What's Eric Eating

Time to find out who won The Ultimate Date Night Draft 2.0 with special guest, and winner of last year's Ultimate Date Night Draft, Justin Yu of Thorough Fare Hospitality (Theodore Rex, Squable, Better Luck Tomorrow, & more). Justin explains why [redacted] was the winner of the draft, his thoughts on the selections all around, the picks that stoodout to him, what he would have selected, what he thought of the occasion format for this year's draft, and more! Plus, Justin updates Eric on what's going on for him currently, including working with the Alley Theater. 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 Chef Brings Texas Touches to Posh Hotel's New French Bistro Talented Culinary Couple Serve Up Exciting New Pop-Up Dinner Series All The Nominees Vying for Glory in the 2025 Houston Tastemaker Awards Dallas-Based, Wine-Obsessed Private Club Unveils New Houston Facility Inno

Planning out where to go for a first date can be hard, I mean there's so many places where could you take that special someone what do you even choose? If only there was an episode of a podcast that not only picked some of the best first date spots but also third date spots, casual weeknight date spots, and even breakup spots. Oh, well it turns out this episode of What's Eric Eating is all about that. After the success of last year's Ultimate Date Night Draft, Eric's bringing it back with new drafters and a twist. This year Eric, alongside Chelsea Thomas, Lawton Driscoll, Michael Fulmer, Monica Danna, and Army Sadeghi of Clarkwood are drafting based off an occasion format. Here's the categories: first date spot, third date spot, girls/guys/friend's night spot, casual weeknight date spot, breakup spot, and a wildcard which is any place the drafter thinks would be fun to go to on a date (does not have to be a bar or restaurant).  The Draft Rules Rule 1: All selections must be located in Greater Houston. Rul

On today's podcast Eric is joined by Christian Hernandez and Priscilla Treviño of Barbacana. The pair speak with Eric about how their respective culinary careers began, where their careers have taken them, Christian's experience opening/working at March, the vision for Barbacana, what was it about Barbacana that attracted Priscilla to joining the team, developing their menu, sustainability/conservation being core pillars of the menu, how things are going so far at Barbacana, goals for the concept, 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: Innovative Houston Japanese Restaurant Closes After Only Two Years Rent Dispute Prompts Closure of Downtown Houston Tequila and Taco Bar Top Chef Contestant Reintroduces Himself to Houston at New Pop-Up Dinner Series Houston's Next Great Neighborhood Bar Conjures West Texas Vibes in the Heights Fresh Houston Restaurant Group Serves U

After a week off, Eric is back with a brand new episode of the podcast. Today he's joined by Houston BBQ Festival co-founder Michael Fulmer to dive into some of the latest news from the Houston restaurant and bar scene. The guys discuss the Houston chefs/restaurants that were named James Beard Award Semifinalists, Leaf & Grain getting set to open 2 new concepts in Memorial, and Koffeteria getting set to open a new location in Spring Branch. In the Restaurants of the Week section, bōl and Pok Pok Po 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: 13 Houston Restaurants Score James Beard Award Semifinalist Nominations Fresh Houston Restaurant Group Serves Up Pizza and Salads for Memorial Eclectic EaDo Pastry Shop Bakes Up New Location in Spring Branch Top Chef Contestant Reintroduces Himself to Houston at New Pop-Up Dinner Series Houston's Next Great Neighborhood Bar Conj

Today on the podcast Eric is joined by Marcos Juarez of Hidden Omakase. Marcos speaks with Eric about how he got into the culinary world, what led him to becoming a sushi chef, his time at Uchi, how he made the transition from Uchi to Hidden Omakase, working alongside Niki Vongthong, the changes he's implemented since taking over, the preparation needed for the different types of fish, what it meant to be included in the Michelin Guide, what improvements they want to make, how the lunch menu rollout is going, 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: 13 Houston Restaurants Score James Beard Award Semifinalist Nominations Goode Co.'s Mesquite-Fired Tex-Mex Restaurant Coming to River Oaks in March Aaron Bludorn's New Hotel Restaurant Brings French Flair to Montrose Clarkwood Owner Dishes on Opening Houston's Buzzy New Cocktail Lounge

