What's Eric Eating

On today's edition of the show Eric is joined by Reginald Scott of The Smoke and Coarse. Reginald catches Eric up on what's been happening with him since first appeared on the podcast 5 years ago, how he's forged his own path in the culinary scene, how The Smoke evolved into what it is today, the incredibly challenging logistics of running a BBQ spot in Finn Hall, being an established presence at Urban Harvest, what made the location for Coarse the right choice, the story behind the name Coarse, what people can expect from the new concept, whether we'll see a brick + mortar of The Smoke one day, and more!Got a question for Eric? Email him at eric@culturemap.com. Follow Eric on Instagram @ericsandler and check out some of Eric's latest articles online at Culturemap.com: Western-Inspired, Family-Friendly Restaurant Now Open Near the Heights Houston's 10 Best Neighborhood Restaurants Offer Comfort and Convenience 4 Houston Spots Make Texas Monthly's Best New Restaurants of 2026 List Houston Restaurateur Dishes on Swapping Tex-Mex for New Retro Steakhouse Beard-Recognized Houston Chef Fires Up Second Taqueria in Lindale Park

Today on the podcast Eric is joined by CultureMap contributor Brianna McClane. Brianna and Eric dive into some of the latest news from the Houston bar and restaurant scene including; Cochinita & Co. getting ready to open a 2nd location and the relaunch of Fancy's under new ownership. In the Restaurants of the Week portion, Lee's is featured. Got a question for Eric? Email him at eric@culturemap.com. Follow Eric on Instagram @ericsandler and check out some of Eric's latest articles online at Culturemap.com: Beard-Recognized Houston Chef Fires Up Second Taqueria in Lindale Park 4 Houston Spots Make Texas Monthly's Best New Restaurants of 2026 List Houston Restaurateur Dishes on Swapping Tex-Mex for New Retro Steakhouse Favorite Houston Burger Joint Fires Up Memorial Opening Date Houston Restaurant Known for Meatloaf and Bourbon Sets River Oaks Opening Date

On today's edition of the show Eric is joined by Chico Ramirez of Johnny Ritas Cocina y Cantina. Chico speaks with Eric about what happened with White Elm Brasserie, why Johnny Ritas was the right choice as his next project, deciding where to setup the concept, designing the space, developing the menu, why it was important to describe their food as "authentic Mexican cuisine with Tex-Mex familiarity", what they offer at brunch, how the cocktail program stands out, how his grandparents influenced him, the story behind the name, his team getting the recognition they deserve, goals for the concept, and much more! Got a question for Eric? Email him at eric@culturemap.com. Follow Eric on Instagram @ericsandler and check out some of Eric's latest articles online at Culturemap.com: Favorite Houston Burger Joint Fires Up Memorial Opening Date Houston Restaurant Known for Meatloaf and Bourbon Sets River Oaks Opening Date Fertitta Family Reveals First Details for Pop-Up Steakhouse at RodeoHouston Meet the 10 Rising Star Chefs Shining in Houston's Culinary Scene These Houston Restaurants Won Big at Rodeo Best Bites Competition

Episode 535 of What's Eric Eating, with Eric Sandler! This week Eric was joined by the Swanky Maven, Felice Sloan, an expert on food, wine, and good times to discuss... Pop Up Bagels, a national bagel chain with a couple locations opening up in Houston The Green Room, a new 26 seat, intimate dining experience in town Lo-Lo’s Chicken & Waffles, a cult favorite chicken and waffles chain opening in our city And the restaurant of the week is 'Weights and Measures' Got a question for Eric? Email him at eric@culturemap.com. Follow Eric on Instagram @ericsandler and check out some of Eric's latest articles online at Culturemap.com: These Houston restaurants won big at Rodeo Best Bites Competition James Beard-winning chef opens 26-seat new restaurant in the Heights Celebrity-backed East Coast bagel shop rolls into prime Houston neighborhood Garden Oaks Restaurant Reboots as Family Friendly Bar and Grill Cult-Favorite Chicken and Waffle Restaurant Opens in Houston This Weekend

