How Bob Sirott inspired this year’s Pizza Madness tournament

Between St. Patrick’s Day, Illinois Primary Election Day, and just being one Chicago’s all-time great places for comfort food, it’s an understatement to say Manny’s Deli is busy. Because of that, Kevin Powell and Michael Piff were glad 4th-generation owner Dan Raskins could make time to join them for the 100th episode of Chicago’s Very […]

Jarosch Bakery opened in Elk Grove Village in 1959, and has been a staple in the community ever since. In 2024, owners Ken and Kathy Jarosch sold to family-owned Ideal Bakery and still remain very involved with Jarosch’s in its new era. Ideal Bakery president Chris Kowall joined Kevin Powell and Michael Piff on the […]

Chicago’s Very Own Eats podcast co-host Michael Piff joins Bob Sirott to talk about the 2026 Pizza Madness tournament and how Bob inspired a twist for the local chains competition. Click here to vote in the Chicago Pizza Madness Tournament 2026 and the Chicago Pizza Madness 2026: Local Chains Division.

Host of WGN Radio podcast “Chicago’s Very Own Eats” Mike Piff joins Wendy Snyder, filling in for Lisa Dent, to talk the 2026 Pizza Bracket. This year, the bracket features more pizza joints than ever before. 128 “Mom and Pop” pizza places will duke it out in their own bracket, separated by region, while 32 […]

How has it already been a year since our last Pizza Madness Tournament? After doubling the field last year to 128, and the championship victory by Rosati’s, we go into Year 4 of Chicago Pizza Madness with another new twist! We have moved the local chains into their own 32-competitor division, and will allow 128 […]

Sankyu Sushi & Izakaya is new to the Mount Prospect area, and has the goal of bringing an elevated Japanese dining experience to the Northwest suburbs. Sankyu Sushi spokesman Han Jeon joined Kevin Powell and Michael Piff on the Chicago’s Very Own Eats podcast to talk about why they opened in Kevin’s hometown, what Japanese traditions […]

On the 21st floor of The LaSalle Chicago hotel (208 S LaSalle St, Chicago, IL) is a hidden gem that is better described as an “experience” than just a restaurant. Grill on 21, as part of Roanoke Hospitality, offers a modern, elevated twist on the classics you know from American steakhouses, and a bar that […]

“Tievoli” backwards is “I love it.” And you’ll be saying exactly that when you try their pizza. That’s what Chef Giovanni Labbate had in mind when he opened his restaurant at 44 W. Palatine Rd in Palatine, 3 years ago. Tievoli Pizza Bar celebrates its 3rd anniversary on Valentine’s Day this year, after winning and […]

What began as a beloved donut shop in Los Angeles, since the 1960s, has become a gourmet staple across the Chicago area for over a decade. Stan’s Donuts Learning & Development Manager Jeff Krause joined Kevin Powell and Michael Piff on the Chicago’s Very Own Eats Podcast to talk about how Rich Labriola (of Labriola […]

Chicago Restaurant Week is underway! From January 23rd to February 8th, over 500 restaurants across the city and its neighborhoods are offering great opportunities to try their menus at an affordable price. One of those restaurants is La Dolce Vita Cucina in Portage Park. Andrew Hayes from World Business Chicago and La Dolce Vita Cucina […]