Aurora Community Television is shining the spotlight on local restaurants through a new series that takes viewers into some of the city’s favorite eateries.

Aurora Eats will begin airing today (Tuesday, Aug. 8, 2017) with its pilot season featuring four establishments: Banana Split, Jake’s Bagels, Tecalitlan and Basils Greek Dining.

Hosted by Aurora native and local educator Jalitza Colon, each episode of Aurora Eats goes behind the scenes to speak with restaurants representatives while sampling popular choices on the menu.

“I get the fun part of the job by having the opportunity to try some amazing food,” said Colon, who has hosted other entertainment shows in the Chicago area. “Even as a foodie who loves to eat at local restaurants, I learned so much by talking with the people who make it all work.”

Most episodes will feature Colon sampling foods during a conversation with restaurant representatives, but on occasion, special guests will make cameo appearances — including Mayor Richard Irvin, who sits in on Basil’s Greek Dining episode.

“I was in food heaven with the amazing octopus, lamb chops and baklava cheesecake at Basils,” Irvin said. “Beyond the great food, I was inspired by the attention to detail and connection to the community Basils has. I think viewers will find this common thread at all of the restaurants featured on Aurora Eats.”

Beginning today, episodes for the pilot season will be released every other Tuesday — known as #TastebudTuesdays — on the city’s Facebook page and YouTube channel.

The first episode featuring Banana Split can be watched HERE.  The line-up for the pilot season is Jake’s Bagels (Aug. 22), Tecalitlan (Sept. 5), and Basils (Sept. 19).

Episodes will also air on ACTV, and a compilation show of all episodes will be aired on ACTV from mid-September through the end of October when the fall season of Aurora Eats will premiere.

“The summer season is just the beginning of something spectacular,” said ACTV Coordinator Alex Perez who produces Aurora Eats. “We will explore all areas of Aurora and highlight the diversity and deliciousness of our eateries.”

Watch Aurora Eats and more city videos at www.youtube.com/cityofauroraillinois.

SOURCE: city of Aurora news release

• Feature Photo Caption: Angelo Chresanthakes, general manager of Basils Greek Dining (r), explains the delicate process of making Basils’ famous lollipop lamb chops to Mayor Richard Irvin (l) and Aurora Eats host Jalitza Colon.