Chicago's Very Own Eats

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

After three weeks of matchups, Georgio's in Crystal Lake takes the top spot.

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 […]

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 […]

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, […]

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. […]

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 & […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]