very Own EatsChicago’s Best Beef Tournament is making a comeback!.cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}Buona defends their ‘Best Beef ‘ title on June 27th.cls-4{fill:#000;}Michael Piff’s ‘Chicago Food Truck Summer’ Tracker.cls-5{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}Jakes eat free at Jake Melnick’s on National Burger Day.cls-4{fill:#000;}Photos: The 2024 Chicago Food Truck Fest begins!.cls-5{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}Click for moreStay tuned and stay updated on all things Chicago food by subscribing to Chicago’s Very Own Eats on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. All episodes are available on the Chicago’s Very Own Eats podcast page at WGNRadio.com.
Ahead of Cinco de Mayo, daVinci Group owner Paul LoDuca joins Kevin Powell and Michael Piff on the Chicago’s Very Own Eats podcast. Paul owns two restaurants that have been staples in the Old Town neighborhood for decades now, Adobo Grill and Vinci.
Adobo Grill and Vinci restaurant owner Paul LoDuca with Kevin Powell and Michael Piff. Photo by Andrew Harris / WGN Radio
Paul tells the story of how he opened his Italian eatery, Vinci, in 1991 and what inspired him to open a Mexican restaurant 9 years later. Both restaurants give you unique experiences from other Italian and Mexican places. And both have monthly curated meals, paired with wine and tequila, that will keep you coming back to try. Paul also talks about what makes Old Town special and a great part of the city have his restaurants located.
With Cinco de Mayo, Mother’s Day and Chicago’s patio season to plan for, listen to find out why you should consider Adobo Grill and Vinci for each occasion.
https://serve.castfire.com/audio/4760985/4760985_2024-04-30-172525.64kmono.mp3Recent postsChicago’s Very Own EatsThe Old Town spot you need to try for Cinco de Mayo.cls-4{fill:#000;}Antioch Pizza Shop receives 2024 Pizza Madness Trophy.cls-5{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}The 2024 Chicago Pizza Madness Champion is….cls-4{fill:#000;}The Chicago Pizza Madness Championship 2024.cls-4{fill:#000;}Chicago Pizza Madness Tournament 2024: The Final Feast.cls-4{fill:#000;}Click for moreStay tuned and stay updated on all things Chicago food by subscribing to Chicago’s Very Own Eats on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. All episodes are available on the Chicago’s Very Own Eats podcast page at WGNRadio.com.
After 4 weeks, 7 rounds and 271,351 votes, the 2024 Chicago Pizza Madness Tournament sponsored by Career Vision has its champion.
Chicago’s Very Own Eats podcast co-host Michael Piff joined John Williams to call the owners of the winning pizza place. Listen to the segment below:
https://serve.castfire.com/audio/4591566/4591566_2024-04-04-151706.64kmono.mp3Antioch Pizza Shop won by just 1% of the 35,121 votes that were made. As a commenter on our WGN Radio Facebook page perfectly put it though, the real winner is the greater Chicagoland area for having so much amazing pizza to choose from. At the heart of it all, this was an opportunity promote local businesses and it was amazing to see several communities rally for their favorite pizza places.
We congratulate Antioch Pizza Shop, owners Karen and Art Wicklein, and their supporters for winning it all. We also want to commend Uncle Jerry’s Pizza Company in Cary for making an incredible run all the way to the last minute of the tournament, and for being so gracious while doing so. Both championship competitors were new to our tournament, and seeing them advance this far made it that much more fun.
Chicago Pizza Madness Tournament 2024 Bracket by Michael Piff / WGN Radio. Click to see clearer.
Now we encourage you to try as many of the competing pizza places as you can. You can find them here and give them a visit! Kevin Powell and Michael Piff will do a full recap on their next episode of Chicago’s Very Own Eats. Stay tuned and stay updated on all things Chicago food by subscribing to Chicago’s Very Own Eats on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. All episodes are available on the Chicago’s Very Own Eats podcast page at WGNRadio.com.
Recent postsChicago’s Very Own EatsThe 2024 Chicago Pizza Madness Champion is….cls-4{fill:#000;}The Chicago Pizza Madness Championship 2024.cls-4{fill:#000;}Chicago Pizza Madness Tournament 2024: The Final Feast.cls-4{fill:#000;}Chicago Pizza Madness Tournament 2024: The Elite Eats.cls-4{fill:#000;}New White Sox eats for the 2024 season.cls-5{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}Click for moreRecent PostsJohn WilliamsCraig Bolanos: Probability of rate cuts are reduced.cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}Should voters have the ability to recall a mayor?.cls-4{fill:#000;}Dr. Pattani: Should you rinse after you brush teeth?.cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}John Williams Best of Speed Jokes 4-19-24.cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}Catching up with former WGN producer Elif Geris.cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}Click for more
Celebrity chef Fabio Viviani and his team at Fabio Viviani Hospitality have opened more than 60 restaurants and concepts across the country, including Chicago favorites Sienna Tavern, Prime & Provisions, and Bar Sienna. Now Chef Fabio has opened a modern Italian steakhouse in his own backyard, Lago in Lake Zurich.
Chef Fabio joined Kevin Powell and Michael Piff on the Chicago’s Very Own Eats podcast to talk about his new concept, what he recommends you try first, what his day-to-day is like, what the response from the community in Lake Zurich and Barrington has been like, and more.
Before the conversation with Chef Fabio, Kevin and Michael give an update on the Chicago Pizza Madness Tournament, sponsored by Career Vision. Listen to the full episode below.
https://serve.castfire.com/audio/4506786/4506786_2024-03-19-181926.64kmono.mp3Coincidentally, Michael grew up in Lake Zurich and his parents actually live behind Lago on the lake at The Sanctuary. Below are some photos from his recent visit to Lago with his family.
- The Chianti Americano was a fantastic recommendation for a whiskey lover like Michael Piff. Photo: Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- Fresh whipped ricotta bruschetta. Photo: Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- House rolls with honey butter. Photo: Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- Dry-aged bone-in rib eye. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- Some of the best truffle parmesan fries Michael’s ever tried. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- Italian roasted creamy street corn. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
- Michael’s wife, Amy, and a wine glass filled with delicious tiramisu. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio You can follow Chef Fabio on Facebook and Instagram, and Lago in Lake Zurich on Facebook and Instagram as well.
Recent postsChicago’s Very Own EatsThe 2024 Chicago Pizza Madness Champion is….cls-4{fill:#000;}The Chicago Pizza Madness Championship 2024.cls-4{fill:#000;}Chicago Pizza Madness Tournament 2024: The Final Feast.cls-4{fill:#000;}Chicago Pizza Madness Tournament 2024: The Elite Eats.cls-4{fill:#000;}New White Sox eats for the 2024 season.cls-5{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}Click for moreStay updated on the Pizza Madness Tournament and all things Chicago food by subscribing to Chicago’s Very Own Eats on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. All episodes are available on the Chicago’s Very Own Eats podcast page at WGNRadio.com.
