NATIONAL LAUNCH- How to Watch
Today we officially entered into our NATIONAL DISTRIBUTION! We are so thrilled to reach more viewers with our hope. Here’s a quick video on how to watch our show in your market! Take a look and spread the word!
WRS Gives Back
The Whitney Reynolds Show is giving back to Breakthrough Urban Ministries through the campaign “Twelve Days Of Takeout.”
Whitney interviewed the founder a few years and new that the show eventually to get involved. Their mission is: “We envision a safe, stable, engaged East Garfield Park where success is the norm and families prosper.”
12 Days of Takeout
Support your local eateries this holiday season!
Restaurants around the United States are struggling to make end’s meet during these difficult times. The Whitney Reynolds Show is proud to present 12 Days of Takeout in Chicago, reminding our friends and viewers to grab some food to-go this year. Here are our picks for our first annual 12 Days of Takeout!
My Buddy’s
My Buddy’s offers comfort food in the heart of Chicago’s North Side, seasoned with a dash of charity.
Hardbittenn
by Chef Halee Raff
This incredible woman who has worked in Michelin-starred restaurants wants to safely bring fine dining and delicious desserts to your home’s kitchen table.
Click here to learn more about Chef Halee’s COVID-19 safe personal chef and fine dining packages, in addition to her tasty desserts. Her specialty pop tarts, pies and cakes are to die for! Place your order today.
Fat Cat
A local favorite woman-owned business since 2007, Fat Cat has had to change its entire business model to survive this holiday season.
This year, Fat Cat is offering a special dinner for holiday takeout, including: Chicken Pot Pie, Maple Bacon Brussel Sprouts, Crispy Fried Mac and Cheese, Reuben Balls, Edible Gingerbread Cookie Dough and Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough. Click here to place your order now!
D.S. Tequila Co.
One North Halsted staple is relying on you to take the party home this year.
D.S. Tequila Co. is a contemporary casual, full service, tex-mex restaurant and bar in the heart of Lakeview, Chicago. Their menu features gourmet à la carte tacos, cooked to order burgers, quesadillas, giant salads, and a wide assortment of appetizers to share. Click here to place your order today!
Honky Tonk BBQ
Tasty tex-mex and delicious barbecue from the heart of Pilsen, straight to your kitchen table.
Honky Tonk BBQ was a destination full-service restaurant featuring local live music nightly. Takeout was a small portion of their business, but they are now doing takeout only. They cook all of their meats with wood and charcoal only, no gas or electricity. This means that they are smoking meats 24 hours every day to have the freshest BBQ ready for you! Click here to place your order now.
North Branch Fried Chicken
Located on the Northwest side of Chicago, North Branch Fried Chicken pairs their house-made Chicago barbecue sauces with gourmet fried chicken.
North Branch Fried Chicken offers fresh sandwiches, sides and weekly barbecue features like baby back ribs. This holiday season, they are creating holiday gift baskets and a catering menu featuring barbecue smoked salmon and meat/cheese platters. Place your order now!
R Public House
This pub is an anchor business in Rogers Park, providing an atmosphere for entertainment and light dining, philanthropy, and goodwill for the neighborhood’s diverse population.
R Public House is offering $56 takeout holiday dinners for two including: Spiral Ham, Potato Gratin, Mac and Cheese, Mom’s green beans, Creamed Pearl Onions, Sweet potto casserole, green jello mold, dinner rolls and ginger bread and egg nog trifle. Place your order here!
Gene & Georgetti
Located in the heart of River North, Gene & Georgetti is Chicago’s oldest and one of its finest family-owned steakhouses.
During these uncertain times, Gene & Georgetti has evolved to offer customers unique opportunities to experience G&G. With the G&G Grocery, Gene’s Sandwich Shoppe, Gene & Georgetti Meats shipping steaks nationwide, and the Bar Ida Italian coffee bar, Gene & Georgetti has something for everyone. Click here to learn more and place your order now!
The Kennison
Considered one of the best neighborhood restaurants in Chicago, The Kennison frames the north side of Hotel Lincoln.
At this Lincoln Park gem, you’ll find approachable fare with exciting twists on familiar dishes. Whether you're looking to grab a cocktail to-go after seeing the Zoo Lights across the street or you’re staying in this year, The Kennison offers something for everyone. Click here to place your order today!
