Advertise on podcast: What's Eric Eating

For the first time since 2018, Ryan Pera of Coltivare and Agricole Hospitality returns to What's Eric Eating. Ryan speaks with Eric about how Coltivare has evolved since opening back in 2014, balancing the staples of the menu with the seasonal kitchen approach, where they're at in the Houston culinary landscape, being disappointed by not being included in the Michelin Guide, the story behind the zinc bar at Coltivare, the staff legacy, goals for Coltivare, the current state of Agricole Hospitality, whether The Heights is oversaturated with restaurants, 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: Michelin-rated Houston Pitmaster Hospitalized with Serious Medical Condition Houston's Michelin-Recognized African Restaurant Confirms Memorial Plans Edgy Pizza Chain Sets Opening Date for First Houston-Area Store Luxurious Downtown Hotel Unveils New All-Day Eatery and Poolside Lounge Houston's New Neapolitan Pizzeria Wafts into Familiar Uptown Space

This week Eric Sandler was joined by Raffi Nasr, founder of Craft Pita to discuss... Hai Hospitality is bringing another concept to Houston. Uchibā Houston chef Aaron Bludorn will open a restaurant, and lead the culinary program at a luxury hotel in Fredericksburg Houston restaurant Relish Restaurant & Bar being accused of wage theft by an employee Restaurant of the Week - The Fifth Table 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: Dallas-based Japanese sando and matcha shop sets Heights opening date Michelin-rated Houston pitmaster hospitalized with serious medical condition New Orleans-Inspired Neighborhood Restaurant Hatches in the Heights Houston Restaurant Breaks Silence About Wage Theft Allegations Uchi's Izakaya Bellies Up to New River Oaks Mixed-Use Development

The man behind Burger Bodega, Abbas Dhanani returns to the podcast today. Abbas speaks with Eric about what he's learned since opening the first location of Burger Bodega, how the smashburger trend has grown since he started, why Katy was the right spot for the 2nd location of his successful burger concept, what changes he made for the new location both in regards to the food as well as the design, the response so far, staying away from Reddit, some of his favorite collaborations over the years, an upcoming collab he's excited about, why cheesesteaks are next for him, working with his mom in a professional setting, 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: New Orleans-Inspired Neighborhood Restaurant Hatches in the Heights Houston Restaurant Breaks Silence About Wage Theft Allegations Uchi's Izakaya Bellies Up to New River Oaks Mixed-Use Development Houston-Born NBA Star Jimmy Butler Rolls Out Bigface Coffee in Cypress Global Dim Sum Powerhouse Din Tai Fung May Finally Be Coming to Houston

Eric is back and on today's edition he's joined by Felice Sloan, a.k.a. the Swanky Maven. Felice and Eric discuss some of the latest news coming from the Houston culinary scene including, world renowned dim sum concept Din Tai Fung heading to the Galleria area, the closure of Barbacana, and Drake Leonards adding owner to his title. Then in the Restaurants of the Week section, DAO'N Korean Modern Restaurant 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: Global Dim Sum Powerhouse Din Tai Fung May Finally Be Coming to Houston Here's How Much The Galleria Will Charge For Parking Ambitious Houston Fine Dining Restaurant to Shutter After Only 2 Years Louisiana-Born Houston Chef Assumes Ownership of Greenway Plaza Creole Eatery Star Houston Chef Signs on to Luxurious Hill Country Hotel

On today's edition of What's Eric Eating, Nicole Routhier of Le Colonial stops by to speak with Eric about why she felt like she was destined to become a chef, making her way to America, how the opportunity to write a cook book came about, coming to Houston, the challenges of introducing Le Colonial, building up trust with customers, evolving her cuisine over time, going back to New York to open a new location of Le Colonial, 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 Hospitality Nonprofit's Celebrity Chef Festival Raises $2 Million Beard Award-Winning Houston Chef's New Restaurant Now Open in Montrose Houston Hospitality Veteran Picked to Lead Beloved Junior League Tea Room Houston Tex-Mex Joint to Shutter, But Breakfast Tacos Will Live on Skip the Line at Hot Heights Barbecue Joint via VIP 'Experience' Houston Comedy Club Perks Up Washington with New Coffee Shop and Cafe