On today's edition of the podcast Eric is joined by Dave Mattern and Cary Grider of Trulucks. Dave and Cary speak with Eric about their culinary careers leading up to Trulucks, the early days of Trulucks, being known for stone crab, their recent renovations, their intentional culture that allows for longevity with it's staff as well as business cards, the difference between their ownership situation versus other restaurants around the city, the company's thoughtful growth approach, being more of a seafood restaurant than a steak restaurant, their beverage program, goals for the restaurant, and much more!Got a question for Eric? Email him at eric@culturemap.com. Follow Eric on Instagram @ericsandler and check out some of Eric's latest articles online at Culturemap.com: Garden Oaks Restaurant Reboots as Family Friendly Bar and Grill Cult-Favorite Chicken and Waffle Restaurant Opens in Houston This Weekend The Rustic Owners Tee Up New Casual Icehouse at Fifth Ward Golf Course Houston Charity Dining Event Returns with $15 Lunches and $25 Dinners Johnny Carrabba Now Serving Southern Comfort Food at New Bellaire Locale

Today on the show Eric is joined by Raffi Nasr of Craft Pita to go through some of the latest happenings from the Houston restaurant and bar scene. First Raffi and Eric discuss  a CultureMap exclusive regarding Brasserie 19 owner Charles Clark's 2 new Italian concepts coming soon, 2 recent closures (Succulent Fine Dining and Fainmous BBQ), and the return of Spanish Village. In the Restaurants of the Week portion Hong Kong Food Street and Honest Mary's are featured. Got a question for Eric? Email him at eric@culturemap.com. Follow Eric on Instagram @ericsandler and check out some of Eric's latest articles online at Culturemap.com: Exclusive: Houston Restaurateur Brings Two New Italian Spots to Montrose Parking Problems Shutter Houston Restaurant After Less Than a Year Houston Barbecue Joint Will Soon Shutter Due to $72,000 of Unpaid Rent Iconic Houston Tex-Mex Restaurant will Reopen in New Third Ward Project Houston Charity Dining Event Returns with $15 Lunches and $25 Dinners

Time to find out who won The Ultimate Houston Date Night Draft 3.0 with special guest judges Erin Smith and Patrick Feges of Feges BBQ. The couple speak with Eric about why they felt [redacted] had the best lineup, the process they took in selecting the winning team, what selections stood out to them, what they would've selected, and more! Plus, they give an update on what's been happening at Feges BBQ. Got a question for Eric? Email him at eric@culturemap.com. Follow Eric on Instagram @ericsandler and check out some of Eric's latest articles online at Culturemap.com: Exclusive: Houston Restaurateur Brings Two New Italian Spots to Montrose Iconic Houston Tex-Mex Restaurant will Reopen in New Third Ward Project Heights Restaurant Celebrates Lunar New Year with Epic Barbecue Collab Texas-Based Microbrewery Theater Chain Claims Houston's Shuttered Alamo Drafthouse Michelin-Recognized Houston Sushi Chef Fires Up 4 Seat Japanese Skewer Spot

