Family Meal is a first-of-its-kind roundtable series featuring real restaurant professionals.

Brasero, Chicago, Episode 01

What does it really take to survive, and thrive, in today's high-stakes restaurant world? The team at Brasero pulls back the curtain in this raw, revealing conversation about life in a professional kitchen that goes far beyond the dramatized chaos you've seen on shows like The Bear.

Follow the surprising journeys that brought this crew together—from the perfectionistic pressure-cooker of Alinea to the creative energy of Girl & the Goat to completely unexpected career pivots. Their stories reveal why genuine passion isn't just helpful in this industry; it's absolutely essential for survival.

Discover the daily ritual of family meal that transforms this team from coworkers into something closer to actual family. It's these moments, away from the flames and knives, where the real magic happens, setting the tone that carries them through the intense service ahead.

In an industry that often glorifies lone-wolf chefs and kitchen tyrants, Brasero's philosophy stands apart: true hospitality and extraordinary food come not from ego, but from collaboration and mutual respect. This episode offers an intimate glimpse into how one restaurant is redefining kitchen culture while creating unforgettable dining experiences.

Parachute HIFI, Chicago, Episode 02

What happens when a Top Chef alum redefines restaurant management through vinyl, vulnerability, and the power of a family meal? In this raw and unfiltered second episode of Family Meal, we step inside Parachute Hi-Fi, the reimagined neighborhood restaurant from Top Chef’s Beverly Kim and her partner Johnny Clark, where a quirky plate of Cincinnati chili sparks a deeper conversation about burnout, reinvention, and balance in today’s restaurant management landscape. You’ll hear candid stories from the kitchen and the floor, like:

  • The emotional rollercoaster of competing on Top Chef as a new mom

  • Running a service during a blackout

  • The journey of reimagining a neighborhood restaurant into a multisensory space

  • Why the family meal is still the glue holding it all together

By the end of the conversation, you’ll understand how Parachute Hi-Fi has become a full customer experience shaped by resilience, rhythm, and real community.

Le Bouchon, Chicago, Episode 03

Some of the best restaurant stories come from unexpected chaos. At Le Bouchon, a beloved French restaurant in Chicago, the team shares what it’s like working double shifts, reconnecting during family meal, and building a lasting restaurant culture. In this episode of Family Meal, we sit down with the individuals who have kept Le Bouchon a success for over 30 years. From surviving the day the entire brick façade collapsed before service to gathering every afternoon to regroup, their stories highlight the grit and connection that define life inside a neighborhood French restaurant. You’ll hear candid restaurant stories like:

  • The night, the front of Le Bouchon literally fell to the ground, and how the team still managed to open their doors later that evening.

  • Why a daily family meal is the glue that holds restaurant culture together.

  • The reality of working double shifts and finding a moment of zen in between services.

  • How the front and back of house work together in a small French restaurant environment.

  • The challenges facing the industry today, from the rise of tipped wages to immigration policies.

By the end of this conversation, you’ll see why Le Bouchon has become a home for its employees.