Episodes

His life looked like a dream to outsiders: award-winning restaurants, a healthy family, national recognition, and a career at the top of the culinary world. But behind the scenes, pressure was mounting for Chef Jonathon Sawyer. The renowned chef was quietly struggling with addiction, at a time many believed he had everything. In this episode of Supper with Sylvia, the acclaimed chef of Kindling in Chicago shares his incredible story. Chef Sawyer opens up about the disconnect between his public s...

He's the man behind one of the most iconic Italian restaurants in Chicago. Tony Priolo brings his passion for simple, delicious ingredients to every dish at Piccolo Sogno; many of them coming direct from Italy. The River West spot is beloved for its secret-garden patio, curated wine list, and seasonal cuisine. But Tony is much more than a chef and restaurateur. In this episode of Supper with Sylvia, he opens up about his humanitarian work in Ukraine - including flying there on his own dime af...

2026 is here, and for about one in five of us, that means slowing down after the holiday indulgence. “Dry January” offers a chance to reset your relationship with alcohol - both physically and mentally - by taking a break from drinking, for the entire month. In this episode of Supper with Sylvia, we chat with the owners of a West Town non-alcoholic bottle shop about their top NA picks, from spirits to beer and wine alternatives that taste just like the real thing. Whether you’re taking a break o...

When you hear the name “José Andrés,” it’s hard to say what comes to mind first: award-winning chef, selfless humanitarian, best-selling author, television personality? All accurate accolades - and Andrés embraces each one of them with humility and humor. We cover all the bases, and then some, in this episode of Supper with Sylvia, including a visit inside José's own kitchen, that's sure to make your mouth water. The best part? You don’t have to live near one of his celebrated restaurants to enj...

There's no shortage of incredible restaurants in Chicago, so how do you choose where to go? Whether you're looking for a cozy spot to indulge before Christmas, a top-tier tasting menu, or the best tavern style pizza you can find - The Infatuation has you covered. The website's honest, no-nonsense reviews take the guesswork out of where to grab your next meal. In today's Supper with Sylvia, we speak with The Infatuation's own Adrian Kane about the site's Top New Restaurants of 2025, along with...

It's the most wonderful time of the year, unless you torpedo the turkey! We're getting your holiday season started off right, with tips from the place that knows more about the centerpiece of your Thanksgiving meal, than anyone. Longtime Butterball Turkey Talk Line expert Andrea Balitewicz joins Sylvia to share her best advice for a flawless feast. From the one must-have kitchen item for every chef, to foolproof gravy moves, to jaw-dropping Turkey Day disaster stories from across the country....

With his signature overalls and bow tie, he's a classic farmer, on a modern mission. In this wide-ranging interview, Farmer Lee Jones shares the incredible journey of transforming his family farm into a model of regenerative agriculture. Farmer Lee discusses the importance of eating with the seasons, how to utilize the entire plant to cut down on your food waste, and his farm's collaboration with some of the world's best chefs. This conversation is filled with personal anecdotes, that will in...

In this exclusive live episode recorded at The Metropolitan inside Chicago’s Willis Tower, host Sylvia Perez welcomes Brooke Webster, celebrated sommelier and Wine Ambassador for Olé & Obrigado. Brooke brings her passion for wine, hospitality, and community to the conversation, sharing how her deep knowledge of wines has made her a leading figure in both the culinary and LGBTQ+ hospitality scenes. Brooke Webster discusses her journey through the restaurant and wine industries, offering listener...

In this inspiring episode of Supper with Sylvia, Emmy Award-winning journalist and host Sylvia Perez welcomes Chef Rick Bayless, the celebrated chef, restaurateur, and cultural ambassador for authentic Mexican cuisine. Known for his acclaimed Chicago restaurants Frontera Grill, Topolobampo, and Tortas Frontera, Rick shares how he has elevated Mexican food to global recognition through storytelling, authenticity, and passion. The conversation dives deep into how food connects us all — through mem...

Everything is bigger in Texas—including the appetite for Michelin-starred dining. When Michelin finally awarded stars to restaurants in the Lone Star State, food lover Drew Stephenson set himself an ambitious challenge: eat at every single one. In this episode of Supper with Sylvia, Drew joins Sylvia Perez to share what inspired his Michelin quest (even with a newborn at home), how he managed the ultimate foodie road trip across Texas, and which restaurants truly stood out. Drew takes us behind...

Pumpkin spice isn’t just for fall anymore — in Chicago’s Norwood Park, it’s a way of life. On this episode of Supper with Sylvia, I sit down with Audrey Borden and Michelle Gonzalez, the powerhouse couple behind October Café, the city’s first year-round, fall-themed coffee shop. Known for their warm greeting (“Nice to meet you, pumpkin!”) and their famous pumpkin spice latte, October Café is redefining PSL culture in ChiTown. Inside This Episode: The love story that inspired October Café’s alwa...

Join me, Sylvia Perez, for a special LIVE edition of the Supper With Sylvia podcast at the Metropolitan on the 67th floor of Willis Tower. We’ll enjoy a multi-course wine-pairing dinner by Chef Iván Valdez of Taquizas Valdez while I sit down with sommelier Brooke Webster to talk all things wine, her impact in Chicago, and the stories behind each pour. An intimate evening of food, wine, and conversation awaits—high above the Chicago skyline. Get your ticket here:Pours & Podcasts: Wine Dinner with...