With the 2024 Chicago Pizza Madness Tournament (sponsored by Career Vision) underway, John Williams was joined by Chicago’s Very Own Eats co-host and WGN Radio “bracketologist” Michael Piff on Monday to discuss the details for listeners to vote. To kick off the tournament properly, John also spoke with Courtney Miller, general manager of the 2023 Chicago Pizza Madness champion, Georgio’s in Crystal Lake, and tried their pizza as well.
https://serve.castfire.com/audio/4504939/4504939_2024-03-13-173039.64kmono.mp3Voting for the Chicago Pizza Madness Tournament is taking place on the Chicago’s Very Own Eats podcast page. Find and try as many of the competing pizza places here.
Recent PostsJohn WilliamsCraig Bolanos: Probability of rate cuts are reduced.cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}Should voters have the ability to recall a mayor?.cls-4{fill:#000;}Dr. Pattani: Should you rinse after you brush teeth?.cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}John Williams Best of Speed Jokes 4-19-24.cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}Catching up with former WGN producer Elif Geris.cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}Click for moreRecent postsChicago’s Very Own EatsThe 2024 Chicago Pizza Madness Champion is….cls-4{fill:#000;}The Chicago Pizza Madness Championship 2024.cls-4{fill:#000;}Chicago Pizza Madness Tournament 2024: The Final Feast.cls-4{fill:#000;}Chicago Pizza Madness Tournament 2024: The Elite Eats.cls-4{fill:#000;}New White Sox eats for the 2024 season.cls-5{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}Click for moreStay updated on the Pizza Madness Tournament and all things Chicago food by subscribing to Chicago’s Very Own Eats on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. All episodes are available on the Chicago’s Very Own Eats podcast page at WGNRadio.com.
The Chicago Pizza Madness Tournament is back and it’s sponsored by our friends at Career Vision!
In 2023, we had 64 Chicagoland area pizza places face off alongside College Basketball’s NCAA Tournament. After 4 weeks and 330,000 votes, Georgio’s of Crystal Lake was crowned the 2023 champion. This year, we asked the WGN Radio audience on Facebook who we should include in this year’s tournament. Over 1,000 responses later by Chicago area pizza lovers, Chicago’s Very Own Eats hosts Kevin Powell and Michael Piff were able to put together the 2024 edition of the bracket.
[UPDATE] The field has been expanded to 68 competitors with the “First Four” play-in round having already officially begun.
And just like last year, the bracket is broken out into four regions: City, North Suburbs, Local Chain and South/West Suburbs.
Chicago Pizza Madness Tournament 2024 Bracket by Michael Piff / WGN Radio (Click to see clearer)Listen below as Kevin and Michael share more details and discuss the matchups on the latest episode of the Chicago’s Very Own Eats podcast!
https://serve.castfire.com/audio/4503128/4503128_2024-03-07-191428.64kmono.mp3We know that there are so many more Chicago area pizza places that could have been included, and it was very difficult to keep it to just 68. Interested in trying some for the first time? We encourage you do and find them here.
Recent postsChicago’s Very Own EatsThe 2024 Chicago Pizza Madness Champion is….cls-4{fill:#000;}The Chicago Pizza Madness Championship 2024.cls-4{fill:#000;}Chicago Pizza Madness Tournament 2024: The Final Feast.cls-4{fill:#000;}Chicago Pizza Madness Tournament 2024: The Elite Eats.cls-4{fill:#000;}New White Sox eats for the 2024 season.cls-5{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}Click for moreStay updated on the Pizza Madness Tournament and all things Chicago food by subscribing to Chicago’s Very Own Eats on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. All episodes are available on the Chicago’s Very Own Eats podcast page at WGNRadio.com.
While Chicago prides itself on pizza and Italian beef, it’s also home to some of the best burger joints in the country. Chronicling Chicago’s best burgers is Samantha Esposito with her Chicago Burger Bible Instagram page and website.
(Samantha Esposito / Chicago Burger Bible)
Samantha joins Kevin Powell and Michael Piff on the Chicago’s Very Own Eats podcast to talk about her favorite Chicago burgers, her journey from starting a blog to growing a following of 13,000 Chicago food lovers, becoming a 3-time judge of the Roscoe Village Burger Fest, how she’s not above a good chain burger, how she finds new burger places to try and much more.
Listen to the full episode below:
https://serve.castfire.com/audio/4496505/4496505_2024-02-15-214805.64kmono.mp3Kevin and Michael could have gone hours talking to Samantha about burgers, but they’d love to hear from you about yours. Tweet them at @KPowell720 and @Mike_Piff03. And you can see some of Michael’s favorites in his gallery posted back in 2022.
Recent postsChicago’s Very Own EatsThe 2024 Chicago Pizza Madness Champion is….cls-4{fill:#000;}The Chicago Pizza Madness Championship 2024.cls-4{fill:#000;}Chicago Pizza Madness Tournament 2024: The Final Feast.cls-4{fill:#000;}Chicago Pizza Madness Tournament 2024: The Elite Eats.cls-4{fill:#000;}New White Sox eats for the 2024 season.cls-5{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}Click for moreStay updated on all things Chicago food by subscribing to Chicago’s Very Own Eats on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. All episodes are available on the Chicago’s Very Own Eats podcast page at WGNRadio.com.
What’s as “Chicago” as Italian Beef, deep dish and tavern style pizza? Giardiniera. And if you love giardiniera, there’s a home grown business with a recipe that tops Kevin Powell’s list of favorites.
Kevin and Michael Piff talk with Chicago Pepper Bros. owner Thomas Romano on the Chicago’s Very Own Eats podcast. They talk about how Chicago Pepper Bros. began, how Tommy learned to make giardiniera, how he perfected his recipe, who has helped him along the way, and how you can buy your own jar of peppers. For more, go to ChicagoPepperBros.com and follow them on Instagram.
Because it’s almost Super Bowl week, Kevin and Michael discuss their plans for what their serving and having to eat during “The Big Game”. And they also have a special announcement regarding National Pizza Day and plans for the Pizza Madness Tournament. Listen for more below:
https://serve.castfire.com/audio/4486203/4486203_2024-02-01-203203.64kmono.mp3Recent postsChicago’s Very Own EatsThe 2024 Chicago Pizza Madness Champion is….cls-4{fill:#000;}The Chicago Pizza Madness Championship 2024.cls-4{fill:#000;}Chicago Pizza Madness Tournament 2024: The Final Feast.cls-4{fill:#000;}Chicago Pizza Madness Tournament 2024: The Elite Eats.cls-4{fill:#000;}New White Sox eats for the 2024 season.cls-5{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}Click for moreStay updated on all things Chicago food by subscribing to Chicago’s Very Own Eats on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. All episodes are available on the Chicago’s Very Own Eats podcast page at WGNRadio.com.
