Joe Frillman of Daisies on His Favorite Spots in the City
Lisa Futterman
February 12, 2025
Get more recipes, food news, and stories at wttw.com/food or by signing up for our Deep Dish newsletter.
Every month, people from Chicago's hospitality industry will share recommendations for food, drink, ingredients, and more as part of our Chef Picks series.
Joe Frillman grew up in the northern suburbs watching Yan Can Cook and Julia Child on WTTW. “That’s why I’m here,” says Frillman.
“Here” is a role as the executive chef and proprietor of Daisies, the popular Midwest Italian restaurant and all-day cafe on Milwaukee Avenue in Chicago’s Logan Square that has won local and national acclaim.
We asked Frillman for recommendations for food and fun in the Chicago area. He gave us a hot take on where he’d dine with his wife on Valentine’s Day, plus hot dogs and a hot sandwich.
Favorite Restaurant
Boka. This answer is based on my favorite special occasion place to go with [my wife] Jenna, because it doesn’t happen very often. And it’s never missed in all the years we’ve gone there.
Favorite Bite
Torta ahogada at Xoco
Favorite Place to Drink
Favorite Place to Shop
Fresh Farms in Niles
Favorite Local Chicago Brand
Favorite Place in the City to Bring an Out-of-Town Guest
A Blackhawks game at the United Center
Someone in the Hospitality Industry You Admire
Jason Hammel (executive chef and owner of Lula Cafe)
