In Chicago, food is serious business.

Whether it's the newest restaurants, best food festivals, latest industry trends or stories from behind the scenes, Chicagoans can't get enough.To give you even more insight into the city's rich dining scene, Crain’s Chicago Business has launched The Dining Table, a new podcast about all things food.

In it, host David Manilow—creator of “Check, Please!”—tells the story of Chicago through the intimate stories that drive the business of food. You’ll savor the tales about what makes the unique Chicago food scene come to life and hear directly from those making it happen.

Check out the first episode below, in which Manilow learns some valuable lessons about grandmas and the Obamas from Stephanie Hart of Brown Sugar Bakery on Chicago's South Side. Together they map a mouthwatering trip through bakery heaven. Plus, Manilow ponders an odd izakaya experience, and gets a deep dive into the pains of inflation on restaurant owners from reporter Ally Marotti.

In the just-released second episode, Manilow gives a detailed route of multiple Chicago taste sensations from Chinatown to West Town. And in our food celebrity spotlight, he visits with Meathead, a proud member of the Barbecue Hall of Fame.

We'll bring you a new episode every Thursday, so make sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or your favorite podcasting platform.

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