Kevin Powell and Michael Piff from the Chicago’s Very Own Eats podcast kickoff 2024, first by catching on how they celebrated the holidays and more importantly…what they had to eat.
Kevin talks about his visit to RPM and Club Lucky, while Michael shares his experience introducing his daughter to Honey Butter Fried Chicken and Lou Malnati’s. While they both went out to eat, they also did some cooking over the holidays that you may want to try for yourself.
Then Kevin and Michael started look toward 2024 and what they’re looking forward to trying. And yes, they are looking for recommendations! Listen below to find out what:
https://serve.castfire.com/audio/4477394/4477394_2024-01-09-204934.64kmono.mp3Have a new restaurant recommendation for Kevin and Michael? Or maybe a suggestion for when they bring back the Pizza Madness Tournament? Let them know on Twitter/X at @KPowell720 and @Mike_Piff03.
Recent postsChicago’s Very Own EatsThe 2024 Chicago Pizza Madness Champion is….cls-4{fill:#000;}The Chicago Pizza Madness Championship 2024.cls-4{fill:#000;}Chicago Pizza Madness Tournament 2024: The Final Feast.cls-4{fill:#000;}Chicago Pizza Madness Tournament 2024: The Elite Eats.cls-4{fill:#000;}New White Sox eats for the 2024 season.cls-5{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}Click for moreStay updated on all things Chicago food by subscribing to Chicago’s Very Own Eats on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. All episodes are available on the Chicago’s Very Own Eats podcast page at WGNRadio.com.
John Carruthers has been very busy since Kevin Powell and Michael Piff last talked to him on Chicago’s Very Own Eats.
The Crust Fund Pizza proprietor continues to make and sell pizzas for Chicago area causes from his alley. He competed on Chopped and represented Chicago tavern style pizza very well. He participated in Steve Dolinsky’s Pizza City Fest. He’s directing communications for Revolution Brewing. And recently he has added Italian Beef to his Chicago food repertoire.
The Original C&D of Chicagoland, from John Carruthers and Crust Fund
Hear all about it as Kevin and Michael catch up with John on the latest episode of Chicago’s Very Own Eats.
https://serve.castfire.com/audio/4470547/4470547_2023-12-14-195747.64kmono.mp3Follow John on Instagram for everything he’s up to at nachosandlager. And you can find his “Pizza for Everybody” book on hi-buddy.org.
Recent postsChicago’s Very Own EatsThe 2024 Chicago Pizza Madness Champion is….cls-4{fill:#000;}The Chicago Pizza Madness Championship 2024.cls-4{fill:#000;}Chicago Pizza Madness Tournament 2024: The Final Feast.cls-4{fill:#000;}Chicago Pizza Madness Tournament 2024: The Elite Eats.cls-4{fill:#000;}New White Sox eats for the 2024 season.cls-5{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}Click for moreStay updated on all things Chicago food by subscribing to Chicago’s Very Own Eats on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. All episodes are available on the Chicago’s Very Own Eats podcast page at WGNRadio.com.
The podcast for Chicago food lovers is back in time to talk about the holiday for food lovers.
To commemorate their 50th episode of the Chicago’s Very Own Eats podcast, hosts Kevin Powell and Michael Piff share their Thanksgiving traditions, the unique foods their families enjoy, favorite sides, favorite pies, and whether they are for or against turkey…
Kevin and Michael also discuss how early they each decorate for Christmas, what they do the day after Thanksgiving, and what they do with their leftovers. Listen for that and more below:
https://serve.castfire.com/audio/4460207/4460207_2023-11-16-192807.64kmono.mp3Kevin and Michael want to see what you’re having for Thanksgiving this year, so feel free to share your photos with them on Twitter at @KPowell720 and @Mike_Piff03.
Recent postsChicago’s Very Own EatsThe 2024 Chicago Pizza Madness Champion is….cls-4{fill:#000;}The Chicago Pizza Madness Championship 2024.cls-4{fill:#000;}Chicago Pizza Madness Tournament 2024: The Final Feast.cls-4{fill:#000;}Chicago Pizza Madness Tournament 2024: The Elite Eats.cls-4{fill:#000;}New White Sox eats for the 2024 season.cls-5{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}Click for moreStay updated on all things Chicago food by subscribing to Chicago’s Very Own Eats on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. All episodes are available on the Chicago’s Very Own Eats podcast page at WGNRadio.com.
To kickoff National Pizza Month properly, Lou Malnati’s and Portillo’s teamed up again to bring back the Lou Malnati’s x Portillo’s Italian Beef Deep Dish pizza.
Lou Malnati’s owner and chairman Marc Malnati joins Kevin Powell and Michael Piff on the Chicago’s Very Own Eats podcast to talk about how the collaboration between the two iconic Chicago brands happened. Marc also takes Kevin and Michael behind the scenes of the time he had to school longtime Daily Show host Jon Stewart in what good Chicago deep dish pizza is. He then weighs in on the tavern style vs. deep dish vs. stuffed pizza debate.
And as Marc Malnati says, “If you really like somebody, what better way to let them know” than shipping a Lou Malnati’s x Portillo’s Italian Beef Deep Dish to them as a gift (which can be ordered on TastesOfChicago.com). Both Kevin and Michael tried it and give it a thumbs up! Listen to the full episode below:
https://serve.castfire.com/audio/4445567/4445567_2023-10-13-163607.64kmono.mp3Chicago's Very Own EatsRecent postsThe 2024 Chicago Pizza Madness Champion is….cls-4{fill:#000;}The Chicago Pizza Madness Championship 2024.cls-4{fill:#000;}Chicago Pizza Madness Tournament 2024: The Final Feast.cls-4{fill:#000;}Chicago Pizza Madness Tournament 2024: The Elite Eats.cls-4{fill:#000;}New White Sox eats for the 2024 season.cls-5{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}Click for moreLet Kevin and Michael know what you think on Twitter at @KPowell720 and @Mike_Piff03. Stay updated on all things Chicago food by subscribing to Chicago’s Very Own Eats on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. All episodes are available on the Chicago’s Very Own Eats podcast page at WGNRadio.com.
