What's Eric Eating

We're doing things a little differently. The podcast is taking time off until January 9th, but that doesn't mean no episodes until then. Eric is bringing back some of his favorite episodes to your feeds while the podcast is away. Today's episode is a reairing of Episode 271, originally released February 16th, 2023. In this episode, Eric assembled a panel of Tex-Mex aficionados for the Ultimate Tex-Mex Draft. Eric alongside David Cordúa, Bryan Caswell, Mary Clarkson, Matt Harris, and Michael Fulmer select their favorite Tex-Mex dishes from different restaurants in the greater Houston area to create their ultimate Tex-Mex meal. The panel are picking dishes in the following categories: fajitas, enchiladas, tacos, chips & salsa, chips & queso, and a wildcard selection. Plus, find out which participant picks the ultimate Tex-Mex meal, as selected by special guest judge Russell Ybarra of Gringos! Follow Eric on Instagram @ericsandler and on Twitter @esandler, you can also reach Eric by emailing him at eri

We're doing things a little differently. The podcast is taking time off until January 9th, but that doesn't mean no episodes until then. Eric is bringing back some of his favorite episodes to your feeds while the podcast is away. Today's episode is a reairing of Episode 240, originally released May 12th, 2022. In this episode, Eric assembled a panel of barbecue lovers to pick the ultimate barbecue plate. Plus, Dozier's Barbeque pitmaster Jim Buchanan looks over the selections to decide who assembled the ultimate BBQ plate. What goes number 1? Whose draft strategy will prove best? Who reached with their selection? Which items got snubbed? Find out all of that and more on this special edition of the podcast! Follow Eric on Instagram @ericsandler and on Twitter @esandler, you can also reach Eric by emailing him at eric@culturemap.com. Check out some of his latest articles at Culturemap.com: Houston's Best New Restaurants For 2023: 12 Favorites That Keep Us Coming Back For More Favorite Rice Village Chocolate

We're doing things a little different. The podcast is taking time off until January 9th, but that doesn't mean no podcast episodes at all. Eric is bringing back some of your favorite episodes to your feeds while the podcast is away. Today's episode is a reairing of Episode 294 with Justin Yu, originally released July 11th, 2023. Eric and Justin dove into full spoilers about The Bear season 2 including how it compared to the real life culinary world, how Justin's own culinary journey compared, stodging in Copenhagen, the anxiety inducing moments of opening a restaurant, and much more. Follow Eric on Instagram @ericsandler and on Twitter @esandler, you can also reach Eric by emailing him at eric@culturemap.com. Check out some of his latest articles at Culturemap.com: Houston's Best New Restaurants For 2023: 12 Favorites That Keep Us Coming Back For More New Upscale Japanese Restaurant Claims Former One Fifth Space in Montrose Local Foods Shutters in Tanglewood to Reopen as New, Larger Post Oak Patio Spot Dim

It's that time of year again! It's time to look back at the year that was in Houston food, it's the What's Eric Eating Year in Review - 2023 Edition. For this go around Eric is joined by Felice Sloan, Mary Clarkson, and Michael Fulmer to look back at some of the biggest stories, best dishes, saddest closures, best new restaurants, old favorites, and more! Plus, the group discuss ideas for food draft episodes in 2024. Pizza draft?! Seafood Boil?! Tacos!? Listen to find out! 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: Dim Sum, Sushi, and Roast Duck: Chinese Chef Has Big Plans for Medical Center Hotel Theodore Rex's Beard Award Semifinalist Chef Departs After 'Beautiful,' 8-Year Run Global Burger Joint Shake Shack Set to Open 3rd Drive-Thru Houston Locale in Bay Area River Oaks Mediterranean Fine Dining Restaurant Reopens with Elevated Menu and Cocktails Game-Changing East End Waterfront

Today on the show, Eric is joined by Aaron Bludorn and Alexandra Peña of Bar Bludorn. The trio discuss how the new Bar Bludorn concept came to be, coming up with the name, what type of food customers can expect, the design, the reactions they're getting from deciding to open in the Memorial area, and more. The group also discuss Alexandra's story of discovering Bludorn, Alexandra's experience opening Navy Blue, how things have gone in Navy Blue's first year, how the Navy Blue menu has evolved, yacht rock brunch, what they're excited about for the future, collaborating with other chefs, and which burger is better - the Bludorn Burger or the Navy Blue Burger? Plus, Alexandra goes through her first ever lightning round... Aaron was excited about that.  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: River Oaks Mediterranean Fine Dining Restaurant Reopens with Elevated Menu and Cocktails Game

Eric is joined on today's edition of the podcast by Mary Clarkson to discuss some of the latest news from the Houston restaurant and bar scene. The pair react to the recent closings of Acme Oyster House and Common Bond's brasserie location. Plus, Eric and Mary discuss Ben Berg's announcement of the opening date of his new concept Tavola and Matt Pak and Shawn Bermudez announcing their new pizza concept. In the Restaurants of the Week section, Cocody Restaurant & Bar and La Griglia 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: Oyster-Obsessed New Orleans Restaurant Suddenly Shutters in Montrose Common Bond's French-Inspired, Full-Service Restaurant Quietly Closes Downtown Ben Berg Reveals Opening Date and Juicy Details on His Upscale New Italian Eatery Duo Behind Burger Joint and Taco Stand Set to Debut New Heights Pizzeria Star Woodlands Chef Beefs Up Rice Village C

