Mike Stephen enjoys a delicious seafood buffet while at a wedding in Cleveland.

Mike Stephen learns about the fate of buffets in the wake of the pandemic with the Washington Post’s Tim Carman, discusses La Casa Norte’s important work to empower the homeless with community engagement coordinator Rebecca Sumner Burgos, and chats about the new Mellow Chicago Bike Map in the Chicago Reader with columnist John Greenfield. And in the OTL Wrap Party segment, Mike and Producer Collin decompress after a seemingly unending week while Collin offers Mike a wedding anniversary tip. The local phase four music comes from The Mekons. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our iTunes page or RSS feed.

Posted 6 years ago Tagged

While in Italy, Mike Stephen is amazed at the 13 course appetizer in front of him.

Mike Stephen learns about the Culinary Historians of Chicago, gets an update on how The Lantern Haus in Forest Park is surviving the pandemic, and discusses sustainable living during this unique time in our history with the executive director of Plant Chicago. And in the OTL Wrap Party segment, Mike and Producer Collin decide that local political candidates can’t put ketchup on their hot dogs. The local quarantine music this week comes from Jonas Weir. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our iTunes page or RSS feed.

Posted 6 years ago Tagged

Mike Stephen showcases his tamale lunch.

Mike Stephen learns how Chicago’s beloved Tamale Guy is in jeopardy with Ashok Selvam of Eater Chicago, chats about a documentary that showcases Chicago’s drawbridges with local author Patrick McBriarty, and discovers the Secret History of local singer-songwriter Thom Bishop. And in the OTL Wrap Party segment, Mike and Producer Collin emphasize the need for salsa verde with tamales. The local quarantine music this week comes from Ocas. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our iTunes page or RSS feed.

Posted 6 years ago Tagged

Mike Stephen at the Austin Blue Line stop.

Mike Stephen learns about the CTA Fails multimedia empire, discusses the pandemic’s impact on the local food scene with Mike Gebert, editor of Fooditor, and explores the Secret History of local 60s garage-rockers The Jokers. And in the OTL Wrap Party segment, Mike and Producer Collin recap the show.   The local quarantine music this week comes from the Chicago Underground Quartet. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our iTunes page or RSS feed.

Posted 6 years ago Tagged