Logo

    Chewing

    Food and health podcast by Chicago Tribune food critic Louisa Chu and Axios Chicago reporter Monica Eng.
    en100 Episodes

    People also ask

    What is the main theme of the podcast?
    Who are some of the popular guests the podcast?
    Were there any controversial topics discussed in the podcast?
    Were any current trending topics addressed in the podcast?
    What popular books were mentioned in the podcast?

    Episodes (100)

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

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

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

    chewing.xyz

    chicagotribune.com/chewingpodcast

    facebook.com/chewingpodcast

    Louisa Chu: Insta @louisachu1, Threads @louisachu
    Monica Eng: Insta @monicaengreporter

     

    Links:

    Order Made in Chicago: Stories Behind 30 Great Hometown Bites 

     

    Music:

    Theme music: “Zhong Nan Hai” by Carsick Cars

    Outro music: “15 Minutes Older” by Carsick Cars

    Segments:

    Mexicana Hermosa” (Versión Mariachi) by Natalia Lafourcade ft. Carlos Rivera

    “Logan’s Loop” by Andrew Bird

    “Pulaski At Night” by Andrew Bird

    “There Is A Light That Never Goes Out” by The Smiths

    “Be Sweet” by Japanese Breakfast

    Episode 128: Maxwells Trading, Feld, next gen chefs

    Episode 128: Maxwells Trading, Feld, next gen chefs

    This week, Monica and Louisa talk about the next gen of chefs and King Cake season. Monica interviews chef Erling Wu-Bower who just opened Maxwell Trading, plus chef and TikTok star Jacob Potashnick who’s planning to open Feld in Chicago. Then, Louisa gives us the rundown on Roscas, and what she's hoping for King Cake season.

     

    chewing.xyz

    chicagotribune.com/chewingpodcast

    facebook.com/chewingpodcast

    Louisa Chu: Insta @louisachu1, Threads @louisachu
    Monica Eng: Insta @monicaengreporter

     

    Links:

    Order Made in Chicago: Stories Behind 30 Great Hometown Bites 

     

    Music:

    Theme music: “Zhong Nan Hai” by Carsick Cars

    Outro music: “15 Minutes Older” by Carsick Cars

    Segments: "Hey Good Lookin'" by Hank Williams

    "I Can See Clearly Now" by Johnny Nash

    Episode 127: Zooey Deschanel, Mike Sula, Malört

    Episode 127: Zooey Deschanel, Mike Sula, Malört

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

     

    chewing.xyz

    chicagotribune.com/chewingpodcast

    facebook.com/chewingpodcast

    Louisa Chu: Insta @louisachu1, Threads @louisachu
    Monica Eng: Insta @monicaengreporter

     

    Links:

    Order Made in Chicago: Stories Behind 30 Great Hometown Bites 

     

    Music:

    Theme music: “Zhong Nan Hai” by Carsick Cars

    Outro music: “15 Minutes Older” by Carsick Cars

    Segments: 

    “Awake” by Mader (from the original soundtrack for Eat Drink Man Woman)

    “Ridin’ in My Car” by She & Him

    Chewing
    enDecember 25, 2023

    Episode 126: Kevin Pang, Michele Norris, power foods

    Episode 126: Kevin Pang, Michele Norris, power foods

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

     

    chewing.xyz

    chicagotribune.com/chewingpodcast

    facebook.com/chewingpodcast

    Louisa Chu: Insta @louisachu1, Threads @louisachu
    Monica Eng: Insta @monicaengreporter

     

    Links:

    Order Made in Chicago: Stories Behind 30 Great Hometown Bites 

     

    Music:

    Theme music: “Zhong Nan Hai” by Carsick Cars

    Outro music: “15 Minutes Older” by Carsick Cars

    Segments: 

    “LUNCH”  by My Little Airport 

    “詩歌舞街” by My Little Airport 

    “Family Reunion” by Jill Scott

    “Look At Them Beans” by Johnny Cash

    Episode 125: Migrants, Immigrants and Spirits

    Episode 125: Migrants, Immigrants and Spirits

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

     

    chewing.xyz

    chicagotribune.com/chewingpodcast

    facebook.com/chewingpodcast

    Louisa Chu: Insta @louisachu1, Threads @louisachu
    Monica Eng: Insta @monicaengreporter

     

    Links:

    Order Made in Chicago: Stories Behind 30 Great Hometown Bites 

     

    Music:

    Theme music: “Zhong Nan Hai” by Carsick Cars

    Outro music: “15 Minutes Older” by Carsick Cars

    Segments: 

    “Piensa en mi” by Los Poetas de la Guitarra

    “Your Dystopic Creation Doesn't Fear You” by Deerhoof (ft. Awkwafina)

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

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

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

     

    chewing.xyz

    chicagotribune.com/chewingpodcast

    facebook.com/chewingpodcast

    Louisa Chu: Insta @louisachu1, Twitter @louisachu
    Monica Eng: Insta @monicaengreporter, Twitter @monicaeng

     

    Links:

    Order Made in Chicago: Stories Behind 30 Great Hometown Bites 

     

    Music:

    Theme music: “Zhong Nan Hai” by Carsick Cars

    Outro music: “15 Minutes Older” by Carsick Cars

    Segments:

    Cibo Matto - Beef Jerky

    White Sox Fight Song: "Lets Go, Go Go White Sox"

    Lou Monte - Che La Luna Mezzo Mare

    Dean Martin - Sway

    Nat King Cole - L-O-V-E (Italian Version)