Lowcountry
Lowcountry provides a comfortable, backyard vibe to embrace the culture of gatherings around a seafood boil.
Their inspiration originates from childhood memories of family road trips to the gulf coast, digging into lowcountry style seafood in bags set on picnic tables. This is an experience they’ve longed to share with their friends this year, but they’re bringing it to your kitchen table instead. Click here to order your holiday seafood boil now!
Floyd’s Pub
Floyd’s is a 16-year-old neighborhood pub that is known for its laid back vibe and made-from-scratch food.
There has been a bar in their building since 1906. Floyd's is a place where people hang out and relax. Since we are unable to be inside, their business is down by 80%. If you’re missing your local dives as much as they’re missing you, place an order for some tasty bar food from Floyd’s Pub today. Click here to see their takeout menu!
Wildwood Tavern
This local tavern sends all proceeds from corn bread orders to a different charity each month.
All of their delicious food is made from scratch in-house, too! They’re making family-sized Christmas dinners for takeout and delivery this year. Place your order here - and don’t forget the corn bread!
Casati’s
Casati's Modern Italian is a local favorite known for its fresh, light, and healthy Italian food.
Casati’s has thought out-of-the-box to address safety concerns this holiday season. Their safe, cozy and creative takes on outdoor dining are a great option if you want to venture out this year. They’re also offering free delivery on orders placed through their website. Click here to see their menu and place an order today - they’ve got plenty of vegan and vegetarian options, too!
A portion of proceeds from “12 Days Of Takeout” went to Breakthrough Urban Ministries.
12th Day Of Takeout And Christmas Eve Dinner!
On the 12th Day of Takeout
Wildwood Tavern
The BBQ was amazing and did you know they donate to non-profits with sales from their cornbread.
Wildwood Tavern is located in Niles and is cozy, full of amazing smells and huge hospitality!
ORDER TO-GO HERE!
THE TWELVE DAYS OF TAKEOUT might have come to an end, but now we must all do our part to GIVE BACK to our favorite eateries. Take a look at our recap over the last 12 days!
And since the 12 days ended on Christmas Eve, we had to add in one last dinner! Take a look at Casatis!
We loved the crab avocado salad and ravioli!
Happy happy holiday WRS FAM! Wishing you a happy and healthy 2021!
LOVE + LIGHT -Whit and Fam
The 11th Day of Takeout
On the 11th Day of Takeout…
Floyd’s Pub was better than bar food!
Floyd’s is a 16-year-old neighborhood pub that is known for its laid back vibe and made-from-scratch food. Last night, we found out why!
Loved the chili, fries and meatloaf combo! This is not just bar food. Food from Floyd’s Pub truly has amazing flavors!
There has been a bar in their building since 1906. Floyd's is a place where people hang out and relax. Since we are unable to be inside, their business is down by 80%. If you’re missing your local dives as much as they’re missing you, place an order for some tasty bar food from Floyd’s Pub today. Click here to see their takeout menu!
A Non-Profit Supporting Local Artist
AIBI has partnered with Shop Small Chicago to make it easy to shop local safely and conveniently in a virtual marketplace.
Quality Products from Chicago brands, featuring more than 50 Chicago brands is now live through Dec 31! Find Apparel, Beauty + Skincare, Home, Paper, Pets, and Accessories for everyone on your list. Worried about fit or need a gift to send after Dec 15? We have gift cards to 25+ local businesses.
With this platform, we have the ability to create memorable and personalized shopping experiences. Local artists and designers are often hand making and shipping each item from their studios. The hands that make these items for you often wrap them too!
$1 from each sale benefits the Apparel Industry Foundation, Inc. (a 501c3) to help us provide scholarships, educational programming, and mentoring to our burgeoning design community.
Thank you for shopping local - wherever you are. Small businesses love you for your efforts.
The 10th Day of Takeout
On the 10th Day of Takeout
We had a seafood boil!
Lowcountry provides a comfortable, backyard vibe to embrace the culture of gatherings around a seafood boil. My family was lucky enough to bring it into our living room this holiday season!
Lowcountry even provided the bibs!
