What's Eric Eating

On today's edition of the podcast Eric is joined by Ryan Lachaine and Bobby Matos of State of Grace. The pair speak with Eric about why Ryan was a fit for State of Grace, why they want to push to be more like the old State of Grace, doing their chefs table dinners, the food forward regulars at State of Grace, what they've added to the menu (mmmm butter burgers), why State of Grace's french fries are the best in Houston (as picked by Eric), the prices of oysters, and much more! Plus, Ryan shares why he decided to close Riel after 10 years, what the last month was like there, being able to focus on being just a chef, and what his go to dishes are at a restaurant. Bobby also discusses the refreshes made at Superica, and Little Rey finding it's audience.  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: Exclusive: New Pub Flies into Familiar Montrose Space with NY-Style Pizza Tex-Mex and Craf

On episode 503 of What's Eric Eating, Eric Sandler was joined by former food critic, and current Director of Events & Catering at Local Foods Group, Chelsea Thomas! They discussed... The unfortunate closing down of Kim Son, and the continued stress put on all businesses around the I-45 expansion The opening of Maison Chinoise A San Antonio based coffee chain opening up a couple locations in Houston Restaurant of the Week - Vida Mariscos A trip out to Connie's Frozen Custard in Cypress for dessert 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: Exclusive: New pub flies into familiar Montrose space with NY-style pizza San Antonio-based coffee shop brews up 2 Houston locations for 2026 Houston boutique hotel is only Texas property added to Michelin Key list Dynamic Houston Duo Opening New Neighborhood Restaurant in Montrose Riel Chef Ryan Lachaine Finds New Home at River Oaks Restaur

On today's podcast Eric is joined by Armando DiMeo of Coastline Pizzeria. Armando speaks with Eric about how he first decided to become a chef, working in the family business, when he knew that pizza was his passion, why decided to focus on Neapolitan pizza, Houston's struggles with Neapolitan pizza, where grilled pizza came from, the creative freedoms of grilled style, the upcoming seasonal menu, how things have gone in the first 2 years, cultivating a strong team culture via listening, the menu development incentive program, the bar program, the possibility of expansion, 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: Dynamic Houston Duo Opening New Neighborhood Restaurant in Montrose Riel Chef Ryan Lachaine Finds New Home at River Oaks Restaurant Houston's Rising Star Chefs Shine in National Magazine's 2025 Awards Hit Cooking Competition Show MasterChef Brings Live Tour to Ho

In celebration of 500 episodes, Eric is doing something never done before in podcasting ok well at least never been done on this podcast before. For the first time Eric, joined by CultureMap's Home & Design Contributor Emily Cotton, gets out the What's Eric Eating mailbag to answer listener submitted questions. What was Eric's most star struck moment? What's been some of his top, all time favorite meals since he started the podcast? What are the iconic dishes of Houston? He answers those questions and many more on this very special edition of What's Eric Eating. If you enjoyed this episode and what to hear Eric do more of these What's Eric Eating mailbag episodes let him know on Instagram Instagram @ericsandler. You can also reach Eric by emailing him at eric@culturemap.com. Check out some of his latest articles at Culturemap.com like: Chris Shepherd's Biggest Food Festival Yet Raises $1.7 Million California-Based Mexican Eatery Returns to Houston with New Humble Spot Houston's Mail-Order Halal

Eric's doing things a little different today for this 500th edition of the podcast (yep 500!). Today Eric is being joined by not 1, not 2, not 3, not 4, not 5, but 6 of Houston's Rising Stars selected by StarChefs for 2025. Eric visits with Evelyn Garcia and Henry Lu of JŪN, Lucas McKinney of Josephine's, Maham Qureshi of Shakkar, Adrian Torres of Maximo, and Kristine Nguyen of Bludorn. Hear their excitement on being selected, what they're up to as of late, and much more on this special edition of What's Eric Eating.  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: Dynamic Houston Duo Opening New Neighborhood Restaurant in Montrose Riel Chef Ryan Lachaine Finds New Home at River Oaks Restaurant Houston's Rising Star Chefs Shine in National Magazine's 2025 Awards Hit Cooking Competition Show MasterChef Brings Live Tour to Houston Houston Restaurant Group Flies into Upper Kirby with Fried C

