Advertise on podcast: What's Eric Eating

Today on the podcast Eric is joined by Alba Huerta and Vanessa Alba of Julep as well as Robin Wong of Blood Bros. BBQ. Alba shares her insights on the creation of The Parlor at Julep, why the multi-use space at Julep was the perfect vehicle for The Parlor, trying different things with The Parlor that they wouldn't do at Julep, the modern cocktail movement, the new techniques they're using, creating gastro-cocktails, finding a unique way to work with/see others in the industry with Chef's Cut, Houston's place as a bar city, and more. All 3 share their perspectives on the idea of Chef's Cut, how it came about, the chef's that have done it so far, and Robin's DJ skills. Plus, Vanessa speaks on how she first got involved with Julep and Robin talks about the latest happenings over at Blood Bros. BBQ. Got a question for Eric? Email him at [email protected]. Follow Eric on Instagram @ericsandler and check out some of Eric's latest articles online at Culturemap.com: Houston's Best Chef, Restaurant, and More Revealed at 2026 Tastemaker Awards Lively Crowd Celebrates Houston's Culinary Stars at 2026 Tastemaker Awards Mole-Obsessed Mexican Restaurant Sets Closing Date for Kirby Location The Quest for a Topo Chico Replacement, We Rate 9 Sparkling Waters Austin-Based Taco Chain Celebrates Katy Debut with Free Breakfast Tacos

On today's edition of the podcast, Eric is joined by Houston BBQ Festival co-founder Michael Fulmer. Eric and Michael cover some of the latest news from the Houston culinary scene including giving a recap of the 2026 Tastemaker Awards, Captain Fred's upcoming affordable seafood concept opening near Third Ward, and the great quest for a Topo Chico replacement. In the Restaurants of the Week portion Johnny Ritas Cocina y Cantina and the new combination of Pho Prime and Crawfish Cafe are featured.   Got a question for Eric? Email him at [email protected]. Follow Eric on Instagram @ericsandler and check out some of Eric's latest articles online at Culturemap.com: Houston's Best Chef, Restaurant, and More Revealed at 2026 Tastemaker Awards Chef-Loved Houston Fisherman Opens Affordable Seafood Restaurant Near Third Ward The Quest for a Topo Chico Replacement, We Rate 9 Sparkling Waters Austin-Based Taco Chain Celebrates Katy Debut with Free Breakfast Tacos Hot Houston Hand Roll Spot is First Restaurant at New EaDo Development

Today on the podcast Eric is joined by Paige and Andrew Alvis and German Mosquera of Long Weekend. The trio speak Eric about the creation of Long Weekend, where the idea came about, balancing being family friendly with higher end adult offerings, the former King's Bierhaus space being the right location for the concept, the renovations they made, how they utilize the space for the best experience, developing the menu, the baking program, the idea for the playground, the discourse regarding the kids/playground, the relationship with their neighbors, goals for the concept, and more! Got a question for Eric? Email him at [email protected]. Follow Eric on Instagram @ericsandler and check out some of Eric's latest articles online at Culturemap.com: Chef-Loved Houston Fisherman Opens Affordable Seafood Restaurant Near Third Ward Hot Houston Hand Roll Spot is First Restaurant at New EaDo Development Houston's 11 Best Chefs of 2026 are Leading the City's Rise to Prominence The 11 Best Restaurants of 2026 Showcase Houston's World-Class Status Burger Joint Duo's Frozen Treat Shop Returns with Soft Serve Margaritas Growing Houston Coffee Shop Hits the Road with Battery-Powered Electric Van

On today's edition of the show Eric is joined by Raffi Nasr of Craft Pita. First Raffi catches Eric up on his own personal news, the birth of the pita prince! Then the guys dive into the latest news from the Houston culinary scene including the 2 planned concepts that may arrive to a Houston area golf course from Michelin starred chef/owner Michael Fojtasek and Houston's ranking in Food & Wine Magazine's top 10 food cities of America list. In the Restaurants of the Week portion Loves Dumpling House and Shredders Pizza are featured. Got a question for Eric? Email him at [email protected]. Follow Eric on Instagram @ericsandler and check out some of Eric's latest articles online at Culturemap.com: Michelin-Recognized Chef Plans 2 New Restaurants at Proposed Houston Golf Club The 11 Best Restaurants of 2026 Showcase Houston's World-Class Status Burger Joint Duo's Frozen Treat Shop Returns with Soft Serve Margaritas Growing Houston Coffee Shop Hits the Road with Battery-Powered Electric Van Houston Earns 6 Finalist Nominations in the 2026 James Beard Awards