This boil was so good that even our elf Frank wanted in on the action! Their inspiration originates from childhood memories of family road trips to the gulf coast, digging into lowcountry style seafood in bags set on picnic tables. This is an experience they’ve longed to share with their friends this year, but they’re bringing it to your kitchen table instead. Click here to order your holiday seafood boil now!
New Year, New Goals?
Expert Vincent Genna, gives a different option for 2021:
Make a Choice to Experience Yourself Differently Instead!
By: Vincent Genna
It's that time of year again. Time to make your New Year's resolutions. But should you? Whether it's getting in shape or paying off debt or stopping smoking . . or . . or . . Statistically, only 8% of people follow through with the resolutions they make so it appears the resolution strategy is fundamentally flawed but what is the answer? Perhaps our resolutions fail because we are focusing on trying to fix something negative instead of building on our strengths? What if it would serve us more to identify what is working in your life and what is currently making us happy and expand on those experiences?
The 9th Day of Takeout
On the 9th Day of Takeout…
We dined with The Kennison!
Considered one of the best neighborhood restaurants in Chicago, The Kennison frames the north side of Hotel Lincoln and offers a fantastic option for their guests. They’re also great friends to The Whitney Reynolds Show and have generously allowed us to use their gorgeous dining space for filming in the past.
UMMMAZING DINNER + Cocktails to go!
We loved the the chicken sandwich, pasta and cauliflower! All of it was super yummy and made for a great fancy dinner yet in our sweatpants kind of night!
We were big fans of the pasta and the halibut! My husband loved the cocktail to-go and my son DOWNED the burger!
At this Lincoln Park gem you’ll find approachable fare with exciting twists on familiar dishes. Whether you're looking for a safe, special night out (or in!) or just want to grab a yummy cocktail to-go, The Kennison offers something for everyone. Place your order now!
The 7th Day of Takeout
On the 7th Day of Takeout…
We grabbed dinner in Rogers Park!
R Public House is a neighborhood gastropub with artisanal pizzas, burgers, sandwiches and an amazing brunch! My family was lucky enough to try a few of their specialties this holiday season.
We had the most delicious dinner that was super well rounded! We adored all the different dishes we tried! Particularly we LOVEDDDDDD the pizza!
The owner of R Public House, Renee Labrana, dressed up as a turkey to deliver the restaurant’s Thanksgiving dinners.
If you’re curious about R Public House’s Holiday dinners, learn more and place your order here!
The 6th Day of Takeout
On the 5th Day of Takeout…
Fried chicken was the star!
Fried chicken is the best follow up to a barbecue dinner! Tonight we went to the northwest side of Chicago to visit North Branch Fried Chicken. This restaurant pairs their house-made Chicago barbecue sauces with delicious gourmet fried chicken.
My kids are a huge fan of chicken nuggets and because of North Branch, NOW they love fried chicken across the board! I must say my southern heart and belly was extremely pleased with night 6!
North Branch Fried Chicken offers fresh sandwiches, sides and weekly barbecue features like baby back ribs. This holiday season, they are creating holiday gift baskets and a catering menu featuring barbecue smoked salmon and meat/cheese platters.
The 8th Day of Takeout
On the 8th Day of Takeout…
We fine dined at home!
Located in the heart of River North since 1941, Gene & Georgetti is Chicago’s oldest and one of its finest family-owned steakhouses. What their brand has spent 80 years building is a one-of-a-kind experience with regards to their service and food.
I personally had been looking forward to this night and was excited to try the steak (which they are known for) however SHOCKINGLY, we fell in LOVE with the pastas!!! My son and I were drawing straws for the meatballs LOL. To top off this experience for night 8, we ended with the tiramisu!
When COVID-19 struck, they had to quickly adapt to create ways that brought the decades-long experience out of the dining room and readily available to people in their homes.
With the G&G Grocery, Gene’s Sandwich Shoppe, Gene & Georgetti Meats shipping steaks nationwide, and the Bar Ida Italian coffee bar, Gene & Georgetti truly has something for everyone. Click here to learn more and place your order now!
The 4th Day of Takeout
On the 4th Day of Takeout…
We celebrated Taco Tuesday!