Since it's Valentines season Eric said "you know, we should do another Date Night Draft" and since it's Eric's show we said... well nothing you know because it's his show.The Ultimate Houston Date Night Draft is back for a 3rd iteration! This year, Eric is joined by Chelsea Thomas, Monica Danna, Brianna McGriff, Dominick Lee, and Chris Shepherd to draft the perfect date night lineup. This year's categories are: First Date, Coffee Date, Place Your Friends Won't See You Date, Happy Hour Date, Breakup Date, and a Wild Card spot which is any place they'd like to go for a date or somewhere that would be fun for a date.  The winner will be announced on the next episode of the podcast as selected by special judges. So stayed tuned to your podcast feeds to find out the eventual winner. The Draft RulesRule 1: All selections must be located in with in the Greater Houston area.Rule 2: Once a restaurant has been selected for a certain category, no other drafter may select it for the same category. For example, only one drafter can select 13 Celsius for a first date but someone else could select 13 Celsius for a Happy Hour date.Rule 3: Drafters cannot pick the same bar/restaurant/business twice. All 6 selections must be from different places.Rule 4: Snake draft format. The draft order will go one through six in round 1 then go backwards six through one in round 2.Rule 5: Categories may be selected in any order.Got a question for Eric? Email him at eric@culturemap.com. Follow Eric on Instagram @ericsandler and check out some of Eric's latest articles online at Culturemap.com: Exclusive: Houston Restaurateur Brings Two New Italian Spots to Montrose Parking Problems Shutter Houston Restaurant After Less Than a Year Michelin-Recognized Houston Sushi Chef Fires Up 4 Seat Japanese Skewer Spot Veteran French Chef Blows into Bellaire with a New Neighborhood Bistro New Restaurant Shakes Up Houston with Oaxacan and Tex-Mex Classics

On today's edition of the show Eric is joined by Paul Prior of Lankford's. Paul speaks with Eric about the history of Lankford's, inheriting the family business,   being known for burgers, expansions to the menu, the evolution of the Midtown location, why Bellaire was the right place for their 2nd location, possible areas they'd like to expand to, changing to counter service, the opening of The Woodlands location, what's new at the 3rd location, listening to customer feedback, and much more!Got a question for Eric? Email him at eric@culturemap.com. Follow Eric on Instagram @ericsandler and check out some of Eric's latest articles online at Culturemap.com: CultureMap Editor's 11 Favorite Houston Restaurant Dishes of January 2026 New Restaurant Shakes Up Houston with Oaxacan and Tex-Mex Classics Arizona Mexican Restaurant is the Latest to Shutter at the Galleria Chopped Champion Houston Chef Packs His Knives for Top Chef Carolinas Houston Taqueria Opens 2 New Locations with Cocktails by Anvil Owner

Today on the podcast Eric is joined by Michael Fulmer, a co-founder of the Houston BBQ Festival, to go through some of the latest happenings in Houston food. Michael and Eric discuss Fielding's River Oaks' rebranding as Fielding's Steak, the new Arizona seafood concept making it's way to Houston, and the closure of Wooster's Garden. In the Restaurants of the Week portion the new location of Pinkerton's Barbecue and Sushi Horiuchi are featured.  Got a question for Eric? Email him at eric@culturemap.com. Follow Eric on Instagram @ericsandler and check out some of Eric's latest articles online at Culturemap.com: River Oaks Restaurant Fields a New Menu Devoted to Prime and Wagyu Steaks Lively New Seafood Restaurant Rides into Prime Houston Location Midtown Bar with Creative Cocktails and Craft Taps Will Close in February Arizona Mexican Restaurant is the Latest to Shutter at the Galleria Chopped Champion Houston Chef Packs His Knives for Top Chef Carolinas

Today on the podcast Eric is joined by Shiva and Rick Di Virgilio of ŌPORTO Fooding House & Wine and da Gama canteen. Shiva and Rick speak with Eric about how they first met, the initial humble beginnings of Oporto, wanting to experiment at The Queen Vic, the early days of craft cocktails, blending Portuguese and Indian cuisine, why they decided to move Oporto, the benefits of the bigger space, how Midtown has changed over the years, evolving over time, developing da Gama, what dishes they recommend people check out, being recognized by the Michelin Guide, future ideas, and much more!Got a question for Eric? Email him at eric@culturemap.com. Follow Eric on Instagram @ericsandler and check out some of Eric's latest articles online at Culturemap.com: Historic Houston Burger Joint Sets Opening Date for New Woodlands Store French-Trained Houston Chefs Team Up for One-Night Only Mardi Gras Dinner Chris Shepherd Serves Up a New Menu for Houston Performance Series Lively New Seafood Restaurant Rides into Prime Houston Location River Oaks Restaurant Fields a New Menu Devoted to Prime and Wagyu Steaks