On today's edition of the podcast Eric is joined by David Anderson III and Dominick Lee of Fancy's. The pair speak with Eric about how they started working together, their work on Augustine's, how the opportunity for Fancy's came about, the difference between Fancy's and Augustine's, why the River Oaks area was the right spot, bringing people together from all walks of life, the food, the amount of caviar, how they'd like the concept to evolve, being a destination spot, and much more! Plus, David talks about his career leading up to becoming a bar owner, the creation of Off the Record, what the scene is like for Off the Record, what Dominick has learned from the pop ups in the lead up to both Augustine's and Fancy's, and what could be next!  Got a question for Eric? Email him at [email protected]. Follow Eric on Instagram @ericsandler and check out some of Eric's latest articles online at Culturemap.com: Houston Earns 6 Finalist Nominations in the 2026 James Beard Awards These are Houston's 11 Best Dessert Programs of 2026 6 Things to Know in Houston Food: Openings, a Closing, and More Houston Olympian Simone Biles Opens New Restaurant at Bush Intercontinental 16 Best New Houston Restaurants Compete for Coveted Tastemakers Title

On today's edition of the podcast Eric is joined by Mary Clarkson of Heights Grocer and Montrose Grocer. The pair dive into some of the latest news from Houston restaurant and bar scene including the 6 James Beard Award finalist nominations from Houston, Be More Pacific shuttering, and Julep's ranking on North America's Best Bars of 2026 list. In the Restaurants of the Week portion Latuli is featured.  Got a question for Eric? Email him at [email protected]. Follow Eric on Instagram @ericsandler and check out some of Eric's latest articles online at Culturemap.com: Houston Earns 6 Finalist Nominations in the 2026 James Beard Awards Guy Fieri-Loved Filipino Restaurant Closes in the Heights After 6 Years Southern-Inspired Houston Cocktail Den Ranks on North America Best Bars List Michelin-Recognized Chef Plans 2 New Restaurants at Proposed Houston Golf Club These are Houston's 11 Best Dessert Programs of 2026

Today on the podcast Eric is joined by Jabril Riddick of Southern Jerks. Jabril speaks with Eric about his decision to go on his own to open his own concept, why he decided on fried chicken as the cuisine for his concept, why Houston is the perfect place to showcase fried chicken with a twist, the flavor profile, making the sides standout, how the Jerk Burger ended up on the menu, wanting to open on the northside, opening in conjunction with a gas station, the confidence they have, how influencers have helped their reach, expansion plans, when we could see another location (sooner than you may think), working with his family, following the plan, becoming much more efficient, and much more! Got a question for Eric? Email him at [email protected]. Follow Eric on Instagram @ericsandler and check out some of Eric's latest articles online at Culturemap.com: Houston Earns 6 Finalist Nominations in the 2026 James Beard Awards These are Houston's 11 Best Dessert Programs of 2026 6 Things to Know in Houston Food: Openings, a Closing, and More Houston Olympian Simone Biles Opens New Restaurant at Bush Intercontinental 16 Best New Houston Restaurants Compete for Coveted Tastemakers Title

Eric is joined once again by the Swanky Maven Felice Sloan on today's edition of the show. The pair dive into some of the latest news from the Houston culinary scene including, the closing of the Upper Kirby location of Fleming's, Simone Biles opening a restaurant at Bush Intercontinental, and the new Mediterranean concept from Ohio coming to Houston. In the Restaurants of the Week portion The Green Room is featured and Felice speaks about recent meal she had that was an all timer for her.  Got a question for Eric? Email him at [email protected]. Follow Eric on Instagram @ericsandler and check out some of Eric's latest articles online at Culturemap.com: Steakhouse Chain's Upper Kirby Outpost will Shutter After 25 Years Houston Olympian Simone Biles Opens New Restaurant at Bush Intercontinental Ohio-Based Mediterranean Restaurant Now Baking Fresh Pita in Memorial These are Houston's 11 Best Dessert Programs of 2026 6 Things to Know in Houston Food: Openings, a Closing, and More

On today's edition of What's Eric Eating, Eric is joined by Tom Cunanan, Daniel Davidson, and Brian Doke of The Green Room. The trio speak with Eric about their respective careers, the early days, what brought Tom to Houston from DC, Brian's journey from helping others open concepts to working for himself, the decision behind carving out a portion of Heights & Co. for their new concept, Tom's journey into Filipino cuisine, the love for European cuisine, the difference in approach between Lazy Lane and The Green Room, the idea for The Green Room, working together, the standouts from their menu, how things are going so far, the possibility of a brunch, ideas for the future, how things are going for Lazy Lane, the goals for Lazy Lane, and much more! Got a question for Eric? Email him at [email protected]. Follow Eric on Instagram @ericsandler and check out some of Eric's latest articles online at Culturemap.com: Fine Dining Chef Serves Up Casual Sandwich Shop in Houston Suburb Ohio-Based Mediterranean Restaurant Now Baking Fresh Pita in Memorial Steakhouse Chain's Upper Kirby Outpost will Shutter After 25 Years United and Chef's Table Recruit Top Houston Chef for Premium Inflight Meal Houston's 10 Best Bartenders of 2026 Treat Strangers Like Regulars