D.S. Tequila Co. is a contemporary casual, full service, tex-mex restaurant and bar in the heart of Lakeview, Chicago. Their ultra-yummy menu features gourmet à la carte tacos, cooked to order burgers, quesadillas, giant salads, and a wide assortment of appetizers to share with your loved ones this holiday season.
On this takeout taco Tuesday, we got to eat great burgers too! Here’s a look at what we had.
We tried EVERYTHING! From tacos and nachos to burgers and union rings!
As I chatted with the owner he said this is your GO TO for Chicago TexMex!
The whole family loved!
The 5th Day of Takeout
On the 5th day of Takeout…
We had some great barbecue!
I’m a city girl now, but I’m an Oklahoma girl at heart, born and raised. It’s no surprise I’m always looking for a spot to grab great barbecue in Chicago. Honky Tonk BBQ’s smoky flavors definitely remind me of home!
Honky Tonk BBQ was a destination full-service restaurant featuring local live music nightly. Takeout was a small portion of their business, but they are now doing takeout only. My family and I had a chance to visit their gorgeous restaurant, pick up our dinner and enjoy it from our kitchen table.
Being from the south I can be tough judge for BBQ however Honky Tonk had me from hello and nice to MEAT YOU! Also me and the kids were swooning over the Mac and Cheese. Dave LOVED it all.
Honky Tonk’s wonderful staff are nearly all from the Pilsen neighborhood in Chicago. Many have known the owners since they were children as they’ve been neighbors for the past 33 years. You don't even have to be a meat-eater to feel at home; they offer vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan options too!
They cook all of their meats with wood and charcoal only, no gas or electricity. This means that they are smoking meats 24 hours every day to have the freshest BBQ ready for you! We had such a great dinner. Click here to place your order now. Yum!
The 3rd Day of Takeout
On the 3rd Day of Takeout…
We ate like fat cats!
Fat Cat is one of our go to destinations in the Uptown neighborhood of Chicago. They treat us like family with warm, friendly service and a comfortable and fun atmosphere.
Fat Cat is struggling to get through this second shut down. Their team has grown tighter and stronger in order to survive. They’ve added fire pits and heaters outdoors and are fortunate enough to have wall windows to allow for a few indoor diners. This holiday season, they’ve created family holiday dinners, which have been a big hit. The restaurant has recently purchased a scooter and will begin their in-house delivery service next week.
Be on the look out for their yummy TV Dinners coming soon, too!
They are known for their pot pie, I nibbled on Daves and LOVED my salad.
They write hand written notes and all orders!
We were obsessed with their Ruben Balls and the kids loved the Mac and Cheese! See our full experience HERE!
The 2nd Day of Takeout
On the 2nd Day of Takeout…
We had Chef Halee Raff cook for us!
Hardbittenn is a home delivery and personal chef experience owned by Chef Halee Raff. This incredible woman who has worked in Michelin-starred restaurants wants to safely bring fine dining and delicious desserts to your home’s kitchen table. We had the pleasure of welcoming Chef Halee into our home today.
We’ve never had a personal chef before, but we’ll definitely have one again. Chef Halee made us a feast of beef wellington, potato gratin with asparagus and hollandaise. [WHIT’S CONTENT]
The kids LOVED dessert and we did too. Chef Halee made a caramel pear cheesecake, a white chocolate peppermint cake and her yummy signature pop tarts for us.
Doesn’t that just look delicious? If you like what you see, take a look at what Chef Halee can cook up for you and your family this holiday season.
Pies: $25
Chocolate caramel
French silk
Apple cranberry
Banana cream
Sweet potato with toasted marshmallow
Raspberry key lime pie
Beef Wellington Dinner (for 2 - $165) (for 4 - $315)
Colossal shrimp cocktail, served with cocktail sauce
Traditional beef wellington, served with peppercorn sauce
Sides of potato gratin and asparagus with hollandaise
Cheesecakes (small $35, medium $45, large $55)
Passion fruit
Caramel & spiced pear
Ferror Rocher
Cakes (small $60, large $75)
White chocolate, vanilla and peppermint
Caramel cake with candy walnuts
Biscoff cookie cake
Click here to place your Hardbittenn order with Chef Halee now!