Episode 470 - Ernest Servantes of Burnt Bean Co. and Leonard Botello IV of Truth BBQ react to the Texas Monthly Top 50
On a special episode of What's Eric Eating, Eric Sandler was joined by three people very much in the know about the Texas BBQ scene, to discuss the Texas Monthly Top 50 BBQ (https://www.texasmonthly.com/interactive/top-50-bbq-2025/) restaurants in Texas list! Renowned photographer and entrepreneur Robert Lerma (https://www.robertjacoblerma.com/) The pitmaster and owner of Truth BBQ (https://tr...
43m May 28, 2025
43m
Episode 469 - Hachi and Burnt Bean Co. Barbecue
Today on the podcast Eric is joined by Mary Clarkson to dive into some of the latest news from the Houston restaurant and bar scene. The pair discuss the recent closings of PostScript (https://www.instagram.com/postscripthtx/?hl=en) and B.B. Lemon (https://www.bblemon.com/) and the recent openings of Succulent Fine Dining (https://www.succulentfinedining.com/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAadGUydCr0...
31m May 27, 2025
31m
Episode 468 - Allie Peña and Aaron Bludorn of Bludorn
Chef Allie Peña and chef-owner Aaron Bludorn of Bludorn (https://www.bludornrestaurant.com/) join Eric on the show today. The pair speak with Eric about Allie taking over as executive chef at Bludorn, why Allie pursued the job, why Aaron felt Allie was the right choice, new ideas Allie has for Bludorn, staples that she plans to keep, her time running the Bar Bludorn (https://www.barbludorn.com/...
36m May 15, 2025
36m
Episode 467 - Agnes and Sherman
On today's edition of the podcast Eric is joined by Lawton Driscoll to go through some of the latest news from the Houston restaurant/bar scene. The pair discuss new restaurant Kirkwood (https://www.kirkwoodrestaurant.com/) coming this fall from the Mac Haik Restaurant Group (https://www.machaik-enterprises.com/mhrg) , John Avila's new concept Pinballz Pizzeria (https://pinballz-pizzeria-104800...
29m May 13, 2025
29m
Episode 466 - Jamie Allen of Juliet
Today on the podcast Eric is joined by Jamie Allen of Juliet (https://www.juliethtx.com/) . Jamie speaks with Eric about his career before his journey into the culinary world, why he decided to switch careers, creating Candy Shack Daiquiris (https://candyshackdaiquiris.com/) , the inspiration for Juliet, why the movie theater theme for the concept, developing the menu, his influences in the cre...
37m May 08, 2025
37m
Episode 465 - Tavola
Today on the podcast Eric is joined by a returning Felice "Swanky Maven" Sloan to discuss some of the latest news from the Houston restaurant/bar scene. The pair speak about Jason Goldstein's new non-kosher steakhouse concept, Cactus Club Cafe (https://www.cactusclubcafe.com/) opening it's 3rd US location in Houston, and Greg Gatlin of Gatlin's BBQ (https://www.gatlinsbbq.com/) making his BBQ B...
28m May 06, 2025
28m
Episode 464 - Drake Leonards of Eunice
On today's edition of What's Eric Eating, Eric is joined by Drake Leonards of Eunice (https://www.eunicerestaurant.com/) . Drake speaks with Eric about the evolution of Eunice since he was last on the podcast back in 2018, why it's important that they're open 7 days a week, fixing their patio situation, being part of the Houston chef community, the team at Eunice, the flexibility they provide c...
28m May 01, 2025
28m
Episode 463 - BeauSoleil
Today on the podcast, Eric is joined by Garden Oaks expert Monica Danna to dive into some of the latest happenings in the Houston restaurant/bar scene. The pair discuss Good Dog Houston (https://gooddoghouston.com/) closing after 12 years in the Heights, chef Arnaldo Richards new fajita delivery aptly titled FajitaDelivery.com (https://fajitadelivery.com/) , and CultureMap's list of 9 new bars ...
