CHICAGO — Catherine De Orio's second season as host of the popular dining show "Check, Please!" kicks off Friday.
In an interview with DNAinfo Chicago. De Orio, a West Loop resident and Kendall College graduate, discussed the upcoming season, including the first restaurants to be featured.
DNAinfo Chicago: How many new episodes have been taped?
Catherine De Orio: We have shot 13 episodes this season, plus an additional compilation episode showcasing the city's South Side gems.
DNAinfo: When will the new season begin?
De Orio: The new season begins Friday, Oct. 17 at 8 p.m. on WTTW Channel 11. There will be a hiatus during the holidays, starting in late November, and new episodes will resume in early January.
DNAinfo: How excited are you to see these shows, and why?
De Orio: It's always exciting to see the end product — I am only one part of the show — there are so many people working on the "Check, Please!" team to create the best product — from production where the amazing crew is handling lighting, sound, floor directing, makeup as well as the on-location shoots, all the way to the post-production team that edits all the hours of footage into a 13-episode season. After I walk off the set of my last shoot, my producers David Manilow (creator and executive producer) and Jacqui Wedewer (senior producer) and their team of editors are really getting into the thick of their work. So for me, there's an element of surprise when I see the edited version. It's such a great feeling seeing the final product.
DNAinfo: Can you reveal exactly which restaurants are showcased?
De Orio: I certainly can reveal all of them, but what fun would that be? You will need to tune in to find out. What I can tell you is we have a great mix of restaurants as always — I definitely made my rounds this season — visiting a pozoleria in Humboldt Park, a gluten-free fine-dining destination in Lakeview and hitting a Hyde Park bistro for some darn good gumbo. The first episode showcases Gorditas Aguascalientes (in Cicero), ATK (in Lakeview) and Gather (in Lincoln Square).
DNAinfo: Any new wrinkles/changes to the show this year? If so, what are they?
De Orio: No changes to the show and wrinkle-free — having one season under my belt made this season much smoother — and I anticipate it will just keep getting smoother with each new one.
DNAinfo: What do you think you've improved on the most in terms of being a host?
De Orio: I think there is just a general improvement, but I am getting more and more comfortable with the teleprompter.
DNAinfo: What did you learn in the past year since starting your host duties?
De Orio: In the beginning I was so worried about doing things "right" and listened to all the opinions everyone had about how I should be instead of just being myself. So this season I just relaxed and learned to trust my gut.
DNAinfo: Any celebrities/interesting guests on the show this year?
De Orio: We don't have celebrities on the show as our whole premise is to showcase the restaurants that regular people from all over Chicago recommend. Who knows, maybe we will do a celebrity special in the future — only time will tell.
DNAinfo: Anything else you would like to add?
De Orio: In addition to my roles as the host of Check, Please! and as a food writer, I was just appointed to the position of executive director of the Kendall College Trust, which provides need-based scholarships to culinary and hospitality students. I am thrilled to be in a position that can help students pursue their dreams.
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