On today's edition of What's Eric Eating, Eric is joined by Tony Nguyen of Xin Chao and Saigon House. The guys speak about how Tony got into the restaurant business, starting Wokker, why Tony got a cease and desist letter from Chuck Norris... yes that Chuck Norris, how he started Saigon House, where Tony first got his name on the map, moving Saigon House to the northside of Houston, what they're doing at Saigon House now, how Tony came to know Christina Ha, how the idea for Xin Chao came about, collaborating with Christine on the menu, being nominated for a James Beard award, future plans for Xin Chao, future aspirations, crawfish season coming soon, a new project in the works, 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: Common Bond's French-Inspired, Full-Service Restaurant Quietly Closes Downtown Spring Branch Sows Wild Oats with Opening of Underbelly's Texas Tribute

On today's podcast Eric is joined by Monica Danna to discuss some of the latest happenings from the Houston restaurant and bar scene. The pair speak about Nonno's Family Pizza Tavern being named Pizza Joint of the Year as part of Esquire's Best New Restaurants in America list, Michael O'Connor being named the new executive chef at Andiron, and the opening of 1891 American Eatery & Bar in The Heights. In the Restaurants of the Week portion, Mi Cocina 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: Retro Montrose Pizzeria Scores Coveted Spot on Esquire's Best New Restaurants in America List Houston's Best New Steakhouse Fires Up Kitchen with V&A Vet as Head Chef Cozy Neighborhood Restaurant from Common Bond Team Opens Doors on Heights' 11th Street Spring Branch Sows Wild Oats with Opening of Underbelly's Texas Tribute Restaurant Drew Brees-Backed Sports Bar Kicks Off i

Today on the podcast, Eric is joined by Kyle Noonan of Free Range Concepts. The pair dive into how Kyle got into the hospitality business, everything that went into starting up Free Range Concepts, creating The Rustic, working with Pat Green, developing The General Public, how they expanded their portfolio in Houston, Kyle's observations of the different areas in the city, how the different concepts fit those areas, whether we could see either MUTTS or Joe Leo in Houston, potentially growing some of their brands outside of Texas, what Kyle is most excited about in Houston currently, why he prefers reliable over new nowadays, 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: Retro Montrose Pizzeria Scores Coveted Spot on Esquire's Best New Restaurants in America List Inside the New La Griglia: Murals are out, Tableside Touches are in, and More Cozy Neighborhood Restaurant from

On today's podcast Eric is joined by Michael Fulmer. The pair dive into some of the latest happenings from the Houston restaurant and bar scene including the opening of Dallas-based Tex-Mex staple Mi Cocina in the River Oaks area and the beloved El Bolillo Bakery opening up their 4th location in the  Mission Bend neighborhood. In a packed Restaurants of the Week section; Rumi's Kitchen, Comalito, and Burnt Bean Company are all 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: Iconic Texas beer Shiner Bock pops open first-ever non-alcoholic brew Why this Midtown eatery + sports bar is the perfect place to wait out weekday traffic Promising, Star-Staffed River Oaks Upscale Mediterranean Restaurant Shutters - with Plans to Reopen Pass & Provisions Star Chef Reunites with Local Foods Owner to Helm Culinary Operations Rising Star Chef Takes His Talents to Hotly Anticipated New River

Today on the show Eric is joined by Deets Hoffman of Leaf & Grain. Deets speaks with Eric about his high school sandwich shack dreams, his early culinary career, underestimating the day to day prep of a restaurant, the idea behind Leaf & Grain, what the first year taught him, how things work at Leaf & Grain, when it became clear that they could expand to more locations, coming up with the core menu items, adding dinner as an option for diners in West U., making the concept more family friendly, why the Galleria/Tanglewood area was the right spot for their 4th location, working with Gin Design Group, how the chef collabs came about, and taking things one salad at a time. 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: Beloved Mexican Bakery Opens in West Houston with 100 Different Fresh Items Daily Dallas Tex-Mex Staple Reveals Opening Date for Largest Locale to Date in River O

On today's podcast Eric is joined by Mary Clarkson. The pair dive into some of the latest happenings from the Houston restaurant and bar scene including Seth Siegel-Gardner becoming the new culinary and creative director for Benjy Levit's restaurants and rising star chef Tim Reading heading to Leo's River Oaks. In a jam packed Restaurants of the Week section; Hotel Lucine, The Fancy, Katami, Hudson House, and Catbirds are all 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: Pass & Provisions Star Chef Reunites with Local Foods Owner to Helm Culinary Operations Rising Star Chef Takes His Talents to Hotly Anticipated New River Oaks Restaurant Underbelly's Beefy Burger Restaurant and New Volleyball Themed Bar Open in Spring Branch Austin-Based Wing Restaurant and Sports Bar Soars to Woodlands for 8th Houston-Area Spot 'World's Biggest Pizza Slice' Louisiana Restaurant Carves Out

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