What's Eric Eating

Today on the podcast Eric is joined by Paul Petronella and Elyse Wilson of Camerata. Paul and Elyse speak with Eric about a multitude of topics including Paulie's being a staple in the Houston restaurant scene 25 years later, what brought Elyse to Camerata, Elyse's culinary career before Camerata, the sorcery of sommeliers, how Camerata has stood out since it's opening 10 years ago, bringing back the pop-ups at Camerata, the one rule about doing pop-ups, how things are going at Paulie's, why you gotta have the cookies at Paulie's, the dish Eric wants to come back to Paulie's, the chances for expansion, what's happening next at Camerata, and much more!    Follow Eric on Instagram/Threads @ericsandler. You can also reach Eric by emailing him at eric@culturemap.com. Check out some of his latest articles at Culturemap.com: Memorial Favorite Restaurant Heads to Booming East End with Comfort Classics and Spacious Patio New Restaurant Will Bring $30 Steak Dinners to Bustling Midtown Development Stylish Montrose Lo

On today's podcast Eric is joined by Monica Danna! The pair dive into some of the latest headlines from the Houston restaurant and bar scene including Jonathan Levine's announcement that a second location of Jonathan's the Rub is opening in the East End, the new Washington D.C. based concept Medium Rare coming to Houston with their first location, and The Flat adding a coffee shop and cafe. In the Restaurants of the Week portion, Auden and State of Grace are featured. Follow Eric on Instagram/Threads @ericsandler. You can also reach Eric by emailing him at eric@culturemap.com. Check out some of his latest articles at Culturemap.com: Memorial Favorite Restaurant Heads to Booming East End with Comfort Classics and Spacious Patio New Restaurant Will Bring $30 Steak Dinners to Bustling Midtown Development Stylish Montrose Lounge Lures Digital Nomads with New Coffee Shop and Cafe Star Mexican Chef's Tasty Taqueria Sets Opening Date in Historic Houston Farmers Market More Than 20 Houston Restaurants Serving Lunc

Today on the podcast Eric is joined by Dany Kamkhagi of Mostly Chocolate & Catering. Dany speaks with Eric about his family's history in the chocolate business, working with his parents early on, becoming a chocolatier, the apprenticeship that changed his perspective, changing the way they operated, how they grew the business, the Rodeo Best Bite competition, the current state of Mostly Chocolate, what they have going on for the holidays, and much more! Follow Eric on Instagram/Threads @ericsandler. You can also reach Eric by emailing him at eric@culturemap.com. Check out some of his latest articles at Culturemap.com: New Restaurant Will Bring $30 Steak Dinners to Bustling Midtown Development Top Houston Chefs' Sold-Out Sunday Supper Raises $100K for Urban Harvest Stylish Montrose Lounge Lures Digital Nomads with New Coffee Shop and Cafe German Coffee Shop in Katy Debuts with Drive-Thru and Breakfast Sandwiches Houston-Themed Hot Chicken Restaurant Boosted by Major Investment Downtown's New Record Shop

The Swanky Maven herself Felice Sloan joins Eric on the podcast today to discuss some of the latest happenings in the Houston restaurant and bar scene. The pair speak about La Griglia's move to Montrose, Relish opening it's second location in the Memorial area, and The Original Ninfa's bringing in some big names. In the Restaurants of the Week portion, Clark's Oyster Bar is featured.  Follow Eric on Instagram/Threads @ericsandler. You can also reach Eric by emailing him at eric@culturemap.com. Check out some of his latest articles at Culturemap.com: Tilman Fertitta Finally Confirms Plans to Relocate Iconic River Oaks Restaurant to Montrose Reliable River Oaks Staple Plans New Memorial-Area Restaurant with All the Relish and Twice the Size Original Ninfa's Recruits Culinary Dream Team, Including Houston's First Beard Award-Winning Chef German Coffee Shop in Katy Debuts with Drive-Thru and Breakfast Sandwiches Houston-Themed Hot Chicken Restaurant Boosted by Major Investment Downtown's New Record Shop Spins

