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Ashok Selvam

@shokdiesel

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Co-Founder/owner, Ravenous @feedravenous | Chicago Native | ex-Eater, Daily Herald |🏅 @beardfoundation winner | Once had a decent post-up game ✌🏾

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Nearly one year after Operation Midway Blitz, a 64-day campaign in which Chicago endured moments of tear gas, harassment by federal agents, and gunfire, one of the city's most respected chefs sits inside a Louisiana detention center. Carlos Cantatore and his wife, Gabi Guidara, were traveling to New York for the FIFA World Cup when they were detained at Newark Airport. Read @shokdiesel's reporting on how Cantatore and Guidara are reimagining their futures and how Chicago's restaurant scene is responding to his departure. by @shokdiesel

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2 months ago

Meet Ashok Selvam ( @shokdiesel ), Ravenous’ James Beard Award-winning co-founder. Here, he talks about the power of good journalism, of working as a team, and of a strong shot of Malört. Read his and the rest of our founder profiles in the link in bio, and don’t forget to subscribe, donate, and spread the word. by @shokdiesel

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6 months ago

The death knell fell for me in August. The James Beard medallion I earned a few weeks before didn’t protect me. Chicago did not matter enough. I couldn’t even spare an “in some personal news” post. We entered a turbulent time for our family where I didn’t know if I wanted to write again. Still, there was a distant dream to start our own site, a kind of Foodfector — based on the worker-owned model pioneered by @defectormedia. Funny, a curious rogue gallery of cofounders (@aemccarthy , @thecourtneysmith, @francesdoingthings, @jayasax) shared this vision.

With the support of my wife and my oldest, today I can proudly unveil Ravenous (@feedravenous). We’ve started our 30-day subscriber drive and we need you.

We’ll taste the food. We’ll talk to the people. We’ll tell you why something is a big deal. I’ve been polishing my sniper skills; we’ll apply the appropriate side eye when needed. Without those pressures, we can actually deliver food writing worth reading. Cultural pieces that tell you the full story. Legal stories that hold folks accountable. The restaurant industry is the biggest employer in America. The sector deserves better coverage. Especially for and from the melanated set. Leave your agendas at home.

We initially called this project “Chomp,” a deep-cut reference from @thebearfx. We’re worker-owned and scattered across the country. We have no investors or VC. You won’t find generative AI or other BS shortcuts. You want a “best of list?” Go elsewhere. Good luck if it’s pay for play or worse. The official launch won’t be until May, but we need you to subscribe and donate now. Share your input. I want to hear it. And be prepared for a response.

We’re ready to spread our wings. Subscribe. Share. Donate.

This is personal. Together we are better. 🐦‍⬛🐦‍⬛🐦‍⬛🐦‍⬛🐦‍⬛ by @shokdiesel

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6 months ago

Sam Kass served as a White House senior policy advisor under the Obama Administration and executive director of first lady Michelle Obama's Let's Move initiative that focused on improving the nutrition of school children. He also helped organized the Independent Restaurant Coalition, raising money for smaller restaurants during the peak of the pandemic. These efforts are why he will receive the Julia Child Award at a ceremony held at the Obama Center in Chicago. Kass started his restaurant career working for Paul Kahan and Avec where he figured out he wanted to work with food, but not necessarily in the kitchen. His work has inspired countless chefs around the country. Read more about his journey in the link in the bio. by @shokdiesel

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3 days ago

on the NEW episode of @citysoreal I talk with @beardfoundation award winning writer @shokdiesel about his independent platform for #food #journalism @feedravenous, #devonavenue, the #chicago #culinary scene & so much more

Stream wherever you listen to podcasts by @shokdiesel

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3 days ago

Well. At least the food was tasty? The smoked flavor on this Italian beef from @umamicue was exceptional. The mild giardiniera plays real well with the sweet smoke and it gives a classic a new dimension.

@therealbillyz out did himself with this wonderful pizza with beer brats, braised onions, dollops of tub cheese.

Yeah. Go get them next week and let’s get Caleb back. . @solemnoathbeer by @shokdiesel

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5 days ago

The bun for this foot-long dog from Sox Park was stale. Alas. At least fans were saved from being served these next week. See: A silver lining! See you next season in 2028, whenever this lockout malarkey is done! An unexpected bounce back season for our @whitesox. taken in Sox Park by @shokdiesel

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5 days ago

Chicago enjoys ending Cleveland in Cleveland. It’s a tradition like no other. You’re up on Saturday, @whitesox.

Cleveland is no place for an Indian. ™

HT: @nachosandlager

Photo credits:

Bulls: Manny Millan/Getty

Cubs: Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune/Tribune News Service via Getty Images

Brendan Hunt: Me taken in Believeland, Ohio by @shokdiesel

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7 days ago

The @whitesox bullpen is rested and ready tonight. @jeppsonsmalort by @shokdiesel

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16 days ago

Here are recent eats that made me happy around Chicago.

1. Heirloom tomato and bacon tartine from @publicanchicago.
2. Roast pork sandwich from @jtsgenuine.
3. Family platter from @noonokabab.
4. Smash burger from @shortys312 inside @deserthawkbar.
5. Onion burger from @doveschicago. taken in Chicago, Illinois by @shokdiesel

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19 days ago

Imagine coming to Paulina Meat Market and walking out with a tub of this crap. I don’t think they used beef tallow to make this. taken in Paulina Meat Market by @shokdiesel

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20 days ago

This is a photo of a meal at the bar at @gildachicago in West Town. The food is remarkable, but there’s a little personal lore I’d like to share.

These plates belonged to one of my mom’s best friends. She met Judy Baier at work while we lived in Jefferson Park. Judy was one of the nicest humans I have ever known. My immigrant parents trusted her to babysit me, which is pretty incredible knowing the trust issues they had in America — with good reason. We would find ourselves going to Baier family birthdays. We would hang out on holidays. When I went to college, she gifted me this comfy Bears sweatshirt which I still have.

Well, Chicago is the littlest big town (or something), because a few years ago @baiergrills reached out to me, asking If I knew a “Judy Baier.” Turns out he was her grandson. Baier, as his colleagues called him, has since teamed up with @chefjeremyleven and Rafa Esparza in West Town at Gilda. (Try the cheesecake, just do it).

Anyway, Baier greeted me at the bar to tell me that the plates at the restaurant belonged to Judy. I was heartened to be reminded of that connection decades later while on the job. The food was great. The vibe and connection were fabulous. AI would never.

And that goes back to why we started Ravenous, a worker-owned co-op where we focus on genuine connection. We don’t hide behind anonymity. We’re proud of who we are and what we stand for. It’s what makes our writings unique and (hopefully) engaging. We’re about to hit midnight on our subscription drive. Hit the link and grab a 30% discount before it’s too late.

Addendum: Three years ago, I went to India and my aunt pulls out a photo album. We go through the photos that haven’t been examined for years and I was asked, “who is that white lady?” Well… I just answered the question. Get your Ravenous sub in the link below: https://www.weareravenous.com/feed-the-bird-subscription-drive-2026/ by @shokdiesel

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23 days ago