The goal of the 2023 Chicago’s Best Wings Tournament was to promote local businesses in and around Chicago, and we had 32 of them that competed over the past month. Our competitors were chosen by Chicago’s Very Own Eats hosts Kevin Powell and Michael Piff, various wings enthusiasts on the WGN Radio staff, and WGN Radio listeners that follow us on social media.
After 5 weeks and plenty of passion from fans of our competitors, it came down to Wings & Rings and Timothy O’Toole’s in the championship. Kevin and Michael called the winner on the latest episode of Chicago’s Very Own Eats. Listen below to hear it:
https://serve.castfire.com/audio/4445198/4445198_2023-10-12-180838.64kmono.mp3Congrats to Wings & Rings for winning our inaugural Chicago’s Best Wings Tournament with 55% of the championship vote. They are locally owned and operated, and just 4 blocks west of Guaranteed Rate Field on the South Side. Also congrats to Timothy O’Toole’s for an incredible effort throughout the entirety of the tournament.
We also highly recommend checking out as many of the 32 competing locations as you can. You can find them here.
Thank you to everyone that voted, promoted and didn’t hold back your feelings about the results of this tournament. We hope you stay with us until our next big tournament by subscribing to Chicago’s Very Own Eats on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. All episodes are available on the Chicago’s Very Own Eats podcast page at WGNRadio.com.
Chicago's Very Own EatsRecent postsThe 2024 Chicago Pizza Madness Champion is….cls-4{fill:#000;}The Chicago Pizza Madness Championship 2024.cls-4{fill:#000;}Chicago Pizza Madness Tournament 2024: The Final Feast.cls-4{fill:#000;}Chicago Pizza Madness Tournament 2024: The Elite Eats.cls-4{fill:#000;}New White Sox eats for the 2024 season.cls-5{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}Click for more
Chicago’s original pizza festival makes its return on October 15th! The Chicago Pizza Summit began in 2016 as a way to bring pizza lovers from the world’s greatest pizza city together and to celebrate different styles and brands from across the area. Between 2016 and 2019, the Pizza Summit grew and evolved…like the community that developed around it.
courtesy of Michael Corrigan / Chicago Pizza Summit
Founder Anthony Spina joins Kevin Powell and Michael Piff on the Chicago’s Very Own Eats podcast to talk about the Pizza Summit’s return, what sets it apart from other festivals, why “Pizza is for everyone”, and how Chicago pizza enthusiasts can partake in the event.
The 2023 Chicago Pizza Summit takes place on October 15th at the Royal Palms Chicago. Tickets for both sessions are available on Bucketlisters.com. You can also look back at Michael’s experience at the inaugural Pizza Summit here.
Kevin and Michael also give an update on the 2023 Chicago Best Wings Tournament, and who has reached the Final Four. Listen for more below:
https://serve.castfire.com/audio/4437216/4437216_2023-09-28-185616.64kmono.mp3Join the conversation with Kevin and Michael on Twitter at @KPowell720 and @Mike_Piff03. Stay updated by subscribing to Chicago’s Very Own Eats on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. All episodes are available on the Chicago’s Very Own Eats podcast page at WGNRadio.com.
Chicago's Very Own EatsRecent postsThe 2024 Chicago Pizza Madness Champion is….cls-4{fill:#000;}The Chicago Pizza Madness Championship 2024.cls-4{fill:#000;}Chicago Pizza Madness Tournament 2024: The Final Feast.cls-4{fill:#000;}Chicago Pizza Madness Tournament 2024: The Elite Eats.cls-4{fill:#000;}New White Sox eats for the 2024 season.cls-5{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}Click for more
Friend of the Chicago’s Very Own Eats podcast and home cook Billy Zureikat joins Kevin Powell and Michael Piff to discuss his latest project that football fans and pizza lovers will enjoy.
Kevin Powell and Michael Piff with Billy Zureikat after recording the latest CVOE podcastEach week of the Bears’ season, Billy is making a tavern style pizza that is inspired by the city or state that their opponent is from. For example, Billy’s Week 1 pizza was the ultimate Wisconsin pizza, topped with Spotted Cow soaked brats, Wisconsin brick and cheddar cheeses, a garlic cream sauce base, caramelized onions and more! Kevin and Michael look at the Bears schedule and ask what Billy is planning to do with each matchup.
It’s also Muscular Dystrophy Awareness Month, and most of Billy’s efforts have been to raise money and awareness for the cause. Billy shared some of his story in this conversation but you can hear more on the first episode he was on with Kevin and Michael. You can also donate to Billy’s Muscular Dystrophy Association fundraising page here, and follow him on both Instagram and TikTok.
And as Round 2 voting for the Chicago’s Best Wings Tournament is underway, Michael gives an update on the Round 1 results. Listen for more below:
https://serve.castfire.com/audio/4158842/4158842_2023-09-14-184742.64kmono.mp3Chicago's Very Own EatsRecent postsThe 2024 Chicago Pizza Madness Champion is….cls-4{fill:#000;}The Chicago Pizza Madness Championship 2024.cls-4{fill:#000;}Chicago Pizza Madness Tournament 2024: The Final Feast.cls-4{fill:#000;}Chicago Pizza Madness Tournament 2024: The Elite Eats.cls-4{fill:#000;}New White Sox eats for the 2024 season.cls-5{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}Click for moreYou can subscribe to Chicago’s Very Own Eats on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. All episodes are available on the Chicago’s Very Own Eats podcast page at WGNRadio.com.