On today's edition of the podcast Eric is joined by Mary Clarkson of Heights Grocer and Montrose Grocer. The pair discuss some of the latest news from the Houston restaurant and bar scene including the 12 local restaurants/chefs announced as James Beard Semifinalists, Paulie's cookies living on in a new venture, and a new concept called Exilio Latin Flair coming to Montrose. In the Restaurants of the Week portion, Zaranda is featured. Got a question for Eric? Email him at eric@culturemap.com. Follow Eric on Instagram @ericsandler and check out some of Eric's latest articles online at Culturemap.com: 12 Houston Restaurants Score James Beard Award Semifinalist Nominations Shuttered Houston Restaurant's Iconic Cookies Revived with New Name Soon-to-Shutter Houston Margarita Bar Will Transform Into New Latin Eatery Historic Houston Burger Joint Sets Opening Date for New Woodlands Store French-Trained Houston Chefs Team Up for One Night Only Mardi Gras Dinner

On today's podcast, Eric is joined by Cooper Abercrombie of Bar-A-BBQ. Cooper speaks with Eric about what drew him to barbecue, how mom's in the neighborhood got the business growing, his helpful barbecue connections, what brought him to Montgomery, developing the weekly specials, what customers can expect at Bar-A-BBQ, moving to a new location, possible expansions to the menu once they're in their new space, the attention they've received, his team, future plans, and the story of a neighbor that saved some briskets.  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-Rated Houston Barbecue Joint Fires Up Retro-Inspired Second Location 12 Houston Restaurants Score James Beard Award Semifinalist Nominations Houston Tex-Mex Staple Now Serving Fajitas and Margaritas at Downtown Hub Shuttered Houston Restaurant's Iconic Cookies Revived with New Name Ramen Joint That Served Super Hot Broth Will Shutter After Only 18 Months Soon-to-Shutter Houston Margarita Bar Will Transform Into New Latin Eatery

Houston BBQ Festival co-founder Michael Fulmer is back on the podcast today to speak with Eric about some of the latest news from the Houston restaurant and bar scene. Eric and Michael discuss the newest retro inspired location of Pinkerton's Barbecue, the sandwich concept Yuma finding a home in the former Ninja Ramen space, and the closure of Perry's Steakhouse in River Oaks. In the Restaurants of the Week portion Casa Kenji and Seven Sushi & Robata 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-Rated Houston Barbecue Joint Fires Up Retro-Inspired Second Location Houston Sandwich Pop-Up Presses Forward with a Brick-and-Mortar Home 'Contractual Dispute' Compels Closure of Prime River Oaks Steakhouse Houston Tex-Mex Staple Now Serving Fajitas and Margaritas at Downtown Hub Shuttered Houston Restaurant's Iconic Cookies Revived with New Name

On today's podcast Eric is joined by Tracy Malechek-Ezekiel and Arjav Ezekiel of Birdie's. Tracy and Arjav speak with Eric about how they first met, their time in New York, choosing to move to Austin with a flip of a coin, conceptualizing Birdie's, developing the menu, why counter service at first, putting what they earn back into their team, their wine program offerings, why they changed to a prix fixe model, the awards recognition they've received, long term and much more in this wide ranging discussion.  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: 6 Rice Village Restaurants Team Up to Support Houston Hospitality Nonprofit Houston Sandwich Pop-Up Presses Forward with a Brick-and-Mortar Home 'Contractual Dispute' Compels Closure of Prime River Oaks Steakhouse Staple Heights Wine Bar and Restaurant will Shutter After 6 Years Veteran Houston Chef Takes Over at Essential Midtown Brunch Destination

