Podcast
Supper with Sylvia Perez - Chicago's Foodie Podcast
Hosted by Sylvia Perez · EN
Pull up a chair and join Emmy Award-winning journalist Sylvia Perez for Supper With Sylvia Perez. In this podcast, Chicago’s most fascinating chefs, celebrities, and changemakers share unforgettable stories over a delicious meal.
From Food Network stars to cultural icons, each episode blends mouthwatering conversation with the flavors that make Chicago a world-class food destination.
🌟 Featured Guests Who Inspire and Entertain
Past episodes have welcomed an extraordinary lineup, including:
- Al Roker, Today Show legend and culinary enthusiast
- Jeff Mauro, Food Network star and Sandwich King himself
- Chef Art Smith, celebrity chef and Oprah’s former personal chef
- Rick Bayless, award-winning chef and restaurateur
…and many more newsmakers, chefs, and personalities shaping Chicago’s culture and cuisine.
🎙️ What You’ll Discover
Each week, Supper With Sylvia Perez serves up:
✅ Authentic, unscripted interviews that go beyond the headlines
✅ Behind-the-scenes stories from kitchens, newsrooms, and stages
✅ Recipes and culinary inspiration to try at home
✅ A celebration of Chicago’s diverse food scene and the people who fuel it
Whether you’re a food lover, a storytelling fan, or simply curious about the voices behind your favorite restaurants and headlines, this podcast will feed your curiosity and your appetite.
📲 Listen & Subscribe
Follow Supper With Sylvia Perez wherever you get your podcasts and never miss an episode of Chicago’s most flavorful conversations.
Produced by Jennie Waters
Music, Audio and Technical Support by Donnie Cutting
Marketing and Media Promotions by Julie Lokun
Director of Digital Operations and Social Media Magali Blasdell
10episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Success and Sobriety: Jonathon Sawyer Tells the Story He Once Hid
Jan 2900:42:41Tap to summarizeHis 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 success and private struggle, and reflects on turning his life around. Now more than three years sober, he's dedicated to building his friendships and helping others facing similar struggles. Listen in for this powerful conversation about ambition, addiction, and finding your way back to true happiness. If you are facing mental health struggles, drug or alcohol abuse, or just need someone to talk to, the counselors at the 988 Lifeline are here for you. You are not alone. Simply dial 988 to receive support for all ages and situations. Note from Sylvia: This episode will be our last of the season. I'm stepping away from the mic to focus on the next evolution of Supper with Sylvia. We are working on some incredible things behind the scenes, that we can't wait to share. In the meantime, make sure you're subscribed for when we come back. We'd love to hear your ideas on future guests, and topics you'd love to dive into. 📌Check out SupperwithSylvia on Instagram.📩Email us at SupperwithSylvia@gmail.comThis episode is brought to you by MARIANO'S. 🛒 Proudly Sponsored by Mariano’sLooking for local flavor you can bring home? Discover chef-crafted sauces, pastas, oils, and more from your favorite Chicago chefs — now available through Mariano’s We Love Local program. Support local artisans, savor authentic taste, and celebrate Chicago’s culinary spirit with every bite.👉 Explore Mariano’s We Love Local ProductsSocial Media Marketing: Magali BlasdellVideo and Audio Editor: Donnie CuttingMarketing and Media Relations: Julie LokunProducer: Jennifer Waters
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More Than a Chef: Tony Priolo on Food, Baseball, and Giving Back