After the success of the Pizza Madness Tournament in the Spring and the Best Beef Tourney in the summer, Kevin Powell and Michael Piff wanted to come up with the perfect food tournament for the fall. We’ll give you a hint: It goes great with Football season. Listen to the latest episode of Chicago’s Very […]
If you listen to the Chicago’s Very Own Eats podcast with Kevin Powell and Michael Piff, then you probably love eating and talking about pizza too. There are few people who know more about, or have eaten more pizza than NBC Chicago food reporter and 13-time James Beard Award-winner Steve Dolinsky. Steve joins Kevin and […]
The start of August signifies two things in Chicago: Lollapalooza and the heart of grilling season. You may have heard of Wild Fork already, as locations are popping up all around the greater Chicagoland area. But what you might not know is what sets Wild Fork apart from other grocery stores, butchers and specialty retailers. […]
As we finally move on from a very successful Chicago’s Best Beef Tournament, Kevin Powell and Michael Piff discuss another one of their favorite topics: WINGS! National Chicken Wing Day is July 29th, so Kevin and Michael reminisce about some of their favorite wing experiences and the places they recommend you order from this Saturday […]
The inaugural Chicago’s Best Beef Tournament, sponsored by Turano Baking Company, started with 16 competitors. 4 weeks and more than 150,000 votes later, we have our 2023 champion. Jay’s Beef and Buona squared off in the championship, with almost TRIPLE the amount of votes that were made in our Chicago Pizza Madness Championship. Kevin Powell […]
Don’t worry. This is a spoiler-free discussion, in case you aren’t caught up on ‘The Bear’ yet. One of the big reasons Kevin Powell and Michael Piff launched their 2023 Chicago’s Best Beef Tournament (sponsored by the Turano Baking Company) was because it coincided with the release of FX’s ‘The Bear’ Season 2. After giving […]
The 2023 Chicago’s Best Beef Tournament has begun and the votes are already rolling in. Michael Piff lists out the matchups with Kevin Powell on the latest episode of Chicago’s Very Own Eats podcast before a great conversation with one of the competitors. Mario Ferraro from Ciccio, located at Navy Pier, is an accomplished, 2nd-generation […]
Back in February, home cook Billy Zureikat joined Kevin Powell and Michael Piff on the Chicago’s Very Own Eats podcast to talk about his collaborations with some of the city’s most iconic restaurants, all while living with muscular dystrophy. On Monday, June 19th, “Tripping Billy” brings his greatest hits to the Chicago Reader’s ‘Monday Night […]
In case you weren’t already aware, Chicagoans aren’t the only ones who love Chicago food. Chicago was host to the 2023 James Beard Awards at the Lyric Opera House on Monday, and the city was well-represented with nominees and winners. Chicago Tribune food critic (and unofficial third host of the Chicago’s Very Own Eats podcast) […]
Is there anything more “Chicago” than Italian beef?
Chicago’s Very Own Eats hosts Kevin Powell and Michael Piff are joined by Sara Faddah and Dario Durham of the 77 Flavors of Chicago podcast to get ready for National Italian Beef Day! Sara and Dario tell their story, how they met and how the podcast came together. After exploring all 77 neighborhoods of Chicago, they share some of their favorite finds and the neighborhoods that more people need to come visit.
Kevin, Michael, Sara and Dario also talk about Italian beef and what World Business Chicago is doing to celebrate Chicago delicacy’s own “National Day” this weekend, with the festivities starting Friday, May 26th at The Chicago Food Stop (located at 875 N. Michigan Ave). From 11:30 AM to 2 PM, they’ll be giving away 500+ free Italian beef sandwiches from Al’s #1 Italian Beef. Then on Saturday, a full day of celebrating will happen, with a live comedy showcase at 5 PM presented by 77 Flavors of Chicago. Sara and Dario explain it all but more info can be found with Steve Alexander’s “Business of Food” report.
Kevin and Michael also use this opportunity to make a special announcement that you don’t want to miss, especially if you love Italian beef and participated in their Chicago Pizza Madness Tournament. Listen to find out below:
https://serve.castfire.com/audio/4124501/4124501_2023-05-25-183901.64kmono.mp3More Chicago’s Very Own EatsYou can follow Sara, Dario and the 77 Flavors of Chicago podcast on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and YouTube. You can also join the conversation with Kevin and Mike on Twitter at @KPowell720 and @Mike_Piff03! You can subscribe to Chicago’s Very Own Eats on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. All episodes are available on the Chicago’s Very Own Eats podcast page at WGNRadio.com.
In a world that loves to debate deep dish vs. tavern style thin crust, Piece Pizzeria & Brewery brings New Haven style to the party…and we’re glad they did.
Owner Bill Jacobs came by the WGN Radio studios with Piece pizza and their award-winning beer, and sat down with Chicago’s Very Own Eats hosts Kevin Powell and Michael Piff for a great conversation. They discuss Piece’s origin story, their collaborations with chefs and restaurants across the city for special causes, why “New Haven” style, Peter Skoronski’s draft party, the partnership with Cheap Trick guitarist Rick Nielsen, how social media has helped the business and more!
Also, Kevin tells Mike about his trip to Italy! Check out the photo gallery of what Kevin had to eat here. Listen to the full episode below:
https://serve.castfire.com/audio/4122209/4122209_2023-05-18-183209.64kmono.mp3More Chicago’s Very Own EatsYou can follow Piece on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. You can also join the conversation with Kevin and Mike on Twitter at @KPowell720 and @Mike_Piff03! You can subscribe to Chicago’s Very Own Eats on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. All episodes are available on the Chicago’s Very Own Eats podcast page at WGNRadio.com.
Corrections provided Piece owner Bill Jacobs: Piece sells 2,000 pizzas every week (not 4,000). And 2,000 get takeout while 1,000 dine-in.
Nearly 80 restaurants in 27 communities will be coming together from April 14th to the 23rd for Lake County Restaurant Week!
First, Chicago’s Very Own Eats hosts Kevin Powell and Michael Piff talk with Chicago Tribune food critic Nick Kindelsperger about his new list of “The 9 best barbecue joints in Chicago.” Nick explains what “Chicago style” barbecue is, shares some his favorites from his new list as well as the pop-up barbecue scene, and more!
Then John Maguire, Community Outreach and Program Director of Visit Lake County, joins Kevin and Michael to discuss Lake County Restaurant Week, what sets their participating restaurants apart from the rest, special menus, and how to participate in the Restaurant Week Check-In Challenge!
Listen to the episode below and get more info at VisitLakeCounty.org.
https://serve.castfire.com/audio/4109601/4109601_2023-04-12-185601.64kmono.mp3Below is a full list of the 80 participating restaurants and the towns that they are located in.