Today on the podcast Eric is joined by Jonathan Horowitz of the Houston Hospitality Alliance. Jonathan speaks with Eric about his recent time/career in the hospitality industry, the work he's done with Buffalo Bayou Brewing leading him to what he's currently doing with the Houston Hospitality Alliance, what the Houston Hospitality Alliance is, what they're trying to accomplish, his role as the president of HHA, how they're looking to bring all the different corners of Houston's hospitality industries together, the issues the city of Houston has from a hospitality business standpoint, what they are looking to do to change some of that, his future goals, where he would like the organization to be a year from now, and why their common goal of improved business in Houston is so important. Plus, Eric gets Jonathan's thoughts on the overall state of Houston restaurants and where some of his biggest concerns are. Also the sudden surge of seafood spots in Houston and what is on the horizon for food and hospitality in

On today's episode of the podcast Eric is joined by Linda Salinas to discuss some of the latest from the Houston restaurant and bar scene. The pair discuss their expectations for the future of the Thompson Hotel (set to open in December) following their partnership with TableOne Hospitality, speak about KP's Kitchen opening their 2nd location in the Bellaire Triangle, and break down the impending move for Rice Village Italian staple Prego. In the Restaurants of the Week section Annabelle Brasserie is featured. Follow Eric on Instagram/Threads @ericsandler. You can also reach Eric by emailing him at eric@culturemap.com. Check out some of his latest articles at Culturemap.com: Reliable River Oaks staple plans new Memorial-area restaurant with all the relish and twice the size Landmark Rice Village restaurant readies to relocate — but thankfully, not too far Favorite Memorial-area neighborhood restaurant taps Bellaire for 2nd locale New restaurant serving cheeseburgers and 'World's Coldest Martini' opens soon

Eric is joined today by Keath Jacoby and Leila Ortiz of Hotel Lucine in Galveston. Keath and Leila speak with Eric about the inspiration behind Hotel Lucine, why open the boutique hotel in Galveston, why this was the right next step for Leila, what patrons can expect from the Fancy, the Fancy being available to hotel guests and the Galveston community at large, how the Den differs, the flavors/style that Leila is bringing to the menus, the amenities for guests, working with Bobby Heugel and Justin Yu earlier in the project, how leading the kitchen has shown Leila a lot about herself, visions of the future for their area of the island, how they're both feeling 2 weeks ahead of opening, and much more! Follow Eric on Instagram/Threads @ericsandler. You can also reach Eric by emailing him at eric@culturemap.com. Check out some of his latest articles at Culturemap.com: Famed Owner of Award-Winning Himalaya Restaurant Shares His Secrets in New Cooking School Houston's Beard-Winning Thai Restaurant Serves Up Open

On today's episode of the podcast Eric is joined by Michael Fulmer to discuss some of the latest from the Houston restaurant and bar scene. The pair dive into the Houston Chronicle's top 100 restaurants of 2023 list, speak about Kaiser Lashkari opening up his own cooking school, and Street to Kitchen's new location being set to open on November 11th. In the Restaurants of the Week section Coastline Artisan Pizzeria is featured.  Follow Eric on Instagram/Threads @ericsandler. You can also reach Eric by emailing him at eric@culturemap.com. Check out some of his latest articles at Culturemap.com: Famed Owner of Award-Winning Himalaya Restaurant Shares His Secrets in New Cooking School Houston's Beard-Winning Thai Restaurant Serves Up Opening Date for Highly Anticipated New Locale Cool Austin Oyster Bar Opens in Montrose with See-Be-Seen Patio, IG-Ready Aquarium, and More River Oaks' New Fine Dining Thai Restaurant Tempts with Inventive Dishes and Lavish Space NYC Restaurant Shakes Up Downtown with Dominican C