The Swanky Maven herself Felice Sloan joins Eric on the podcast today. The pair speak about Bagel Bob's HTX finding a new home in a space formerly occupied by Berg Hospitality, the opening of Aaron Bludorn's newest concept Perseid, and Goode Company  opening their new Kitchen & Cantina concept along with a speakeasy concept within it called Bar Buena. In the Restaurants of the Week portion, Osha Thai Kitchen 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: Cafe's Closure Provides a New Home for Houston's Beloved 'Bagel Bob' Aaron Bludorn's New Hotel Restaurant Brings French Flair to Montrose Goode Co.'s Mesquite-Fired Tex-Mex Restaurant Coming to River Oaks in March Clarkwood Owner Dishes on Opening Houston's Buzzy New Cocktail Lounge 26-Year Old Houston Chef Transforms Benjy Levit's Mexican Restaurant

On today's episode Eric is joined by Cary Attar and Edel Goncalves of Fielding's Culinary Group. Cary and Edel return to the podcast for the first time since 2017, when the podcast first got started, so there was plenty to catch up on. The guys speak with Eric about how things have gone with Fielding's Culinary Group since they first appeared on the show,  what's been going on at both Fielding's Wood Grill and Fielding's Local Kitchen + Bar, why River Oaks was the right spot for them to debut a concept inside of the loop, creating the menu for Fielding's River Oaks, the wealth of bread options they offer, what was the inspiration for the menu, how they adapted to best cater to the River Oaks market, their focus on getting the best ingredients, their brunch program, 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: Goode Co.'s Mesquite-Fired Tex-Mex Restaurant Coming to River O

On today's podcast Eric is joined by Chelsea Thomas of The Infatuation Houston to talk about some of the latest happenings from the Houston restaurant and bar scene. The pair discuss Bobby Heugel saving yet another local dive bar, Maximo getting rebooted, and the closure of Roka Akor. In the Restaurants of the Week section, Fu Fu Dim Sum & Hotpot 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: Another Houston Dive Bar Lives on Thanks to Anvil Owner Bobby Heugel 26-Year Old Houston Chef Transforms Benjy Levit's Mexican Restaurant Luxurious Houston Steak and Sushi Restaurant Suddenly Shutters Clarkwood Owner Dishes on Opening Houston's Buzzy New Cocktail Lounge Cafe's Closure Provides a New Home for Houston's Beloved 'Bagel Bob'

Aaron Bludorn and Cherif Mbodji of Bludorn, Navy Blue, and Bar Bludorn join Eric on today's podcast. The guys speak with Eric about the current state of the restaurant group, what they're excited about coming up in 2025, how the Perseid project came about which is set to open this year at the new Hotel Saint Augustine, developing the menu at Perseid,  the French inspirations, how Bar Bludorn has evolved since opening, growing talent within the group, collaborating with other restauranteurs, thoughts on the Michelin Guide coming to Texas, 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: Houston Chef Breaks His Silence on Sudden Exit from Woodlands Restaurant Luxurious Houston Steak and Sushi Restaurant Suddenly Shutters Iconic Houston Cocktail Bar Brings Back Happy Hour for First Time in 5 Years Another Houston Dive Bar Lives on Thanks to Anvil Owner Bobby Heugel

Today on the podcast Eric is joined by Michael Fulmer to go through some of the latest and in this case surprising news from the Houston restaurant and bar scene. The surprising news being Austin Simmons sudden resignation from Tris plus the immediate closure of the restaurant. The guys also discuss Burger Bodega's announcement of a new Katy location and local concept Koffeteria making the New York Times Best Bakeries list. In the Restaurants of the Week Fielding's River Oaks and Space Craft BBQ 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: Surprise Chef Resignation Shutters The Woodlands' Best Restaurant Houston Food Influencer Brings Smash Burger Sensation to Katy Eclectic EaDo Eatery Makes New York Times Best Bakeries List Another Houston Dive Bar Lives on Thanks to Anvil Owner Bobby Heugel