On Supper with Sylvia, host Sylvia Perez sits down with Chef Robert Garvey, the New York transplant behind Robert’s Pizza & Dough Co. in Chicago’s Streeterville—recently recognized by 50 Top Pizza as #10 in the U.S. and among the Top 100 in the world. Robert shares why the magic isn’t in the sauce—it’s in the fermented crust—and the 25-year origin story that took him from merchant marine and hot-dog vendor to one of Chicago’s most celebrated pizzaiolos. What You’ll Learn • Why Robert says great...

On this episode of Supper with Sylvia, Emmy-winning journalist Sylvia Perez sits down with Chef Kevin Hickey, the award-winning Chicago chef behind The Duck Inn in Bridgeport. Just steps away from his childhood home, Hickey has transformed a historic neighborhood tavern into one of Chicago’s most celebrated restaurants—famed for its legendary rotisserie duck, creative cocktails, pizza nights, and backyard pig roasts. From his years at the Four Seasons Chicago to becoming the culinary pioneer wh...

In this deeply moving live episode of Supper with Sylvia, recorded at Curtis Duffy’s After lounge, Sylvia sits down with the celebrated chef and author of Fireproof: Memoir of a Chef. Together, they explore the raw edges of Curtis’s journey—from traumatic beginnings in rural Ohio to becoming one of the most celebrated culinary figures in the world. This is a conversation about survival, reinvention, and the healing power of craft. Episode Overview Curtis opens up about his turbulent childhood, ...

JOIN ME LIVE FOR MY PODCAST FEATURING CURTIS DUFFY- AUGUST 4th: LIVE - Supper with Sylvia Perez feat. Chef Curtis Duffy - After - Chicago, IL | Tock | Tock In this soulful and inspiring episode of Supper With Sylvia, we sit down with James Beard Award-winning Chef Erick Williams, the culinary visionary behind Chicago's celebrated Virtue Restaurant and newest hotspot Countina Rosa. Sylvia and Erick dive deep into how food can create community, celebrate culture, and transform lives — one plate...

JOIN ME LIVE AUGUST 4th!⬇️ LIVE - Supper with Sylvia Perez feat. Chef Curtis Duffy - After - Chicago, IL | Tock | Tock Ever wondered what happens when your love of hiking meets your passion for craft beer? Meet Dan and Jessica, the couple behind the inspiring new book Beer Hiking Chicago and Beyond. From urban trails with skyline views to suburban forest preserves, they’ve mapped out 34 unforgettable hikes paired with nearby breweries across Chicagoland. In this episode of Supper with Sylvia,...

Meet me LIVE-⬇️ LIVE - Supper with Sylvia Perez feat. Chef Curtis Duffy - After - Chicago, IL | Tock | Tock TODAY! Meet the powerhouse and visionary behind one of Chicago’s most beloved bakeries: Justice of the Pies. Sylvia chats with Maya-Camille Broussard, who shares how baking became her superpower—and how her late father's legacy, social equity, and a hunger for change shaped her mission. From crafting irresistible bourbon pecan pies to hosting workshops for underserved youth,...

In the age of social media it's all about influence, who has it, who wants it and how to get it. An influencer can make or break a business and for restauranteurs social media platforms provide a marketing experience that is both loved and loathed. On this episode of Supper with Sylvia, we go inside the life of two food influencers who reveal the secrets to attracting "clicks" and what's in it for them. "Black People Eats" is uniting communities through food and culture via You Tube, In...

Have you ever tried to get a reservation at your favorite restaurant and find yourself locked out? You’re not alone. Third party apps are squeezing out the ability to make a simple reservation at some of Chicago’s most popular restaurants, unless you want to shell out big bucks. The Illinois Restaurant Association’s Sam Toia joins Supper with Sylvia to talk about it and what's being done to combat the trend. Also, it’s that time of year, the annual James Beard Awards is upon us to crown the best...

A spicy margarita, a whiskey highball and the perfect summer gin and tonic. Great cocktails begin with great ingredients including top shelf liquor, but increasingly talented bartenders are turning their attention to the most basic of all ingredients… the ice. Crystal clear gourmet ice is the rage due to its pure taste and slow melt, and creating these cubes and spheres is as much of a science as it is an art. On this episode of Supper with Sylvia, the creator of Quari Ice talks about a hot summ...

What happens when two childhood friends grow up and become a biologist and an economist? They put their brains together to create a company that’s earth friendly and increasingly profitable while attracting some of Chicago’s top chefs. The magic Sean DiGioia and Joe Weber created is in the mushrooms, seven high quality varieties that are good for you and good for the planet, and they’re turning Fungi-phobics into big fans. In this episode of Supper with Sylvia, see how these two guys fr...

Chicago's Jason Chan is a legendary restauranteur who makes his mark in classic French cuisine and built a reputation that has industry leaders seeking his expertise. His road to success was inspired by his parents' hard work and dreams of a successful future, even when competing ideas clashed. Jason Chan's story is one of perseverance, inner stregnth and adversity he turned into a lifetime of lessons in success. His remarkable journey lead to his latest venture, Gavroche, a cozy ...

What can you say about a guy whose favorite color is pastrami… Chicago’s Jeff Mauro is a chef with comedy chops and has become a much loved celebrity creation of the Food Network. He won a show and called it “Sandwich King” creating masterpieces like the Freddy Boombatz and the Pork Chop Sammy, all with a laugh and a side of giardiniera. Now Mauro is cultivating his latest creations with Mauro Provisions. Whether it’s Italian Beef or a burger, everything for Jeff Mauro is better between...