Andrew Smith of Savory Fund joins the show today. Andrew speaks with Eric about the creation of Savory Fund, going from a few units to over 100 in a span of 10 years, identifying what brands are good to become a Savory Fund restaurant, how the process works, discovering Saigon Hustle through their $1 million restaurant launch, Savory Fund restaurants coming to Houston, why Houston was a good fit for the restaurants brand they're bringing to the city, bringing multiple VIA313 locations to Houston, deciding to bring Hash Kitchen to Houston amidst a competitive breakfast concept landscape in Houston, how Savory Fund is different when compared to VC's that buy restaurant brands that then focus on cost cutting rather than delivering high quality food to consumers, what's next for Savory Fund, and more!  Follow Eric on Instagram/Threads @ericsandler. You can also reach Eric by emailing him at eric@culturemap.com. Check out some of his latest articles at Culturemap.com: Eclectic Museum District Wine Bar and Resta

Today on the podcast Eric is joined by Monica Danna to discuss some of the latest news from the Houston restaurant and bar scene. The pair speak about City Cellars HTX opening it's new location in the massive scale East River development, Agricole Hospitality opening it's new bar concept Lightnin’s Good Times in EaDo, and new pop up bar Cursed Cauldron occupying Ninja Ramen through Halloween. In the Restaurants of the Week portion, Norigami is featured. Follow Eric on Instagram/Threads @ericsandler. You can also reach Eric by emailing him at eric@culturemap.com. Check out some of his latest articles at Culturemap.com: Eclectic Museum District Wine Bar and Restaurant Finds New Home in Buzzy Buffalo Bayou Hub Rockin' New Bar Charges Up EaDo with Live Music, Cool Cocktails, and Plenty of Pool Tables Bewitching New Pop-Up Bar Casts a Temporary Spell on Wash Ave Ramen Fave Chris Shepherd's Star-Studded Southern Smoke Festival Fires Up Record $1.8M, Leaving Host in Tears Ben Berg Dishes Details and Opening Date

Eric welcomes Rob Wright and Jabril Riddick of Rockhouse Southern Kitchen to the podcast today. Rob and Jabril speak with Eric about getting Rockhouse Southern Kitchen started, Jabril's early career, what brought Jabril to the project, how the concept has evolved since opening, the menu they've developed, the live music aspect of Rockhouse Southern Kitchen, how the Cedric the Entertainer event came together, the gameday viewing experience for the sports fans that come to Rockhouse, how has operating a sports bar evolved over Rob's time, how Prospect Park shaped the game for sports bars, what makes a good wing, what's next, and much more!  Follow Eric on Instagram/Threads @ericsandler. You can also reach Eric by emailing him at eric@culturemap.com. Check out some of his latest articles at Culturemap.com: Houston's Ultimate Sports Bar Showdown: 16 Favorites Face Off for the MVP Title 9 Hot Houston Food and Drink Specials to Cheer on the Astros Big Playoff Run Bewitching New Pop-Up Bar Casts a Temporary Spell

Linda Salinas joins Eric on the podcast today. The duo discuss some of the latest news from the Houston restaurant and bar scene including La Cruderia coming to Spring Branch for their 2nd location, Dumpling Haus closing in Sawyer Yards, and Jane Wild's new pop-up dinner series. In the Restaurants of the Week portion, Dough Zone Dumpling House is featured.  Follow Eric on Instagram/Threads @ericsandler. You can also reach Eric by emailing him at eric@culturemap.com. Check out some of his latest articles at Culturemap.com: Creative Mexican Comfort Food Restaurant and Michelada Bar Serves Up New Spring Branch Locale 6 Things to Know in Houston Food Right Now: Openings, Closings, and a Sizzling Pappasito's Deal Familiar Farmers Market Face Goes Wild with New Dinner Series at Mystery Montrose Venue 9 Hot Houston Food and Drink Specials to Cheer on the Astros Big Playoff Run Steely Houston Chef Beats Bobby Flay in Feisty Food Network Breakfast Battle Houston's Ultimate Sports Bar Showdown: 16 Favorites Face Off