Happy New Year! On the first podcast of 2025, Eric is joined by Alex Smith of Atlas Restaurant Group. Alex speaks with Eric about how he get started in the restaurant business, the Baltimore dining scene, why they decided on Houston rather than somewhere northeast, why River Oaks District was the right spot, the decision to close Ouzo Bay, what he's learned about Houston since coming here, possible areas where Atlas could expand into, and much more! Plus, Alex updates Eric on how things are going at Azumi, Loch Bar, and Marmo.  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: Texas Roadhouse Plans First Houston-Area Outpost of its Casual Burger Spot Houston Entrepreneur Serves Up Italian-Inspired Market Near Rice Village Creative Montrose Pizzeria Will Shutter After Only a Year-and-a-Half Houston Pizzeria Unveils Indulgent Caviar Pizza for the Holiday Season

Since it's the last day of 2024, it feels like a good time to look back at the year the Houston food scene had. Today Eric is joined by the Swanky Maven Felice Sloan, the owner of Heights Grocer Mary Clarkson, hospitality veteran & Houston BBQ festival cofounder Michael Fulmer, and Infatuation Houston writer Chelsea Thomas. The group discuss everything from the Michelin Guide's impact on the city to their favorite dishes of the year. Plus they discuss the best new restaurants, old favorites they revisited, what restaurants they're most looking forward in 2025 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: Texas Roadhouse Plans First Houston-Area Outpost of its Casual Burger Spot Houston Entrepreneur Serves Up Italian-Inspired Market Near Rice Village Creative Montrose Pizzeria Will Shutter After Only a Year-and-a-Half Houston Pizzeria Unveils Indulgent Caviar Pizza for the H

Today on the podcast Eric is joined by Ali Mesghali and Stephen Kaplan of Rumi's Kitchen. The pair speak with Eric about what led to the creation of Rumi's Kitchen, the tough early day's of the concept, the Persian influences, the passion for the concept as the restaurant has evolved, the beverage program, why Houston was the right next market for them, Houstonians welcoming reception, the future of Rumi's in Houston, what's important for them heading into year 2 in Houston, and more. Plus, Ali talks about his early days in the culinary industry, wanting to showcase Persian cuisine, his favorite dishes on the menu, how their flavors on Rumi's are different compared to other Persian restaurants, developing a Persian brunch, and why competition is important. 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: Texas Roadhouse Plans First Houston-Area Outpost of its Casual Burger Spot Houston Entr

Today on the podcast Eric is joined by Michael Fulmer to discuss some of the latest news from the Houston bar and restaurant scene. The pair discuss ElRo Pizza & Crudo closing down after service on December 31, and also the opening of Mercato and Company, a European grocery store offering items including Italian wines, pastries, cheese and charcuterie, European grocery items such as olive oil, chocolate, spices, and more! In the Restaurants of the Week portion, the reboot of Andiron Grille & Patio is discussed. Eric and Michael also discuss their recent visit to Fung's Kitchen. 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: Veteran chef opens affordable new Thai restaurant in West Houston Woodlands favorites fire up a fresh new restaurant in River Oaks Esquire names Houston's Afro-Mexican eatery to best new restaurants list Creative Montrose pizzeria will shutter after only a ye

On today's podcast Eric is joined by Tim Reading of Leo's River Oaks. Eric and Tim discuss Tim's journey into the culinary scene, his time in Boston, coming to Houston, working with Hugo Ortega, what he would have changed with his first solo concept, his mission at Georgia James Tavern, the golden age of roast chicken (I couldn't not put that quote in the description), how the relationship with Culinary Concepts began, overseeing the construction of Leo's, why the layout of the concept works so well, the menu offerings at Leo's River Oaks, the reception from customers so far, 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: Esquire Names Houston's Afro-Mexican Eatery to Best New Restaurants List Veteran Chef Opens Affordable New Thai Restaurant in West Houston Woodlands Favorites Fire Up a Fresh New Restaurant in River Oaks Chopped Champion's Indian-Spiced Fried Chicken Join