Today on the podcast Eric is joined by Mary Clarkson of Heights Grocer and Montrose Grocer and the duo discussed... Houston Wine Merchant has a new owner! Jonathan Horowitz will now run operations at the Tea Room for the Junior League of Houston They share their lingering thoughts on the Michelin Guide for 2026 The one year anniversary for Montrose Grocer! Restaurant of the Week - House of Louie 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: Ambitious Houston fine dining restaurant to shutter after only 2 years Majestic Indian fine dining restaurant now open in Sugar Land Town Square Family friendly Houston sports bar rushes into Conroe for 5th location Chef behind two-star Michelin Bangkok restaurant pops up in Houston American Express to triple size of members-only Houston airport lounge

Today on the podcast Eric is joined by Carlos Andrade and Shaun Stockton of Mack Allen's. The guys speak with Eric about why Mack Allen's was the right place for them in their respective careers, the motivational styrofoam cup, developing the menu, their desire to be more than just simply a steakhouse, making their wine program more approachable/affordable compared to other steakhouse wine programs, the customer reactions they've been getting so far since opening, working with Mack, and much more! Plus, Carlos shares how his brother got him started down a culinary path and Shaun speaks about his journey to becoming a sommelier. 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 Hospitality Nonprofit's Celebrity Chef Festival Raises $2 Million Beard Award-Winning Houston Chef's New Restaurant Now Open in Montrose Houston Hospitality Veteran Picked to Lead Beloved Junior League Tea Room Houston Tex-Mex Joint to Shutter, But Breakfast Tacos Will Live on Skip the Line at Hot Heights Barbecue Joint via VIP 'Experience' Houston Comedy Club Perks Up Washington with New Coffee Shop and Cafe

The 2026 Michelin Guide is here which means it's time for another roundtable discussion and reaction on What's Eric Eating. Today on the podcast Eric is joined by Chelsea Thomas of [redacted, listen through to the end of this episode to find out where] and the Mel Kiper Jr. equivalent for the Michelin Guide, Misha Govshteynto, to breakdown the new batch of Houston restaurants that were recognized, maintained, or left off.  The trio discuss which restaurants that didn't make it they were most surprised by (more like baffled by), the shadowy process for Michelin's selection process, what are the inspectors looking for, how thorough is the inspectors' research process, what they would put on their list, and whether Texas should renew the contract with the Michelin Guide. Plus, will Texas ever have a 2 or 3 star restaurant?  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 Hospiality Nonprofit's Celebrity Chef Festival Raises $2 Million Beard Award-Winning Houston Chef's New Restaurant Now Open in Montrose Houston Hospitality Veteran Picked to Lead Beloved Junior League Tea Room Skip the Line at Hot Heights Barbecue Joint via VIP 'Experience' Sneak Peek at Members-Only Wine Club and Restaurant Opening Soon in Upper Kirby

Aaron Bludorn is back on the podcast! He joins Eric today to discuss the opening of a 2nd location of Bar Bludorn, why the Woodlands was the right spot for the 2nd location of the concept, why he decided to go with a 2nd location of Bar Bludorn rather than go with a new concept or a new location of one of the other Bludorn Hospitality Group concepts, the food options at the 2nd location versus the 1st location, what the community is saying ahead of Bar Bludorn's opening, the team at the location, whether the perception of The Woodlands is changing from a lackluster food destination to more of a hot spot, and more! Plus, Aaron speaks with Eric about how things are going for the hospitality group as a whole, Houston's strength as a dining community, plans for anything outside of the city, working with the Houston Texans, and the work he's doing with C•CAP. 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: Beard-Recognized Houston Chef's Rooftop Restaurant Now Open in Midtown Stylish Tavern Known for 'World's Coldest Martini' Adds 2 Houston Locations Houston Steakhouse's Treasured 79-Cent Pork Chop Deal Returns this Friday Caribbean-Spiced Houston Fried Chicken Joint Takes Off with 2 New Locations Bun B Dishes on New Trill Burgers, Future Plans, Trill Tenders, and More

This week Mary Clarkson joins Eric to discuss: News on restaurants Southern Jerks, BARI Ristorante, and more! Restaurant of the Week - Fine dining steakhouse Mack Allen's 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: Love Croissants opens first stand-alone bakery with Heights drive-through Caribbean-spiced Houston fried chicken joint takes off with 2 new locations Bun B dishes on new Trill Burgers, future plans, Trill Tenders, and more Chinatown's AYCE sushi spot rolls into Midtown with late night DJs