Reality TV star Washington Ho of House of Ho and one of the co-founders of HoBuzz joins the show today! Washington speaks with Eric about the restaurant that stirred on his love for food, his favorite fine dining experience, how House of Ho got started, showcasing Houston on the show, how he's portrayed on House of Ho, how the show helped him recognize/acknowledge his struggles with alcohol, becoming sober, how HoBuzz came together, meeting his co-founder Tony Buzbee for the first time, learning the beverage industry, how HoBuzz is doing so far 6 weeks into opening, restaurants he's invested in, and much more! Follow Eric on Instagram/Threads @ericsandler. You can also reach Eric by emailing him at eric@culturemap.com. Check out some of his latest articles at Culturemap.com: Houston Celebs Washington Ho and Tony Buzbee Pop Open New THC Seltzer 6 Things to Know in Houston Food Right Now: Openings, Closings, and a Sizzling Pappasito's Deal Posh Persian Palace Set to Open on Post Oak with Kabobs Galore Famili

Eric is joined by Mary Clarkson today to discuss some of the latest news from the Houston restaurant and bar scene. The duo discuss Mandito's Tex-Mex opening a location in Katy, Saint Arnold Brewing Company winning at the Great American Beer Festival, and Saint Arnold hiring Chase Reid as their new executive chef. In the Restaurants of the Week portion, Barcelona Wine Bar and Nobie's are featured.    Follow Eric on Instagram/Threads @ericsandler. You can also reach Eric by emailing him at eric@culturemap.com. Check out some of his latest articles at Culturemap.com: Armandos' Family-Friendly, Tex-Mex Sister Restaurant Taps Katy for 2nd Houston-Area Outpost Houston's Oldest Craft Brewery Wins Top Spot at Great American Beer Festival Houston's Oldest Craft Brewery Taps New Chef for its Buzzy Beer Garden and Restaurant Familiar Farmers Market Face Goes Wild with New Dinner Series at Mystery Montrose Venue Massive New Restaurant and Wine Bar Uncorks Bustling Barcelona Vibes in Montrose Where to Eat in Houston Ri

Chef Alain Verzeroli and Chef Felipe Botero of Le Jardinier at MFAH join Eric on today's show! Alain and Felipe share with Eric stories from the early days of their respective careers, what brought Alain from Tokyo to America, the culinary philosophy of Le Jardinier, the importance for Le Jardinier to have a connection with nature with their offerings, how they adapted the menu for Le Jardinier in Houston due to the city's hot climate when compared to their other restaurants in NY/Miami, what they've learned about Houston, how has Houston affected or changed Felipe's style of cooking and the menu, why the MFAH is a big part of why they have so many opportunities of service for diners (brunch, lunch, and dinner), whether Michelin should come to Texas to rate restaurants, and more! Follow Eric on Instagram/Threads @ericsandler. You can also reach Eric by emailing him at eric@culturemap.com. Check out some of his latest articles at Culturemap.com: Armandos' Family-Friendly, Tex-Mex Sister Restaurant Taps Katy

It's Wednesday... wait it's Wednesday and there's a What's Eric Eating podcast?! Yep, Eric is joined by the Swanky Maven herself Felice Sloan to discuss why the Wednesday podcast. Plus the two discuss the latest news from the Houston Restaurant and bar scene beginning with the New York Times naming 2 Houston restaurants to it's list of "The 50 Places in the United States We're Most Excited About Right Now", then a couple of surprising closures, and finally Baba Yega suffering a setback to their reopening plans. In the Restaurants of the Week portion, Balboa Surf Club is featured. Follow Eric on Instagram/Threads @ericsandler. You can also reach Eric by emailing him at eric@culturemap.com. Check out some of his latest articles at Culturemap.com: New York Times Names 2 Must-Try Houston Eateries to Coveted 50 Most Exciting Restaurants List Dim Sum Destination Kim Son - Stafford and Houston Pho Favorite Announce Surprising Shutters Favorite Montrose Brunch Restaurant's High Anticipated Return Hits Setback Hous