Eric is back and he's kicking off the new year with Raffi Nasr of Craft Pita to discuss some of the latest happenings in the Houston restaurant and bar scene. Raffi and Eric speak about the rebranding of Superica into a steakhouse concept called Star Rover, the upcoming new delivery focused pizzeria concept coming to The Heights called Shredder's Pizza, and Chef Omar Perey taking over as the new operating partner of Weights + Measures. In the Restaurants of the Week portion, Oru 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 Tex-Mex Restaurant to Shutter and Reopen as a Casual Steakhouse Delivery-Focused Pizzeria with Affordable Wine Coming Soon to The Heights Veteran Houston Chef Takes Over at Essential Midtown Brunch Destination 'Contractual Dispute' Compels Closure of Prime River Oaks Steakhouse Staple Heights Wine Bar and Restaurant will Shutter After 6 Years The Most Memorable Dishes at Houston's 11 Best New Restaurants of 2025

It's the end of 2025 which means it's time to look back and some our favorites from the year in the Houston food scene. Today on the 2025 Year in Review, Eric is joined by Mary Clarkson of Heights Grocer & Montrose Grocer, and Raffi Nasr of Craft Pita to highlight some of their favorite new restaurants that opened this year, some of their favorite dishes, old favorites they revisited this year, the closures they were most sad about, what they'd like to draft in a future draft episode, and much more in this expansive end of the year discussion. 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: Major Closures, Celeb Sightings, More Top Houston Restaurant News of 2025 Coastal-Inspired Houston Restaurant Will Shutter After 3 Years in Montrose Houston's Only Michelin-Recognized Tex-Mex Restaurant Now Open in Bellaire Eagerly Anticipated Houston Barbecue Joint Hosts Weekend Preview Pop-Ups Growing National Pizza Chain Will Bring Halal Pies and Pastas to Katy

On today's edition of the podcast, Eric is joined by Judith Piotrowski of Hotel ZaZa. Judith speaks with Eric about what inspired her to get into bartending/hospitality, her time at Weights + Measures, working at One Fifth during the pandemic, what she learned from working with Chris Shepherd and his team, becoming the director of bars at The Post Oak hotel, finding huge success with the Navi's pop up, making her way to the Hotel ZaZa, what makes a good hotel great, whether a speakeasy is in the cards, and much more! Plus, Judith takes on the lightning round.  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 Restaurant Now Open in Bellaire Eagerly-Anticipated Houston Barbecue Joint Hosts Weekend Preview Pop-Ups Growing National Pizza Chain Will Bring Halal Pies and Pastas to Katy Family-Friendly Houston Restaurant Picks Missouri City for 6th Location New Houston Cocktail Bar Serves Up a House Party Fueled by Music and Martinis

The Swanky Maven Felice Sloan returns for this edition of the podcast. Eric and Felice touch on some of the latest happenings from the Houston food scene including chef Jean-François Feuillette opening the first US location of Café Feuillette here in Houston, Local Table's 6th location set to open in Missouri City, and ChòpnBlọk getting more national recognition with the latest accolade coming from the New York Times. In the Restaurants of the Week section, Doc's Houston 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: French Pastry Chef Perks Up Houston with First U.S. Coffee Shop and Café Family-Friendly Houston Restaurant Picks Missouri City for 6th Location New York Times Critic Awards Houston Restaurant 2 Stars in Glowing Review Houston's Only Michelin-Recognized Tex-Mex Restaurant Now Open in Bellaire Eagerly-Anticipated Houston Barbecue Joint Hosts Weekend Preview Pop-Ups

Today on the show Eric is joined by Nelson Monteith and Andrew Wiseheart of Honest Mary's. Nelson and Andrew share with Eric their culinary journey's leading up to Honest Mary's, how they first started working together, why River Oaks was the right area of Houston to expand to, how they set themselves apart from other concepts in the healthy fast casual space, creating the perfect bowl, 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: Growing National Pizza Chain will Bring Halal Pies and Pastas to Katy New York Times Critic Awards Houston Restaurant 2 Stars in Glowing Review Family-Friendly Houston Restaurant Picks Missouri City for 6th Location New Houston Cocktail Bar Serves Up a House Party Fueled by Music and Martinis French Pastry Chef Perks Up Houston with First U.S. Coffee Shop and Café