Jan 1500:38:53Tap to summarizeHe'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 after the war broke out - and shares why baseball brings him just as much joy as cooking. Get ready to leave hungry, and inspired. 📌Check out SupperwithSylvia on Instagram.📩Email us at SupperwithSylvia@gmail.comThis episode is brought to you by MARIANO'S. 🛒 Proudly Sponsored by Mariano’sLooking for local flavor you can bring home? Discover chef-crafted sauces, pastas, oils, and more from your favorite Chicago chefs — now available through Mariano’s We Love Local program. Support local artisans, savor authentic taste, and celebrate Chicago’s culinary spirit with every bite.👉 Explore Mariano’s We Love Local ProductsSocial Media Marketing: Magali BlasdellVideo and Audio Editor: Donnie CuttingMarketing and Media Relations: Julie LokunProducer: Jennifer Waters
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Dry January Done Right: Cheers Without Consequences
Jan 100:37:11Tap to summarize2026 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 or just curious, this episode proves that good times don’t have to come with a hangover. 📌Check out SupperwithSylvia on Instagram.📩Email us at SupperwithSylvia@gmail.comThis episode is brought to you by MARIANO'S. 🛒 Proudly Sponsored by Mariano’sLooking for local flavor you can bring home? Discover chef-crafted sauces, pastas, oils, and more from your favorite Chicago chefs — now available through Mariano’s We Love Local program. Support local artisans, savor authentic taste, and celebrate Chicago’s culinary spirit with every bite.👉 Explore Mariano’s We Love Local ProductsSocial Media Marketing: Magali BlasdellVideo and Audio Editor: Donnie CuttingMarketing and Media Relations: Julie LokunProducer: Jennifer Waters
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Inside José Andrés’ Kitchen: A Feast of Heart and Humor
Dec 1800:31:32Tap to summarizeWhen 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 enjoy his incredible cuisine. Mariano’s now carries Chef José's new line of Spanish foods, right here in Chicago - and we get a close-up preview of some of his favorites. This is a conversation you’ll savor long after it’s over.Ways to give to World Central Kitchen📌Check out SupperwithSylvia on Instagram.📩Email us at SupperwithSylvia@gmail.comThis episode is brought to you by MARIANO'S. 🛒 Proudly Sponsored by Mariano’sLooking for local flavor you can bring home? Discover chef-crafted sauces, pastas, oils, and more from your favorite Chicago chefs — now available through Mariano’s We Love Local program. Support local artisans, savor authentic taste, and celebrate Chicago’s culinary spirit with every bite.👉 Explore Mariano’s We Love Local ProductsSocial Media Marketing: Magali BlasdellVideo and Audio Editor: Donnie CuttingMarketing and Media Relations: Julie LokunProducer: Jennifer Waters
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Chicago’s Must-Eats: Your Early Pass to the Hottest Spots
Dec 400:38:58Tap to summarizeThere'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 our personal picks for every type of dining experience, plus the trends they see ahead for 2026. Grab a fork and hit play - your next great meal starts here. What you'll discover:How The Infatuation visits restaurants multiple times before issuing a ratingThe methodology that goes into reviewing hundreds of Chicago dining spotsThe Top New Restaurants of 2025, including a rundown of the top five and what makes them so incredibleAdrian and Sylvia's personal picks for their favorite spots of the yearThe top restaurant trends for 2026, including the rise of casual chic spotsThe rising popularity of omakase, and where to find it📌Check out SupperwithSylvia on Instagram.📩Email us at SupperwithSylvia@gmail.comThis episode is brought to you by MARIANO'S. 🛒 Proudly Sponsored by Mariano’sLooking for local flavor you can bring home? Discover chef-crafted sauces, pastas, oils, and more from your favorite Chicago chefs — now available through Mariano’s We Love Local program. Support local artisans, savor authentic taste, and celebrate Chicago’s culinary spirit with every bite.👉 Explore Mariano’s We Love Local ProductsSocial Media Marketing: Magali BlasdellVideo and Audio Editor: Donnie CuttingMarketing and Media Relations: Julie LokunProducer: Jennifer Waters
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Before You Burn the Bird, Watch This!