Today on the show Eric is joined by Monica to go over some of the latest happenings from the Houston culinary scene. Eric and Monica discuss The Raven Grill closing after 28 years of operation, chef Justin Yu's newest endeavor that has him working with United Airlines and Netflix's Chef's Table, and The Swift BLDG development has added 2 concepts to it's lineup. In the Restaurants of the Week portion Long Weekend is featured.  Got a question for Eric? Email him at [email protected]. Follow Eric on Instagram @ericsandler and check out some of Eric's latest articles online at Culturemap.com: Southwestern-Inspired Houston Restaurant will Close After 28 Years United and Chef's Table Recruit Top Houston Chef for Premium Inflight Meal Historic Heights Redevelopment Adds Ice Cream Shop and Premium Juice Bar Steakhouse Chain's Upper Kirby Outpost will Shutter After 25 Years Houston's 10 Best Bartenders of 2026 Treat Strangers Like Regulars

On today's edition of What's Eric Eating, Eric is joined by Ryan Hildebrand of Killen's. Ryan speaks with Eric about his time in Wimberley, the challenges they faced, why it was time to come home to Houston, the best thing they took away from their time in Wimberley, what appealed to him about working at Killen's, collaborating with Ronnie, the changes they've made to Killen's, some of the menu items they've added, the new lunch menu, the pressure to maintain the restaurant's Bib Gourmand status, the goals for the restaurant, and much more!   Got a question for Eric? Email him at [email protected]. Follow Eric on Instagram @ericsandler and check out some of Eric's latest articles online at Culturemap.com: Casual Houston Coffee Shop Pokes into New Sawyer Yards Location Southwestern-Inspired Houston Restaurant will Close After 28 Years Running List of Houston Restaurants Serving Decadent Easter Brunches Street Corn Shines at Houston's Truffle-Powered Chef Competition YouTube Star Mark Wiens Gets a Taste of Texas at Iconic Houston Steakhouse

Today on the podcast Eric is joined by Houston BBQ Festival co-founder Michael Fulmer. Eric and Michael cover some of the latest news from the Houston culinary scene including the new California chicken restaurant chain Starbird coming to the city next year, the closure of Houston's only Pie Tap Pizza, and early thoughts on the new culinary competition show The Culinary Cup hosted by Padma Lakshmi. In the Restaurants of the Week portion Texas Roadhouse and Star Rover are featured.  Got a question for Eric? Email him at [email protected]. Follow Eric on Instagram @ericsandler and check out some of Eric's latest articles online at Culturemap.com: New Chicken Restaurant Flies into Houston with 'Gluten-Friendly' Tendies Running List of Houston Restaurants Serving Decadent Easter Brunches Street Corn Shines at Houston's Truffle-Powered Chef Competition YouTube Star Mark Wiens Gets a Taste of Texas at Iconic Houston Steakhouse These 10 Restaurants and Pop-Ups Serve Houston's Best Sandwiches

Today on the show Eric is joined by Paul Miller of Gr8 Plate Hospitality. Paul speaks with Eric about the latest happenings at Gr8 Plate Hospitality, why Union Kitchen didn't end up working out in Katy, changing the Union Kitchen in Garden Oaks to Jax on the Tracks, why the change was right for that location of Union Kitchen, how the neighborhood has responded so far, what the future looks like for Gr8 Plate, why things are so difficult for restaurants currently, and an overarching conversation about the state of things for restaurants currently.  Got a question for Eric? Email him at [email protected]. Follow Eric on Instagram @ericsandler and check out some of Eric's latest articles online at Culturemap.com: Houston's 10 Best Neighborhood Restaurants Offer Comfort and Convenience New Chicken Restaurant Flies into Houston with 'Gluten-Friendly' Tendies These 10 Restaurants and Pop-Ups Serve Houston's Best Sandwiches Growing Houston Sushi Chain Rolls into New Galleria-Area Development Loch Bar Owner Takes Over Downtown Tower's Cafe, Adds Japanese Eatery

On today's edition of the podcast Eric is joined by Mary Clarkson of Heights Grocer and Montrose Grocer. The duo discuss some of the latest news from the Houston food scene including the 4 Houston spots that made Texas Monthly's Best New Restaurants of 2026 list, the new Japanese concept coming from Atlas Restaurant Group, and Handies Douzo getting ready to open a 4th location later this year. In the Restaurants of the Week portion Bar Xolo is featured.    Got a question for Eric? Email him at [email protected]. Follow Eric on Instagram @ericsandler and check out some of Eric's latest articles online at Culturemap.com: 4 Houston Spots Make Texas Monthly's Best New Restaurants of 2026 List Loch Bar Owner Takes Over Downtown Tower's Cafe, Adds Japanese Eatery Growing Houston Sushi Chain Rolls into New Galleria-Area Development Western-Inspired, Family-Friendly Restaurant Now Open Near the Heights Houston's 10 Best Neighborhood Restaurants Offer Comfort and Convenience

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 [email protected]. 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