    Nina Simone - I Want A Little Sugar In My Bowl

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

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

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

    chewing.xyz

    chicagotribune.com/chewingpodcast

    facebook.com/chewingpodcast

    Louisa Chu: Insta @louisachu1, Twitter @louisachu
    Monica Eng: Insta @monicaengreporter, Twitter @monicaeng

     

    Links:

    Order Made in Chicago: Stories Behind 30 Great Hometown Bites

     

    Music:

    Theme music: “Zhong Nan Hai” by Carsick Cars

    Outro music: “15 Minutes Older” by Carsick Cars

    Segments: “La noyée” by Yann Tiersen, “Marseille” by Ahmad Jamal, feat. Abd Al Malik, “Via Chicago” by Wilco

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

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

    This week, Monica tells us about her whirlwind trip to Europe. Back in Chicago, Monica and Louisa visit Stephanie Izard’s new Little Goat Diner. Then, Monica learns about puppy chow cake from pastry chef Leigh Omilinsky at Daisies. Lastly, Louisa gets influenced to buy Chinese casseroles from Costco, but Will They Eat It?

    chewing.xyz

    chicagotribune.com/chewingpodcast

    facebook.com/chewingpodcast

    Louisa Chu: Insta @louisachu1, Twitter @louisachu
    Monica Eng: Insta @monicaengreporter, Twitter @monicaeng

     

    Links

    Pre-order Made in Chicago: Stories Behind 30 Great Hometown Bites

    *Discount code S23UIP

     

    Music

    Theme music: “Zhong Nan Hai” by Carsick Cars

    Outro music: “15 Minutes Older” by Carsick Cars

    Segments: “Chicago at Night” by Spoon, “This Year” by The Mountain Goats

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

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

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

     

    chewing.xyz

    chicagotribune.com/chewingpodcast

    facebook.com/chewingpodcast

     

    Louisa Chu: Insta @louisachu1, Twitter @louisachu
    Monica Eng: Insta @monicaengreporter, Twitter @monicaeng

     

    Links

    Pre-order Made in Chicago: Stories Behind 30 Great Hometown Bites

    *Discount code S23UIP

     

    Music

    Theme music: “Zhong Nan Hai” by Carsick Cars

    Outro music: “15 Minutes Older” by Carsick Cars

    Segments: “Baby What A Big Surprise” by Chicago, “Bag Lady” by Erykah Badu

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

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

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

     

    chewing.xyz

    chicagotribune.com/chewingpodcast

    facebook.com/chewingpodcast

    Louisa Chu: Insta @louisachu1, Twitter @louisachu
    Monica Eng: Insta @monicaengreporter, Twitter @monicaeng

     

    Links

    Pre-order Made in Chicago: Stories Behind 30 Great Hometown Bites *Discount code S23UIP

     

    Music

    Theme music: Carsick Cars - Zhong Nan Hai 

    Outro music: Carsick Cars - 15 Minutes Older

    Segments: “Cadeau” by Aya Nakamura ft. Tiakola, “Le Paradis Perdu” by Lucienne Delyle, “Gondry” by Hyukoh, “Ditto” by NewJeans, “Be Sweet” (Korean Version) by Japanese Breakfast feat. So!YoON!

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

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

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

     

    chewing.xyz

    chicagotribune.com/chewingpodcast

    facebook.com/chewingpodcast

    Louisa Chu: Insta @louisachu1, Twitter @louisachu
    Monica Eng: Insta @monicaengreporter, Twitter @monicaeng

     

    Links:

    Pre-order Made in Chicago: Stories Behind 30 Great Hometown Bites *Discount code S23UIP

    David Hammond, LTH Forum: Chicago's Food Chat Community

    Do Good Chicken

    Axios Chicago

    Niman Ranch

     

    Music: 

    Theme music: Carsick Cars - Zhong Nan Hai 

    Outro music: Carsick Cars - 15 Minutes Older

    Segments: “Chicago Bound Blues” by Bessie Smith, “The Greasy Chicken” by Andrew Williams, “Green Pastures” by Emmylou Harris, “Home Grown Tomatoes” by John Denver

    Episode 118: Lunar New Year food and Lexington Betty Smokehouse

    Episode 118: Lunar New Year food and Lexington Betty Smokehouse

    This week, we're celebrating Lunar New Year and talking BBQ. We start off by giving some updates on holiday health scares. Then Louisa gets the story behind the Lexington Betty Smokehouse barbecue style. And then the ladies are presented with a spicy Chinese  snack that's gone viral and chocolate fortune cookies, but will they eat it?

    chewing.xyz
    chicagotribune.com/chewingpodcast
    facebook.com/chewingpodcast

    Intro Music: Carsick Cars - Zhong Nan Hai 

    Outro Music: Carsick Cars - 15 Minutes Older

    Segment 1 Music: 高爾宣 OSN - Without You 沒了妳

    Segment 2 Music: Louis Armstrong - Struttin' With Some Barbecue

    YouTube Reference: Cooking Korean Food with @Maangchi

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

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

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

    chewing.xyz

    chicagotribune.com/chewingpodcast

    facebook.com/chewingpodcast

    Episode 116: Thanksgiving, Little Fat Boy, Loaf Lounge

    Episode 116: Thanksgiving, Little Fat Boy, Loaf Lounge
    This week, we're gearing up for Thanksgiving by sharing our traditions (and disasters). Monica talks to Frankie Gaw, aka Little Fat Boy, about his first generation Taiwanese-American cookbook. Plus, she checks in with former Chicago Tribune restaurant critic Paula Camp at her cidery. Lastly, Louisa surprises Monica and Iris with a Thanksgiving pastry from Loaf Lounge.
     
     

    Episode 111: James Beard Awards

    Episode 111: James Beard Awards

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