Nov 2400:27:38Tap to summarizeIt'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... we’re covering every Thanksgiving base - and then some. Sharpen your carving knife and your confidence - and get ready to gobble up this episode of Supper with Sylvia. What you'll discover:The one thing that every home cook absolutely must have to get their turkey just rightWhether you can really trust that pop-out timerHow to use your pan drippings to make the perfect gravyThe mistake one dad made in an effort to help make life easier for his wifeHow NOT to thaw the turkey, courtesy of one family's Thanksgiving disasterThe best tips for taste and safety, if you want to fry your bird this year Andrea's personal picks for a range of Thanksgiving would-you-rathers📌Check out SupperwithSylvia on Instagram.📩Email us at SupperwithSylvia@gmail.comThis episode is brought to you by MARIANO'S. 🛒 Proudly Sponsored by Mariano’sLooking for local flavor you can bring home? Discover chef-crafted sauces, pastas, oils, and more from your favorite Chicago chefs — now available through Mariano’s We Love Local program. Support local artisans, savor authentic taste, and celebrate Chicago’s culinary spirit with every bite.👉 Explore Mariano’s We Love Local ProductsSocial Media Marketing: Magali BlasdellVideo and Audio Editor: Donnie CuttingMarketing and Media Relations: Julie LokunProducer: Jennifer Waters
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He Grows the Vegetables Chefs Fight Over - Meet Farmer Lee Jones
Nov 2000:48:17Tap to summarizeWith 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 inspire even the busiest and most skeptical among us, to think about where our food comes from, and how we prepare it.What you'll discover:What regenerative farming is, and why The Chef's Garden makes it the centerpiece of their missionHow to utilize the whole plant to reduce food wasteFarmer Lee's journey of rebuilding his family farm, after losing it as a teenagerHow eating in season is both healthier and more flavorfulThe Chef's Garden's relationship with some of the world's most renowned culinary namesWhat inspired Farmer Lee's signature bowtie and overalls look📌Check out SupperwithSylvia on Instagram.📩Email us at SupperwithSylvia@gmail.comThis episode is brought to you by MARIANO'S. 🛒 Proudly Sponsored by Mariano’sLooking for local flavor you can bring home? Discover chef-crafted sauces, pastas, oils, and more from your favorite Chicago chefs — now available through Mariano’s We Love Local program. Support local artisans, savor authentic taste, and celebrate Chicago’s culinary spirit with every bite.👉 Explore Mariano’s We Love Local ProductsSocial Media Marketing: Magali BlasdellVideo and Audio Editor: Donnie CuttingMarketing and Media Relations: Julie LokunProducer: Jennifer Waters
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Best Wine for the Money and Beyond with Brooke Webster
Nov 600:35:24Tap to summarizeIn 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 listeners insight into how wine can transform dining experiences. Her ability to curate and pair wines that complement complex flavors reflects years of hands-on expertise and innovation in service.The live audience enjoyed a four-course dinner created by Chef Ivan Valdez, with each course paired perfectly with selections from Olé & Obrigado’s acclaimed Spanish and Portuguese wine portfolio. Brooke guided attendees through the tasting, explaining each wine’s origin, flavor profile, and ideal food pairing. From crisp Albariños to bold Tempranillos, every detail highlighted how the right wine can turn a meal into a moment.Broadcast live from one of Chicago’s most elegant venues, The Metropolitan at Willis Tower, this episode is a celebration of world-class food, fine wine, inclusivity, and authentic storytelling.Special acknowledgment to Olé & Obrigado, Chef Ivan Valdez, and The Metropolitan Chicago for bringing this extraordinary event to life.Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)Who is Brooke Webster? Brooke Webster is a highly respected sommelier and Wine Ambassador for Olé & Obrigado, known for her deep expertise in Spanish and Portuguese wines and her contributions to the LGBTQ+ bar and hospitality community.What is Olé & Obrigado? Olé & Obrigado is a premier wine importer and brand ambassador group that highlights the best of Spanish and Portuguese wines. Their mission is to connect exceptional winemakers with passionate consumers and hospitality professionals.Where was this episode recorded? This episode was recorded live at The Metropolitan, located in Chicago’s Willis Tower, one of the city’s most iconic venues for fine dining and events.Who is Chef Ivan Valdez? Chef Ivan Valdez curated the evening’s four-course menu, designed to complement the Olé & Obrigado wines featured in this live recording. His innovative culinary style bridges traditional and modern influences.Wha📌Check out SupperwithSylvia on Instagram.📩Email us at SupperwithSylvia@gmail.comThis episode is brought to you by MARIANO'S. 🛒 Proudly Sponsored by Mariano’sLooking for local flavor you can bring home? Discover chef-crafted sauces, pastas, oils, and more from your favorite Chicago chefs — now available through Mariano’s We Love Local program. Support local artisans, savor authentic taste, and celebrate Chicago’s culinary spirit with every bite.👉 Explore Mariano’s We Love Local ProductsSocial Media Marketing: Magali BlasdellVideo and Audio Editor: Donnie CuttingMarketing and Media Relations: Julie LokunProducer: Jennifer Waters