37m Apr 29, 2025
37m
Episode 462 - Nick Adair and Katie Adair Barnhart of Adair Concepts
Today on the podcast Eric is joined by Nick Adair and Katie Adair Barnhart of Adair Concepts (https://www.adairconcepts.com/) . The siblings discuss with Eric growing up in the restaurant business, why they wanted to continue on with the family business rather than do something different, working together, how they made Adair Kitchen (https://www.adairkitchen.com/) different from Skeeters (http...
39m Apr 24, 2025
39m
Episode 461 - Perseid
Today on the podcast Eric is joined by a returning Chelsea Thomas. The pair first discuss Chelsea making her return to the culinary scene with her new gig and then they dive into the latest Houston restaurant news. They cover Burger Chan's (https://burgerchanhtx.com/) owners adding a new co-owner, the new cowboy inspired concept coming to the inner loop, and chef Jane Wild's new cafe/bakery con...
40m Apr 22, 2025
40m
Episode 460 - Fernando Rios and Mike Sammons of MIMO
On today's edition of the podcast things are little different because Eric is live on-site! Yep, Eric had the chance to catch up with both Fernando Rios and Mike Sammons live at MIMO (https://www.mimohtx.com/) . The guys speak with Eric about how they first started working together, the fun but hard challenge of Da Marco, why the East End needed an Italian restaurant, what made the space the ch...
43m Apr 17, 2025
43m
Episode 459 - Camaraderie
Today on the podcast Eric is joined by Mary Clarkson to go through some of the latest Houston bar and restaurant news. The pair speak about the 4 Houston chefs/restaurants named finalists for James Beard awards (https://www.jamesbeard.org/stories/2025-james-beard-awards-restaurant-and-chef-nominees) , Jūn (https://www.junbykin.com/) becoming the home of a daytime coffee service called Third Pla...
32m Apr 15, 2025
32m
Episode 458 - Shawn Virene and David Buckley of Succulent Fine Dining
On today's edition of the podcast Eric is joined by Shawn Virene and David Buckley of Succulent Fine Dining (https://www.succulentfinedining.com/) . The guys speak with Eric about the inspiration for this new concept, why now was the right time for it, the desire for a patio, why David was the right fit to be the executive chef, their vision for the food, how the concept differs from a'Bouzy (h...
21m Apr 10, 2025
21m
Episode 457 - Shawn Gawle of Camaraderie
Today on the podcast Eric is joined by Shawn Gawle of Camaraderie (https://www.camaraderiehtx.com/) . Shawn speaks with Eric about what got him first interested in becoming a chef, his journey beginning with his Dad's deli to eventually working in Michelin star restaurants, working at his 2nd grade teacher's restaurant, what brought him to Houston, why he decided to join Goodnight Hospitality (...
40m Apr 03, 2025
40m
Episode 456 - Chardon and Yuston's
On today's episode Eric is joined by Mary Clarkson to discuss some of the latest happenings from the Houston restaurant/bar scene. Eric and Mary speak about the recent closings of both Auden (https://www.audenrestaurant.com/) and Mi Cocina (https://www.micocina.com/houston-river-oaks-closure/) , whether there's been an actual of rash of closings as of late, Dallas restaurants making their way t...
34m Apr 01, 2025
34m
Episode 455 - Suu Khin of Burmalicious
Today on the podcast Eric is joined by Suu Khin of Burmalicious (https://www.theburmalicious.com/) . Suu speaks with Eric about how Burmese cuisine is different from other southeast Asian food, starting her food blog, how she got on Master Chef, her experience being on the show, doing the show in the midst of the pandemic, meeting each other for the first time, sharing her Burmese heritage thro...
