Meet The Team

James Ward

James Ward joined ABC 7 News as restaurant/food critic in December, 1985, and retired in December 2005. He appeared every Friday on ABC 7's 10 p.m. newscast, and on Monday's 5:30 a.m. newscast, reporting on a wide spectrum of food and leisure activities available in Chicago and suburban areas. Click here to read his reviews!

In addition to his lively work at Ch.7, Ward is a freelance writer for food and travel publications, and the author of Restaurant, Chicago-Style.

Ward was restaurant critic and food columnist for the Chicago Sun-Times, from 1978-1984. Prior to this, he was restaurant critic for the Chicago Daily News.

From 1969 to 1974, Ward served as editorial director for R.R. Donnelley & Sons in Chicago where he was responsible for producing travel and food magazines.

He began his career as a restaurant critic as editor and assistant publisher of Restaurants and Institutions, a food service industry trade magazine from 1960-1969.

Ward, a Chicago native, graduated from Loyola University, and holds a Master's degree in political history from the University of Chicago. He and his wife reside on the city's north side.

Return to Bio Index