David Manilow

David Manilow, who created and produced the long-running weekly food show “Check, Please!” on WTTW-Channel 11, is teaming up with Crain’s Chicago Business as the publication looks to expand its coverage of arts and culture.

Starting today, Manilow will appear every Wednesday on “Crain’s Daily Gist,” the Monday-through-Thursday podcast hosted by Amy Guth. (Here is the link.)

In addition to covering restaurant openings and closings (and other news on the local food scene), Manilow and Guth will talk with a notable chef each week. Featured in this week’s opener is Crazy Bird Chicken chef Larry Tucker.

Down the road, it wouldn't be surprising if Manilow starts his own podcast and develops other projects with Crain's.

Crain's Chicago Business

“We are thrilled to partner with David on this and expect that these conversations with Amy will be a hit with our readers,” said Jim Kirk, group publisher of Crain Communications and executive editor of Crain’s Chicago Business.

“David’s creativity and success with ‘Check, Please!’ made this partnership a natural for us. We’re eager to see how this will evolve.’’

"Check, Please!" ran for 19 years on WTTW, becoming one of the most popular weekly fixtures on the Window to the World Communications public television station.

Along with co-creator Joel Cohen, Manilow launched the show in 2001 with a format that featured three guests from different walks of life dining at three restaurants and comparing notes on their experiences. Manilow served as executive producer throughout the run and expanded the franchise to cities across the country.

The WTTW show ceased production at the start of the COVID-19 shutdown in March 2020 but remained on the air in reruns.

In August, Manilow and WTTW surprised fans by announcing the show would not be returning for a 20th season. Manilow told viewers in a blog post: “I’d like to say our upcoming 20th milestone season will be our best one ever! However, WTTW/11 and I want to go in different directions and pursue other opportunities, so it’s just not to be.”

Tuesday's comment of the day: Ron Schofield: Siafa Lewis is excellent and will succeed wherever he goes. When I saw the headline, I assumed it was ESPN or one of the other network sports, but very certain, KYW will still be his last position in local news. He is that good.