Sara Brook of Dessert Gallery stops by the podcast today! Sara speaks with Eric about what it was like when she first started Dessert Gallery 28 years ago, why she wanted to open a pastry shop, how Dessert Gallery was different than most when it first started, developing the menu, dessert trends, recognizing a wide array of communities through dessert offerings, why expand into the Woodlands, staying engaged after 40 years strong, and much more! Follow Eric on Instagram/Threads @ericsandler. You can also reach Eric by emailing him at eric@culturemap.com. Check out some of his latest articles at Culturemap.com: Houston Pizza Maestro Retools His Wildly Successful New Heights Restaurant After Overwhelming Response Dim Sum Destination Kim Son - Stafford and Houston Pho Favorite Announce Surprising Shutters New York Times Names 2 Must-Try Houston Eateries to Coveted 50 Most Exciting Restaurants List Favorite Montrose Brunch Restaurant's High Anticipated Return Hits Setback Award-Winning Houston Bar Returns Afte

Today on the podcast Eric is joined by Monica Danna to go over the latest news from the Houston restaurant and bar scene. The pair discuss chef Emmanuel Chavez of Tatemó being named to Food & Wine's Best New Chef's list for 2023, Levi Goode going solo for 2 new projects under his personal brand, and Dough Zone Dumpling House opening it's first Houston location on October 2nd. In the Restaurants of the Week Nonno's Family Pizza Tavern is featured.  Follow Eric on Instagram/Threads @ericsandler. You can also reach Eric by emailing him at eric@culturemap.com. Check out some of his latest articles at Culturemap.com: Food & Wine Names Talented Tatemó Star to Prestigious Best New Chef List for 2023 Goode Company Head Honcho Goes Solo with 2 New Fine-Dining Restaurants in Memorial City Houston's Newest Soup Dumpling House Sets Opening Date in Familiar Midtown Space Award-Winning Houston Bar Returns After Short Closure with Big Upgrades and Exciting News New Crave-Worthy Mexican Restaurant and Familiar Hou

Joe Cervantez and Raz Halili of Pier 6 Seafood & Oyster House join Eric on today's show. Joe and Raz speak with Eric about how things have changed since they were last on the podcast back during the height of the pandemic, the vast amount of offerings they have at Pier 6, what they've added to their menu, their bungalow additions, getting nominated for a James Beard award, how the record summer temperatures have affected oysters, their thoughts on Appalachian oysters, the growth of seafood restaurants in Houston, whether another location is in the cards, and much more! Follow Eric on Instagram/Threads @ericsandler. You can also reach Eric by emailing him at eric@culturemap.com. Check out some of his latest articles at Culturemap.com: Food & Wine Names Talented Tatemó Star to Prestigious Best New Chef List for 2023 Houston Pizza Maestro Brings Life of Pi to The Heights with His Must-Try New Restaurant Fresh New Galleria Seafood Restaurant Opens with Surf-Inspired, Midcentury Modern Vibe Sizzling New

Today on the podcast Eric is joined by Linda Salinas to discuss the latest happenings from the Houston restaurant and bar scene. The pair discuss Reserve 101's rollout of their new vintage spirits program, Dak & Bop returning to it's original Museum District location, and Betelgeuse Betelgeuse opening it's 2nd location in the Montrose area. In the Restaurants of the Week section Moon Rabbit and Best Regards are featured. Follow Eric on Instagram/Threads @ericsandler. You can also reach Eric by emailing him at eric@culturemap.com. Check out some of his latest articles at Culturemap.com: Downtown Whiskey Bar Now Pouring Rare Vintage Spirits Thanks to New State Law Return of the Dak: Sizzling Korean Fried Chicken Spot Makes Big Museum District Comeback Spacey WashAve Cocktail Bar-Pizzeria Opens in Montrose with Must-Try 'Ironclad' Pies Healthy-Eating Houston Restaurant Set to Open Fresh 4th Locale in Tanglewood Crafty Montrose Ice Cream Shop Makes Sweet Move to the Heights Kevin Hart Invites Houstonians