Supper with Sylvia Perez - Chicago's Foodie Podcast
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
Episodes
38 episodes
Success and Sobriety: Jonathon Sawyer Tells the Story He Once Hid
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 che...
More Than a Chef: Tony Priolo on Food, Baseball, and Giving Back
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 fo...
Dry January Done Right: Cheers Without Consequences
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...
Inside José Andrés’ Kitchen: A Feast of Heart and Humor
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...
Chicago’s Must-Eats: Your Early Pass to the Hottest Spots
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 Infatuati...
Before You Burn the Bird, Watch This!
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 Butter...
He Grows the Vegetables Chefs Fight Over - Meet Farmer Lee Jones
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...
Best Wine for the Money and Beyond with Brooke Webster
In this exclusive live episode recorded at The Metropolitan inside Chicago’s Willis Tower, host Sylvia Perez welcomes Brooke Webster, celebrated sommelier an...
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The Best Mexican Food in the World With Chef Rick Bayless
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....
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Texas Michelin Stars, Foodie Road Trips & Alinea Dreams with Drew Stephenson
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 sing...
The Spice Girls: ChiTown Café & The PSL Craze
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’...
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Sober Curious in Chicago: Best Non-Alcoholic Wine, Tequila & Adaptogens with In Good Spirits
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 I...
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From Merchant Marine to World’s Best Pizza: Chef Robert Garvey on Crafting the Perfect Crust
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 Pi...
Chef Kevin Hickey on The Duck Inn, Bridgeport Roots & Chicago’s Culinary Renaissance
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,...
Chef Curtis Duffy: Fireproof Journey from Tragedy to Michelin Stars
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 Cu...
Hospitality with Integrity: Chef Erick Williams on Legacy, Leadership, and Lounges
JOIN ME LIVE FOR MY PODCAST FEATURING CURTIS DUFFY- AUGUST 4th:LIVE - Supper with Sylvia Perez feat. Chef Curtis Duffy - After ...
Beer Hiking Chicago: Discover Scenic Trails, Local Breweries & Hidden Gems with Dan and Jessica
JOIN ME LIVE AUGUST 4th!⬇️LIVE - Supper with Sylvia Perez feat. Chef Curtis Duffy - After - Chicago, IL | Tock | TockEver w...
Baking a Legacy of Social Justice & Sweet Success in Chicago With Justice of The Pies
Meet me LIVE-⬇️ LIVE - Supper with Sylvia Perez feat. Chef Curtis Duffy - After - Chicago, IL | Tock | TockTODAY! ...
Clicks, Culture & Cravings: Inside Chicago’s Food Influencer Scene with Black People Eats & Chicagopescetarian
In the age of social media dominance, influence is currency—and no one understands that better than today’s top Chicago food influencers. In this buzzworthy episode of Supper with Sylvia, we dive fork-first into the high-...
Chicago Dining, James Beard Awards & How to Score Top Restaurant Reservations
🎙️ Have you ever tried booking a table at one of Chicago’s hottest restaurants only to find every reservation snatched up—or held hostage by a third-party app demanding sky-high fees? You’re not alone.In this eye-opening episode o...
Crystal Clear Cocktails: Quari Ice’s Rise, Trending Summer Drinks & Chicago’s Master Mixologist Tips
Ready to take your cocktails to the next level? In this episode of Supper with Sylvia, discover how crystal clear ice cubes and spheres are transforming everything from spicy margaritas to refreshing gin and tonics. We sit down ...
From Spore to Success: Four Star Mushrooms, Sustainable Farming and Chicago’s Top Chefs
What happens when a biologist and an economist team up to revolutionize the food system? In this episode of Supper with Sylvia, meet Sean DiGioia and Joe Weber, the innovative founders of Four Star Mushrooms, a Chicago co...
From Humble Beginnings to French Culinary Mastery in Chicago with Jason Chan
In this episode of Supper with Sylvia, I’m thrilled to welcome Jason Chan, one of Chicago’s most respected restaurateurs and a true pioneer of classic French dining in the city.Jason has built an extraordinary care...
Better Between the Bread: Jeff Mauro’s Sandwich Stories and All Things Food Network
What can you say about a guy whose favorite color is pastrami? Welcome to Better Between the Bread, the deliciously funny podcast celebrating the life and creations of Jeff Mauro—Chicago’s own Sandwich King.From wi...
Unraveling the Secrets of Chicago’s Ramen Lord – Mike Satinover of Akahoshi Ramen
Are you a serious ramen lover searching for the most authentic Japanese noodles in Chicago? In this special episode of Supper with Sylvia, we sit down with Mike Satinover, the culinary mastermind behind Akahoshi Ramen in Lo...