Antioch
Lovin Oven Cakery / Website
Johnny’s Snack Shop / Website
The Latte Café & Bakery / Website
Rivalry Alehouse / Website
The Mexican Paradise Cafe / Website
Oliverii North / Website
Barrington
Chessie’s Restaurant / Website
Beach Park
Honey Bay’s BBQ
Fox Lake
El Puerto Mexican Restaurant / Website
Whistle Stop Café / Website
Deerfield
Bobby’s Deerfield / Website
Jaxx Bistro & Lounge at the Hyatt Regency / Website
Cadwell’s Grille at the Embassy Suites / Website
Parkway Grill at the Marriott Suites / Website
Deer Park
Biaggi’s Ristorante Italiano / Website
Gages Lake
Jesse Oaks Food & Drink / Website
Grayslake
Light the Lamp Brewery / Website
Green Oaks
North Shore Distillery / Website
Gurnee
Giordano’s – Gurnee / Website
The Chocolate Sanctuary / Website
Timothy O’Toole’s Pub / Website
Primo Italian American Cuisine / Website
Fatmans / Website
Highland Park
Bluegrass / Website
Ravinia Brewing Company / Website
Curt’s Café / Website
Lynfred Winery / Website
Highwood
Disotto / Website
Broken Tee Brewing / Website
Lake Barrington
Wild Onion Brewery & Banquets / Website
Lake Forest
Francesca’s Intimo / Website
Oaken Bar & Bistro / Website
The Gallery / Website
Lake Villa
Timothy O’Toole’s Pub / Website
LakeHouse Restaurant / Website
Libertyville
Chrissoulas / Website
Main Street Social / Website
Timothy O’Tooles of Libertyville / Website
Casa Bonita Mexican Restaurant & Tequila Bar / Website
Dangela’s Dumplings / Website
Mickey Finn’s Brewery / Website
Sweet Home Gelato / Website
Harbor Kitchen + Tap / Website
The Joyful Gourmet / Website
Egg Harbor Café / Website
Singh’s Kitchen / Website
The Parched Pug / Website
La Mera Mera Taqueria / Website
The Board Room / Website
Lincolnshire
Big Bowl / Website
Wildfire / Website
Wright’s Brew & Bistro / Website
Three Embers Restaurant / Website
Half Day Brewing Company / Website
Marigold Maison / Website
Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar / Website
Fat Rosie’s Taco & Tequila Bar / Website
Long Grove
Chatterbox / Website
Corked Wine Bar / Website
Joanie’s Pizzeria / Website
Mundelein
Bill’s Pizza & Pub / Website
Dover Straits / Website
Park Street Restaurant / Website
Tony Cannoli / Website
Gale Street Inn / Website
North Chicago
Jerk N’ More Too / Website
Third Lake
Bill’s Pizza & Pub North / Website
Vernon Hills
Jameson’s Charhouse / Website
Feather Glass Wine Bar & Eatery / Website
Wadsworth
The Shanty / Website
The Shanty South / Website
Yorkhouse Tavern & Table / Website
Wauconda
Lindy’s Landing / Website
The Side Lot / Website
JJ Twig’s Pizza & Pub / Website
Waukegan
Asia-Azteca (inside The Temporary at American Place) / Website
La Casa de Samuel / Website
Wheeling
Lynfred Winery / Website
Zion
Bailey’s Corner Pub / Website
Have a favorite on the list or a place you are hoping to visit for the first time? Let Kevin and Michael know on Twitter at @KPowell720 and @Mike_Piff03! You can subscribe to Chicago’s Very Own Eats on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. All episodes are available on the Chicago’s Very Own Eats podcast page at WGNRadio.com.
64 pizza places and businesses. 3 weeks of matchups. Over 300,000 votes.
It all came down to Georgio’s from the North Burbs Region facing off against Fox’s of the South/West Burbs Region. Both competitors faced difficult opponents, and both had the full support of their communities to get them to the championship.
Hosts Kevin Powell and Michael Piff of the Chicago’s Very Own Eats podcast called the General Manager of the winning pizza place to give them the news. Listen below:
https://serve.castfire.com/audio/4107216/4107216_2023-04-05-183016.64kmono.mp3We look forward to doing this again next year. Have thoughts? Feel free to tweet them your thoughts and picks at @KPowell720 and @Mike_Piff03! You can subscribe to Chicago’s Very Own Eats on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. All episodes are available on the Chicago’s Very Own Eats podcast page at WGNRadio.com.
More Chicago’s Very Own Eats
It’s one of our favorite times of the year – White Sox Media Preview Day! Before Opening Day every year, the White Sox showcase their promotions for the upcoming season, new gear and giveaways, and the real reason you’re here – NEW food offerings at Guaranteed Rate Field.
Kevin Powell and Michael Piff tried a number of the new items at the ballpark and discuss some of their favorites. Check them out in the photo gallery below. More info can be found here.
- Rib Tips – Stadium Club Bar
- Pulled Pork Sandwiches
- Pan-Seared Pierogi with polish sausage and chive sour cream – Suites
- The Authentic Sandwich – Suites
- Elote Corndog – Sections 140 and 544
- Belgian Banger (Polish Sausage on pretzel bun) – Blue Moon Balcony
- The Champagne of Dogs (Vienna Beef footlong frank, served on a brioche bun and topped with champagne vidalia relish and habenero mustard) – Miller High Life Sky Lounge
- Hot Honey Chicken Loaded Fries – Sections 110 and 524
- Hatch Green Chile Mac – Sections 123 and 527
- Chorizo Mac – Sections 123 and 527
- Steak Chimichurri Sandwich – Portable Sections 125 and 534
- Classic Cheesesteak – Portable Sections 125 and 534
- Helmet Tenders and Fries – Section 140 and 544
- Soft Pretzels
- Colossal Potato Wedges – Suites
- Pineapple Cucumber Chamoy Skewers – Suites
- Mangonada (mango sorbet, fresh mangos, chamoy, and fiery chili powder) – Stadium Club Photos by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
Kevin and Michael also get a chance to finally talk about their Pizza Madness Tournament, which has swept the greater Chicagoland area by storm! The guys talk about how the bracket came together, the latest score updates for each matchup in Round 2 and when “Slice 16” voting will begin. Listen to the whole episode below!
https://serve.castfire.com/audio/4102955/4102955_2023-03-22-184655.64kmono.mp3Voting for Round 2 will be open until the morning of Thursday, March 23rd. Feel free to tweet Kevin and Michael your thoughts and picks at @KPowell720 and @Mike_Piff03!
More Chicago’s Very Own EatsYou can subscribe to Chicago’s Very Own Eats on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. All episodes are available on the Chicago’s Very Own Eats podcast page at WGNRadio.com.
In honor of Chicago Northwest Restaurant Week, Kevin Powell and Michael Piff talk about their favorite restaurants in the suburbs. They are also joined by Meet Chicago Northwest president Heather Larson to talk about the 10-day long event (March 3rd to March 12th), the restaurants that are featured, and how it all came together. See the full list of participating restaurants here!
And just in time for St. Patrick’s season in Chicago, Kevin lists off his favorite spots that he’s visited in the city.
LISTEN below and tell Kevin and Mike where your favorite restaurants in the suburbs are on Twitter at @KPowell720 and @Mike_Piff03!
https://serve.castfire.com/audio/4098411/4098411_2023-03-08-193311.64kmono.mp3More Chicago’s Very Own EatsYou can subscribe to Chicago’s Very Own Eats on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. All episodes are available on the Chicago’s Very Own Eats podcast page at WGNRadio.com.
Fat Tuesday is near, and J.P. Graziano Grocery has added some Chicago spice to a sweet tradition.