On today's podcast Eric is joined by one of StarChef's Rising Stars of 2025, Craft Pita's own Raffi Nasr!. Raffi and Eric talk about some of the latest news from the Houston restaurant and bar scene including Justin Yu and Bobby Heugel's newest concept coming to Montrose, Ryan Lachaine's new gig, and the StarChefs Rising Stars Houston Class of 2025. In the Restaurants of the Week portion North China 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: Dynamic Houston Duo Opening New Neighborhood Restaurant in Montrose Riel Chef Ryan Lachaine Finds New Home at River Oaks Restaurant Houston's Rising Star Chefs Shine in National Magazine's 2025 Awards Hit Cooking Competition Show MasterChef Brings Live Tour to Houston Houston Restaurant Group Flies into Upper Kirby with Fried Chicken Pop-Up

Today on the show Eric has in depth conversation with Houston hospitality veteran Jonathan Horowitz. The pair discuss Jonathan's leaving from the Houston Hospitality Alliance, how he found his way into commercial real estate, the ramifications of the pandemic on the restaurant industry, the difficulties that are now present within the industry post pandemic, the changes in customer behavior/demand, the "winning the neighborhood" strategy, the desire to stay within your area to eat, how technology has changed tipping culture, the possibility of others stepping in to save a concept that is struggling, the underestimating of the capitalization needed for starting a restaurant, 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: Riel Chef Ryan Lachaine Finds New Home at River Oaks Restaurant Dynamic Houston Duo Opening New Neighborhood Restaurant in Montrose Houston's Rising Star

CultureMap contributor Brianna McClane is back on What's Eric Eating. Eric and Brianna discuss some of the latest news from the Houston restaurant and bar scene including Candente claiming the space formerly occupied by Mandito's for it's 2nd location, Tacos A Go Go's 2 new locations opening with cocktails by Bobby Heugel, and the fall restaurant openings they're most looking forward to. In the Restaurants of the Week portion Local Public Eatery is featured. Plus, Eric and Brianna do a quick comparison of Musaafer and Le Jardinier, 2 of Houston's 5 fine dining restaurants that hold One Michelin Star.    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 Only Michelin-Recognized Tex-Mex Joint Fires Up New Bellaire Store Houston Taqueria's 2 New Locations will Serve Cocktails by Anvil Owner 20 New Restaurants and Bars Opening in Houston this Fall and Beyond Houston's Rising Star Chefs

Today on the podcast Eric is joined by Tristen Epps of Buboy. Tristen speaks with Eric about how scrambled eggs and Japanese TV set him on a path towards being a chef, his initial stint in Houston, why he decided on Houston for his big city experience, meeting/working with Marcus Samuelsson, pushing the idea of what really is fine dining cuisine, winning Top Chef: Destination Canada, why now was the right time for him to go on Top Chef, how the show has evolved to showcasing your food within the parameters of the different challenges, why the cooking is the easy part of Top Chef, his goals entering the show, finding out that his father passed during the show, wanting to tell truths with his food during the final challenge, what life has been like since he won the show, whether 2026 is the year for Buboy's opening, why the size of the space is extremely important, the possibility of casual hot dog food at Buboy, and more! Follow Eric on Instagram/Threads @ericsandler. You can also reach Eric by emailing him a

On today's podcast Eric is joined by the Swanky Maven herself Felice Sloan! Eric and Felice discuss some of the latest news from the Houston restaurant and bar scene including the closure of Bosscat Kitchen & Libations' in River Oaks, ChòpnBlọk being named to the New York Times' 50 Best Restaurants in America list, and chef Kate McClean's departure from Tony's Restaurant. In the Restaurants of the Week portion, Butter Funk Kitchen and Southern Jerks 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: Whiskey-Obsessed Houston Restaurant will Shutter River Oaks Location New York Times Names Houston West African Restaurant to 50 Best List Houston Fine Dining Restaurant Parts Ways with Longtime Chef More Than 30 Houston Bars are Selling $7.13 Drinks for Texas Cocktail Week Bon Appetit Showers Praise on Aaron Bludorn's Bistro in Houston Hotel