Today on the podcast Eric is joined by Mary Clarkson to discuss some of the latest news from the Houston bar and restaurant scene. The pair discuss Esquire naming Late August one of the best new restaurants in 2024 and Mary shares major news regarding a new venture she's embarking on. In the Restaurants of the Week portion Medium Rare 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: Esquire Names Houston's Afro-Mexican Eatery to Best New Restaurants List Veteran Chef Opens Affordable New Thai Restaurant in West Houston Woodlands Favorites Fire Up a Fresh New Restaurant in River Oaks Chopped Champion's Indian-Spiced Fried Chicken Joint Opens in Midtown

On the podcast today Eric is joined by Monica Danna to go through some of the latest news from the Houston restaurant and bar scene. The pair discuss Chef Shawn Gawle's announcement of his first solo project called Camaraderie which is set to open in the Heights in 2025, Austin based concept Honest Mary's setting it's opening in Houston window to fall 2025, and restaurants affected by I-45's expansion Kim Son on Jefferson. In the Restaurants of the Week portion Leo's River Oaks and Mandola's Deli 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: Houston Chef with Michelin-Star Cred Opening New Heights Restaurant Houston Steakhouse Reboots as a More Affordable Neighborhood Restaurant New York-Style Pizzeria Slices into Sugar Land with Lots of Craft Beer Top Chef's Tom Colicchio Questions the Michelin Guide's Mission in America

On episode 427 of What's Eric Eating, host Eric Sandler was joined by Brad Moore of 'Big Star Bar' and 'Grand Prize' fame, and Lindsay Rae Burleson of 'Two Headed Dog' to have them judge, and declare a winner from the 'Ultimate Bar Draft' from the day before. His two guests also gave their own picks as to which categories, and bars were wrongly left undrafted. 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 steakhouse reboots as a more affordable neighborhood restaurant Houston chef with Michelin-star cred opening new Heights restaurant New York-style pizzeria slices into Sugar Land with lots of craft beer More than 20 Houston restaurants serving Thanksgiving Day feasts Michelin Guide Removes Shuttered Houston Vietnamese Restaurant

On a special episode of What's Eric Eating, host Eric Sandler is joined by 6 industry experts for an Ultimate Bar Draft, picking from topics... Best neighborhood bar, like a dive or casual bar Best cocktail bar Favorite martini, and favorite margarita Best bar food And a wildcard pick that can be anything, from any bar! His guests are Lawton Driscoll, Sean Fitzmaurice, Lainey Collum, Mary Clarkson, Chelsea Thomas, and Bobby Heugel.  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 steakhouse reboots as a more affordable neighborhood restaurant Houston chef with Michelin-star cred opening new Heights restaurant New York-style pizzeria slices into Sugar Land with lots of craft beer More than 20 Houston restaurants serving Thanksgiving Day feasts Michelin Guide Removes Shuttered Houston Vietnamese Restaurant

Today on the podcast Eric is joined by Stephanie Velasquez and Nicolas Vera of Ema and Papalo Taqueria. Stephanie and Nicolas speak with Eric about how they both got into the culinary scene, meeting/working together at Xochi, how they bonded over their passion for food/working in restaurants, how dining at a restaurant in Mexico became the inspiration for their own concept ideas, getting their first incubator space, how the idea for Papalo Taqueria evolved, opening Papalo 2 weeks before the pandemic, how they adapted to survive the pandemic, how Ema came to be, where the idea for Ema came from, the community response so far, the familial roots for the name Ema, their reaction to being included in the Michelin Guide, 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: Michelin Guide Removes Shuttered Houston Vietnamese Restaurant 7 Hot Takes on Houston's 30 Restaurants in the Te