Inspired by a text message from Eater Chicago editor Ashok Selvam, fourth-generation owner Jim Graziano and Enzo Ventrella from Il Giardino Del Doche teamed up to create a gasp giardiniera pączki. It comes in vanilla and chocolate custard flavors, infused with Graziano’s hot giardineira seasoning, and will only be available at their location in the West Loop on February 21st.
Jim joins Kevin Powell and Michael Piff on the Chicago’s Very Own Eats podcast to talk about how the “sweet heat” creation came to be, having fun with your food, collaborating with other Chicago businesses, and what’s on the horizon for the innovative Italian market and sandwich shop.
LISTEN below and tell Kevin and Mike where you like to pick up your pączki on Twitter at @KPowell720 and @Mike_Piff03!
https://serve.castfire.com/audio/4092605/4092605_2023-02-20-190505.64kmono.mp3More Chicago’s Very Own EatsYou can subscribe to Chicago’s Very Own Eats on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. All episodes are available on the Chicago’s Very Own Eats podcast page at WGNRadio.com.
On National Pizza Day, Kevin Powell and Michael Piff celebrate by discussing the pizzas they grew up with and some of their favorites today…which might include one that Mike just tried for the first time.
With the Super Bowl coming up, Kevin and Mike share some recipes they like to cook for the big game. Want to try making them yourself? Do so by checking them out on the show page!
Kevin and Mike were also joined by “Tripping Billy” Billy Zureikat in-studio. Billy is a home cook and pizza maker, who has collaborated with some of the best restaurants in Chicago while also living with Muscular Dystrophy (LGMD2L). He shares his inspiring story with Kevin and Mike, how he created the “Tripping Billy” (which isn’t at all related to Dave Matthews Band), and what he’s doing to raise money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Follow Billy on Instagram here to see what he’s up to and creating. And listen to hear about his collaboration with Manny’s Deli for their 2023 Knish Series.
Tell Kevin and Mike about the pizzas you grew up with and your favorites on Twitter at @KPowell720 and @Mike_Piff03!
https://serve.castfire.com/audio/4089019/4089019_2023-02-09-184219.64kmono.mp3More Chicago’s Very Own EatsYou can subscribe to Chicago’s Very Own Eats on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. All episodes are available on the Chicago’s Very Own Eats podcast page at WGNRadio.com.
Fourth generation Manny’s Deli owner Dan Raskin returns to the Chicago’s Very Own Eats podcast with Kevin Powell and Michael Piff to talk about the recently announced Manny’s Deli 2023 Knish Series. It’s a dream concept of Dan’s and Manny’s will be partnering with 9 of their favorite local restaurants and businesses (including Gene & Georgetti, Soul & Smoke, Piccolo Sogno and Brown Sugar Bakery) to create unique knishes, which will be only available at Manny’s. The series kicks off with the first collaboration on Monday, February 6th.
Kevin and Mike then discuss Chicago Restaurant Week and some of the best deals you can still find through February 5th. They also discuss some of the big foodie news of the week and where Mike is going next as he searches for his new favorite Chicago-area pizza.
LISTEN below and join the conversation with Kevin and Michael on Twitter at @KPowell720 and @Mike_Piff03!
https://serve.castfire.com/audio/4085672/4085672_2023-01-31-191112.64kmono.mp3More Chicago’s Very Own EatsYou can subscribe to Chicago’s Very Own Eats on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. All episodes are available on the Chicago’s Very Own Eats podcast page at WGNRadio.com.
New Year. New Chicago food experiences to try.
The Chicago’s Very Own Eats podcast returns and so does Chicago Tribune food critic Nick Kindelsperger to discuss his list of the best Chicago dishes of 2022 with hosts Kevin Powell and Michael Piff. Nick also shares some projects he has in the works and new restaurants he wants to try in 2023.
Continuing the theme of 2023 goals, Kevin and Mike reveal some of their Chicago foodie goals for the new year. As Mike returns to the show from parental leave, one of his priorities is to find a new favorite pizza place. His favorite that topped his Pizza Challenge list in 2015 closed recently, so the hunt is on for a new #1.
LISTEN below and join the conversation with Kevin and Michael on Twitter at @KPowell720 and @Mike_Piff03! Mike could really use some new Chicago pizza recommendations, if you’ve got them.
https://serve.castfire.com/audio/4079877/4079877_2023-01-13-184517.64kmono.mp3More Chicago’s Very Own EatsYou can subscribe to Chicago’s Very Own Eats on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. All episodes are available on the Chicago’s Very Own Eats podcast page at WGNRadio.com.
On the latest episode of Chicago’s Very Own Eats, Kevin Powell talks with Executive Chef Matt Smith from Jake Melnick’s. They talk about Melnick’s Christmas and holiday specials, including the 12 Days of Wing’mas.
Check out some of Melnick’s other specials throughout the holiday season:
Jake Melnick’s Corner Tap has decked their halls (and entire restaurant) with a Holiday Pop Up featuring Christmas decor galore.
Located just off the Magnificent Mile, their casual spot is perfect for shoppers to warm up and take a break from holiday shopping.
The season of specials runs through December 23rd and includes themed food and drink menus.
Stop in and try their 12 Days of Wing’masfeaturing one globally inspired wing special on rotation per day, with a portion of proceeds benefitting the Salvation Army.
Holiday libations include the Eggnog Martini, White Cosmo, Cranberry Mule,andGingerbread Old Fashioned.
Also nosh on holiday movie-inspired menu items like Little Nero’s Pizza from Home Alone…
And get 20 percent off select “Jake’s on the Draft” tap beer specials.
On New Year’s Day, they’re opening at noon to host the Struggle Bus Brunch. Nurse your hangover with Bloody Mary specials including the world’s hottest XXXX Bloody Mary inspired by our XXXX Wings Challenge.