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The Best Mexican Food in the World With Chef Rick Bayless
Oct 2300:56:11Tap to summarizeIn 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 memory, heritage, and community. Rick opens up about his creative process, the challenges of staying true to tradition while innovating, and how his culinary journey has become a platform for cultural understanding. Sylvia’s signature warmth and curiosity bring out the humanity behind the chef’s success, offering listeners both inspiration and practical wisdom.What You’ll Learn in This Episode• How Rick Bayless redefined Mexican cuisine for the American palate • The philosophy behind his award-winning restaurants and food storytelling • The role of sustainability and cultural appreciation in modern dining • Why authenticity and creativity are essential in every industry • How Sylvia Perez brings real conversation and connection to the tableKey Quotes“Food isn’t just nourishment — it’s memory, it’s love, it’s culture. Every plate tells a story.” — Rick Bayless“The table is where we build understanding — it’s where we connect as humans.” — Sylvia PerezAbout the Rick BaylessRick Bayless is an award-winning chef, restaurateur, and author best known for Frontera Grill and Topolobampo. His work celebrates authentic regional Mexican cuisine and emphasizes sustainability, community, and cultural storytelling.Sylvia Perez is an Emmy Award-winning journalist and the host of Supper with Sylvia, a podcast where meaningful conversations unfold over shared stories, food, and connection. Through her interviews, Sylvia celebrates the power of authenticity and the human spirit.Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat makes Rick Bayless’s approach to food unique? Rick Bayless blends authenticity with innovation. His cuisine celebrates the depth and diversity of Mexican food traditions, highlighting local ingredients and the stories behind them.Where can I visit Rick Bayless’s restaurants? His flagship restaurants Frontera Grill and Topolobampo are located in Chicago, with additional casual dining spots like Tortas Frontera in major airports.What is the focus of Supper with Sylvia? Supper with Sylvia explores how food connects people, ideas, and cultures t📌Check out SupperwithSylvia on Instagram.📩Email us at SupperwithSylvia@gmail.comThis episode is brought to you by MARIANO'S. 🛒 Proudly Sponsored by Mariano’sLooking for local flavor you can bring home? Discover chef-crafted sauces, pastas, oils, and more from your favorite Chicago chefs — now available through Mariano’s We Love Local program. Support local artisans, savor authentic taste, and celebrate Chicago’s culinary spirit with every bite.👉 Explore Mariano’s We Love Local ProductsSocial Media Marketing: Magali BlasdellVideo and Audio Editor: Donnie CuttingMarketing and Media Relations: Julie LokunProducer: Jennifer Waters
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Texas Michelin Stars, Foodie Road Trips & Alinea Dreams with Drew Stephenson
Oct 900:19:31Tap to summarizeEverything 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 the scenes of his six-week culinary marathon, where he dined at all 15 Michelin-starred restaurants in Texas, from Austin’s quirky Barley Swine to Houston’s storytelling-driven March, and Dallas’ elegant omakase at Tatsu. He also reflects on his Chicago fine-dining experiences, including Alinea—which he calls the best meal of his life.Whether you’re a Texas local, a Chicago foodie, or a Michelin fan, this episode is packed with insider picks, road trip stories, and a passion for dining that will leave you hungry for more.Follow Drew on Instagram: @DrewTheFoodGuyWhat You’ll Learn in This EpisodeWhy Michelin’s arrival in Texas was a foodie milestoneDrew’s top 2 Texas Michelin restaurants you must visitHow he managed to hit all 15 starred spots in just six weeksWhat it really costs to dine Michelin-style in TexasWhy Chicago’s Alinea still ranks as his number one dining experienceBalancing foodie adventures with life as a new dad📌Check out SupperwithSylvia on Instagram.📩Email us at SupperwithSylvia@gmail.comThis episode is brought to you by MARIANO'S. 🛒 Proudly Sponsored by Mariano’sLooking for local flavor you can bring home? Discover chef-crafted sauces, pastas, oils, and more from your favorite Chicago chefs — now available through Mariano’s We Love Local program. Support local artisans, savor authentic taste, and celebrate Chicago’s culinary spirit with every bite.👉 Explore Mariano’s We Love Local ProductsSocial Media Marketing: Magali BlasdellVideo and Audio Editor: Donnie CuttingMarketing and Media Relations: Julie LokunProducer: Jennifer Waters
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