Today on the podcast Eric is joined by Jacques Varon and Evan McCarley of Baso. The pair speak with Eric about how they first got connected, the evolution of Baso since it first opened, the addition of Sarah Dowling to the team, the incredible wine list, what they've learned from their customers, what it's meant to be part of the Michelin Guide, the growth of Baso's popularity, current goals, and more! Plus, Evan shares about her culinary history, how she first got involved with Baso, and the duo talk about getting chairs. Chairs are kind of a key thing.  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: Whiskey-Obsessed Houston Restaurant will Shutter River Oaks Location Here's What 12 Houston Chefs will Serve at James Beard Fall Food Event New York Times Names Houston West African Restaurant to 50 Best List Houston Fine Dining Restaurant Parts Ways with Longtime Chef New, Mexico-Inspired

On today's podcast Eric is joined by Monica Danna to discuss some the latest news from the Houston restaurant and bar scene. The pair speak about Ostia shuttering this week, chefs Austin Simmons and Aaron Bludorn opening new spots in The Woodlands, and Terrence Gallivan's new restaurant set to open in Hotel Daphne. In the Restaurants of the Week portion Mayahuel 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: Houston Italian Restaurant will Shutter After 5 Years in Montrose Ex-Tris Chef and Aaron Bludorn Opening New Eateries in The Woodlands Austin Simmons' New Woodlands Restaurant Will Showcase Beef from His Ranch Exclusive: Top Houston Chef Will Lead New Heights Hotel's Italian Eatery Houston Fine Dining Restaurant Parts Ways with Longtime Chef New, Mexico-Inspired Bar Shakes Up Montrose with 'Cocktail Omakase'

Today on the podcast, Eric is joined by Shawn Singh a.k.a. Shawn the Food Sheep! Shawn speaks with Eric about how he first got started down the influencer path, why the first 3 seconds of a video are so important, wanting to showcase his personality, building a good community, finding under the radar spots, staying positive with his content, coming around on sushi, older places around Houston that he'd like to try, his quest to try every Houston area restaurant in the Michelin Guide, what restaurants could be included in this year's Michelin Guide, some of his top recommendations, the qualities of a good coffee shop, possibly going down a bar/cocktail review route, and much more! Follow Shawn on Instagram & TikTok. 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: Exclusive: Top Houston Chef Will Lead New Heights Hotel's Italian Eatery James Harden's Houston Restaurant Locked Out Over

Thomas Bille of Belly of the Beast returns to the podcast after 5 long years and a James Beard Award win. Thomas shares with Eric why he decided to put a pause on the initial version of Belly of the Beast, what he took away from his experience of Chivos, why Spring was the right place for the new version of Belly of the Beast, looking at spaces in Houston initially, the vision for the new iteration, how it all came together, the menu this time around, taking time to get into a rhythm, what being included in the Michelin Guide did for the restaurant, being part of the new modern version of Mexican food movement in the city, what it was like hearing his name for the James Beard award, the amount of flowers he's gotten since winning (it's a lot), how serious a Belly of the Beast 3.0 with a live fire grill is, details of his upcoming pop-up, what life has been like since the James Beard awards, and much more!      Follow Eric on Instagram/Threads @ericsandler. You can also reach Eric by emailing him at eric@cult

Eric is back again with another edition of the podcast. For this week's news and restaurants of the week, he is joined by Michael Fulmer, a co-founder of the Houston BBQ Festival. In the news, Eric and Michael discuss CASAEMA being named to Bon Appétit’s best new breakfast spots list, a 3rd location of Handies Douzo coming to Spring Branch, and the opening of a new Memorial City location of Katz's. In the Restaurants of the Week portion, Yiayia’s Greek 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: Bon Appetit Names Michelin-Recognized Houston Cafe to Best Breakfast List Casual Houston Sushi Restaurant Unrolls Third Location in Spring Branch Houston's 24-Hour New York Deli Sets Opening Date for Memorial Location Aggie-Loved Chicken Fingers Spot Sets Spring-Area Opening Date Houston Bakery Rises with a New Name, Bigger Menu, and Matcha