LISTEN below and join the conversation with Kevin and Michael on Twitter at @KPowell720 and @Mike_Piff03!
https://serve.castfire.com/audio/4064655/4064655_2022-12-21-195655.64kmono.mp3More Chicago’s Very Own Eats* The 12 Days of Wing’mas * Bo Ling’s from “A Christmas Story” * The Roast Beast from “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” * Little Nero’s from “Home Alone”
It’s National Sandwich Day, which seems like a good enough excuse as any for Kevin Powell and Michael Piff to geek out over their favorites. What makes or breaks a great sandwich? What is the first thing you look for on the menu at a deli or sandwich shop? What are the places that come […]
What happens when an 80 year-old Chicago food institution and a nonprofit pizza pop-up team up? You get two glorious pizza collaborations from Manny’s Deli and Crust Fund Pizza, benefitting the Illinois Restaurant Association…in glorious tavern-style form! John Carruthers is the proprietor of Crust Fund Pizza and joined Kevin Powell and Michael Piff on the […]
As the Bulls and Blackhawks start their seasons, Chicago’s Very Own Eats hosts Kevin Powell and Michael Piff got a sneak peek at what you can have to eat and drink in the brand new FanDuel Sportsbook Lounge and the new Amazon “Just Walk Out” technology-enabled stores on the Lexus Club Level at the United […]
The new Italian beef deep dish pizza from Lou Malnati’s and Portillo’s is a match made in Chicago brand heaven. The two iconic brands have teamed up to create one of the most Chicago food items ever, which you can order at tastesofchicago.com. This got Kevin Powell and Michael Piff wondering about other Chicago brand […]
As seasons change, and either work or your favorite football team is stressing you out, nothing sounds better than some good Chicago comfort food. Everyone’s definition of “comfort food” may be different, as you’ll hear from our hosts of the Chicago’s Very Own Eats podcast. Kevin Powell thinks of homemade meals with the family (like […]
The Chicago vs. New York pizza debate is a tale as old as time, and likely one that won’t end anytime soon (even though Chicago pizza is better). However, in recent months, an argument has begun within the Chicago pizza community that has left Kevin Powell and Michael Piff a little perplexed: Tavern Style vs. […]
Do you love BBQ? Then you’re going to love this episode of Chicago’s Very Own Eats. Hosts Kevin Powell and Michael Piff have been on a barbecue kick lately, and apparently they aren’t alone. First, they talk with Chicago Culinary Kitchen owner Greg Gaardbo about his place in Palatine that is also topping multiple lists […]
Going to Lollapalooza this weekend? Kevin Powell and Michael Piff know where you need to go to eat in between or after sets at Grant Park…and in walking distance! Before they get into their Lolla recommendations, Chicago’s Very Own Eats hosts Kevin and Mike discuss the discontinuation of the Choco Taco and list their go-to […]
If there’s one thing about Italian beef, it’s not pretentious. That’s certainly one of the themes of Hulu’s breakout summer hit, “The Bear”, starring Jeremy Allen White (Shameless). A quick synopsis: A rising star in the in the world of fine dining is brought back to Earth, more specifically Chicago, to take over his brother’s […]
National Chicken Wing Day is July 29th but that’s not stopping Jake Melnick’s from celebrating ALL MONTH because it’s also their 20th birthday! Hosts Kevin Powell and Michael Piff stopped into Jake Melnick’s Corner Tap at 41 E Superior St. to talk with Executive Chef Matt Smith. As part of the celebration, Chef Matt and […]
It was too nice outside to not record a podcast on the Chicago Riverwalk. Kevin Powell and Michael Piff found a spot in the shade to talk about what makes the Riverwalk one of Chicago’s best features, their own experiences, and where to go for food and drinks along the river. Enjoy the natural sound […]
When we say “Best Burger in Chicago,” what comes to mind first? Kevin Powell and Michael Piff agree on their favorite, but we don’t think Kevin was prepared for the list that Michael brought with him for Part I of their “Burger Talk”… Listen below for the full list of favorite burgers in the city […]
“Summertime Chi” is officially upon us, and a walk along the river will be enough to convince you. To kick things off, Kevin Powell and Michael Piff talked to Eater Chicago deputy editor Aimee Levitt about their recently published list, “The Hottest New Restaurants in Chicago, June 2022.” Click here to read the full list. […]
Dan Raskin is a fourth generation owner and member of the family that has run Manny’s Cafeteria & Delicatessen since 1942. He joined Kevin Powell and Michael Piff on the Chicago’s Very Own Eats podcast to talk about the staying power of Manny’s, its history in Chicago, why politicians have to stop by while on […]
Eater Chicago recently published a list of 25 Classic Chicago Restaurants to try, which seemed like a perfect topic for Chicago’s Very Own Eats to react to. Kevin Powell and Michael Piff go through each restaurant listed to discuss their experiences…or if they need to visited them for the first time. The list inspired Mike […]
With Cinco de Mayo coming up, Chicago Tribune food critic Nick Kindelsperger joined Kevin Powell and Michael Piff to talk about some of their favorite spots in and around Chicago to get tacos. Nick has been working on an upcoming Chicago tacos piece that is due out this week, and we highly recommend checking out […]
With 80 degrees in the forecast this weekend, we had to start getting ready for Chicago patio season! Kevin Powell and Michael Piff talk about their favorite spots both in and outside the city to enjoy nice weather, good eats and adult beverages. They also discuss the passing of Bob Chinn and his Wheeling restaurant […]
When a new Chicago Pizza rankings list makes the rounds on social media, Kevin Powell and Michael Piff have to react. Tasting Table recently published their Top 10 list of The Absolute Best Chicago Pizza, with a few favorites of ours included…and not included. We discuss each ranked pizza place and a few others that […]
Our week of celebrating baseball food in Chicago continues following Opening Day at Wrigley Field. Luke Stuckmeyer from CHGO joined Kevin Powell and Michael Piff on Chicago’s Very Own Eats to talk about his go-to food choices at Wrigley Field, obscure Cubs players to name a Hot Dougs sausage (errr, encased meat) after, and some […]
With opening day around the corner, the White Sox invited the Chicago media to come try their new food items that will be offered at Guaranteed Rate Field during the 2022 season. Of course, Kevin Powell and Michael Piff had to be there… Find out what’s coming to the South Side and what Kevin and […]
What do you have a taste for? Whatever it is, we bet a Chicago Food Hall will have you covered. Kevin Powell and Michael Piff met up for lunch at Revival Food Hall and breakdown their foodie adventure on a new episode of Chicago’s Very Own Eats. Kevin and Michael also react to the news […]
It’s Oscars Week and the start to Chicago Restaurant Week! Chicago Tribune food critic Nick Kindelsperger joins Kevin Powell and Michael Piff on ‘Chicago’s Very Own Eats’ to discuss their favorite food scenes in film, and to give some recommendations of where to get your fix after watching them. Kevin and Michael also ask Nick […]
With the NCAA Tournament in full swing, what better way to enjoy it than at a great sports bar! In the first FULL episode of Chicago’s Very Own Eats, Kevin Powell and Michael Piff discuss what makes a sports bar truly great, list their favorite spots in and outside Chicago, and get some recommendations from […]
Does it get any better than Chicago food? From long-time favorites to newly opened locations, Italian beef joints to pizza places, burritos to sushi…‘Chicago’s Very Own Eats’ celebrates a WIDE range of food and restaurants in the greater Chicagoland area. Hosts Kevin Powell and Michael Piff welcome you into their daily FOOD TALK in the […]