What's Eric Eating with host Eric Sandler! This week's special guest is Brian Gendron, the owner of The Riot Comedy Club! Eric and Brian discussed how he got his start in comedy, some of the comedy legends who have stood on their stage, changing locations to a new spot on Washington Ave, their new food service, 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: Meta's first Texas store brings virtual reality to the Galleria Art-filled boutique hotel in the Heights earns coveted Michelin Key Rodeo Houston reveals name, breaks ground on $300M agricultural complex Mexican restaurant with private tequila lockers sets Cypress opening First look at all-you-can-eat Brazilian steakhouse's new Katy outpost Growing Houston Hospitality Group Rolls into Briargrove with New Sushi Spot

What's Eric Eating with host Eric Sandler! This week he's joined by special guest Rafael Nasr, the founder of Craft Pita! This week the pair discussed... Food & Wine naming Houston chef Lucas McKinney their best new chef Picos has found a new home, on Westheimer Hamari sushi coming to Briar Grove And Rafael has a new pop up, with a Peruvian-Chinese fusion menu! PLUS, restaurant of the week - Exilio Latin Flair 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: Art-filled boutique hotel in the Heights earns coveted Michelin Key Mexican restaurant with private tequila lockers sets Cypress opening First look at all-you-can-eat Brazilian steakhouse's new Katy outpost Growing Houston Hospitality Group Rolls into Briargrove with New Sushi Spot

Joe Cervantez and Raz Halili of Parkwood American Grille and Pier 6 Seafood & Oyster House join Eric on the podcast today. The pair speak with Eric about the initial idea of the Parkwood American Grille concept, why this style of cuisine, developing the menu, building the steak program, the vast array of caviar options on the menu, making chicken nuggets in house, balancing the steaks/seafood at the concept, the secret to great fried shrimp, increasing their sushi options, working with the Ladies of Libation on their cocktail program, what inspired the design of the restaurant, how things are going so far, and more! Plus, Joe and Raz give an update on how things are going at Pier 6, what's going on over in Galveston with Fish Company Taco, possible future concepts, and they hear Eric's pitch for a restaurant concept that could work here in Houston... or be a complete bust... you be the judge. 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: Growing Houston Hospitality Group Rolls into Briargrove with New Sushi Spot Food & Wine's Best New Chef List Includes Gulf Coast-Obsessed Houstonian Chef-Backed Nonprofit Will Train the Next Generation of Houston Hospitality 2 Treasured Houston Mexican Restaurants Reopen After Brief Closures Houston's Steak and Wine-Fueled New Fine Dining Restaurant Sets Opening Date

Felice Sloan, a.k.a. The Swanky Maven, is back! Felice joins Eric to discuss some of the latest happenings from the Houston food scene including H&H Bagels opening their first Houston location, Ronnie Killen's push to get a Michelin Star, and the closure of the final remnants of Underbelly Hospitality. In the Restaurants of the Week portion Parkwood American Grille and chrôma 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: Seinfeld-Approved New York Bagel Shop Sets Opening For First Houston Spot $1 Million Renovation Aims to Earn Pearland Steakhouse a Michelin Star Chris Shepherd Founded Houston Burger Joint Goes Belly Up After 4 Years 2 Treasured Houston Mexican Restaurants Reopen After Brief Closures Successful Houston Patio Bar Kirby Ice House Now Open in Clear Lake

Today on the podcast, Eric is joined by Douglas Rodriguez and Pedro Teyuca of Exilio Latin Flair. Pedro was unable to join for the first portion of the podcast so Douglas speaks with Eric about his career, where it's taken him, why he came to Houston, getting the "Godfather of Nuevo Latino Cuisine" moniker, winning a the James Beard Rising Star Chef Award back in 1996, redesigning the menu at Exilio to reflect his style, and being on the hunt for marlin. Then Pedro joins the discussion and speaks about why Douglas was the right fit, why Exilio was the right next step for the company, their service standards, and more. Plus, the group discuss the must have dishes on the menu, their goals, and Pedro drops some exclusive breaking news. 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: Chris Shepherd Founded Houston Burger Joint Goes Belly Up After 4 Years Houston's Steak and Wine Fueled New Fine Dining Restaurant Sets Opening Date Houston's Ismaili Center Adds an All Day Cafe with Tacos, Chai, and More Seinfeld-Approved New York Bagel Shop Sets Opening For First Houston Spot Innovative Houston Steak Restaurant Flames Out After Only 2 Years