Today on the podcast Eric is joined by chef Luis Robledo Richards of Mayahuel. Luis speaks with Eric about how his career got started, where his career has taken him, what drove him to pursue learning about being a pastry chef, working at Le Cirque, the creation of Tout Chocolat, how Tout Chocolat was unlike any other, being named the best pastry chef in Latin America, what brought him to Houston, restaurants he first visited in the city, Houston still being an underrated food destination, what went wrong with Comalíto Taqueria, why was a better fit Mayahuel for Houston, why finding the perfect partner in Houston was extremely important for Mayahuel, how the restaurant fits in Houston, the core principles of the concept, what went into developing their top tier cocktail program, bringing in experts, the staff, some of the standout dishes, customer feedback so far, whether he would bring any other concepts to the city, and much more! Follow Eric on Instagram/Threads @ericsandler. You can also reach Eric by e

Today on the podcast Eric is joined by Mary Clarkson of Heights Grocer to discuss some of the latest news from the Houston restaurant and bar scene. The duo discuss the Michelin Guide's incoming announcement of Texas' second class of establishments selected for the guide and the 2nd location of The Woodlands area high profile restaurant The Audrey coming to the Galleria area. In the Restaurants of the Week portion Flora Mexican Kitchen, MAD, and Riel 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: Michelin Guide Will Name Second Texas Class at Invite-Only Houston Ceremony River Oaks Theatre Owner's Movie-Themed Eatery Coming to Galleria High-Rise Booming Texas Sports Bar Bounds into Katy with a Covered Patio and 48 TV's Casual Houston Sushi Restaurant Unrolls Third Location in Spring Branch New Heights Cafe Serves Coffee in the Morning and Wine at Night

On today's episode, Eric is joined by Chris Cusack of Betelgeuse Betelgeuse. Chris speaks with Eric about creating the first Betelgeuse Betelgeuse, their style of pizza, how they were able to open a 2nd location so quickly, why the Montrose area was appealing, how things are going with Betelgeuse Betelgeuse, how Soluna came together (and went), why restaurants are like rock bands, how the initial idea for Endless Bummer came about, entering the world of Tiki, working with artist Brian Dibala, how the customers have responded to Endless Summer so far, restaurant theories, thoughts on expansion, 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 Will Name Second Texas Class at Invite-Only Houston Ceremony River Oaks Theatre Owner's Movie-Themed Eatery Coming to Galleria High-Rise Keith Lee-Loved Houston Sandwich Shop Rolls into New Cypress Store Nobie's Dynamic Du

A new cohost has entered the chat, as chef Raffi Nasr of Craft Pita joins Eric to go through some of the latest news from the Houston restaurant and bar scene. Raffi and Eric discuss the closure of Picos, the reopening of Savoir under new leadership, and chef Ryan Hildebrand's return to Houston. Plus, Raffi catches us up on the latest happenings with Craft Pita. In the Restaurants of the Week Agnes and Sherman 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: Pioneering Houston Mexican Restaurant Will Shutter After 44 Years French-Trained Houston Chef Revives Shuttered Heights Restaurant Veteran Chef Returns to Houston with a Purpose, Help Ronnie Get a Star Keith Lee-Loved Houston Sandwich Shop Rolls into New Cypress Store Nobie's Dynamic Duo Shakes Up Montrose with Speakeasy-Style Tiki Bar

Today on the podcast Eric is joined by Joseph Boudreaux of Boo's Burgers. Joseph speaks with Eric about how he got into the culinary industry, why he decided to transition away from the corporate world, where his culinary journey took him before Boo's Burgers, what he learned from Jason Vaughn, starting Tipping Point Coffee, when word starting getting out about Boo's Burgers, why he decided to grind his own patties, how the burgers have evolved, doing things different with their toppings, why the time was finally right for a brick + mortar, how things are going so far a week into opening, why keeping the momentum is always on his mind, why he decided to do an oyster/mushroom sandwich as a companion to the beef burger, possible expansions to the menu, whether he'd ever want to have a 2nd location, 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: Patriotic Houston Seafood Re