47m Mar 27, 2025
47m
Episode 454 - Annam & a Trip to Redbird BBQ
On today's podcast Eric is joined by Michael Fulmer to go through some of the latest news happening across the Houston restaurant/bar scene. Eric and Michael discuss Shawn Gawle's new restaurant Camaraderie (https://www.camaraderiehtx.com/) , the space that once held Flying Fish transforming into a new cocktail bar called The Kid (https://www.thehoustonkid.com/) , and Eric's road trip to Redbir...
34m Mar 25, 2025
34m
Episode 453 - Casey McNeil of Case Chocolates
Today on the podcast Eric is joined by Casey McNeil of Case Chocolates (https://www.casechocolates.com/) . Casey speaks with Eric about how he got started down the chocolate career path, the early days of his career, learning how to make chocolates with liquid centers, why he decided to open a speakeasy, wanting to tell a story with cacao, returning customers, plans for the future, and much mor...
39m Mar 20, 2025
39m
Episode 452 - Maximo
Monica Danna is back on the podcast! Eric and Monica catch up a bit and then dive into some of the latest news from the Houston bar and restaurant scene. The duo discuss Matt Toomey opening a brick and mortar location of Little Dreamer Coffee (https://www.littledreamercoffee.com/) in Montrose, Jeff Harmon bringing a new venture to Montrose called Montrose Country Club (https://www.themontroseco...
31m Mar 18, 2025
31m
Episode 451 - Kripa and Kirthan Shenoy of Auden & EaDough
On the podcast today, Eric is joined by Kripa and Kirthan Shenoy of Auden (https://www.audenrestaurant.com/) & EaDough (https://eadough.com/) . The couple speak with Eric about they first met, how they both got into their respective culinary careers, the decision to comeback to Houston after working in New York, how the ideas for their concepts grew organically, creating EaDough, how the pandem...
41m Mar 13, 2025
41m
Episode 450 - Haii Keii
Today on the podcast Eric is joined by Lawton Driscoll to discuss some of the latest news from the Houston restaurant and bar scene. The pair speak about the recent string of Steakhouse closures (Andiron (https://www.andironhtx.com/) , Karne Korean Steakhouse (https://www.karnehtx.com/) , Patton's (https://www.pattonsheights.com/) , & more), Shawn Virene's new wine focused concept Succulent Fin...
32m Mar 11, 2025
32m
Episode 449 - Sean Carroll of Melange Creperie
Eric returns for a new edition of the podcast! Sorry about Tuesday (insert oops emoji face here). On today's podcast Eric is joined by Sean Carroll of Melange Creperie (https://www.houstoncrepes.com/) which is celebrating it's 15th anniversary! Sean speaks with Eric about this awesome milestone, how he first started selling crepes, being ahead of the curve on the food truck boom, why crepes, bu...
48m Mar 06, 2025
48m
Episode 448 - Wade Schindler of Cotton Culinary
Today on the podcast Eric is joined by Wade Schindler of Cotton Culinary (https://cottonculinary.com/) . Wade gives Eric the rundown on what Cotton is, what Cotton Culinary does, how Cotton Culinary got started, and more Plus, he speaks with Eric about how he first got into the culinary industry, the challenges of responding to an area that's just experienced a natural disaster, the process of ...
22m Feb 27, 2025
22m
Episode 447 - Barbacana
Today on the podcast Eric is joined by Mary Clark, the owner of Heights Grocer! They discussed... The Houston Chronicle announcing that Bao Ong will be their new restaurant critic, replacing Alison Cook, who retired in November after 22 years in the position Ronnie Killen's decision to close down his steakhouse in The Woodlands Ramen Tatsu-ya announcing it will open its second Houston-area lo...
33m Feb 25, 2025
33m
Episode 446 - Larry McGuire of MML Hospitality
Today on the podcast Eric is joined by Larry McGuire of MML Hospitality (https://mmlhospitality.com/) . Larry speaks with Eric about his journey into becoming a restaurateur, starting Lamberts (https://lambertsaustin.com/) barbecue, going from barbecue to seafood with Perla's (https://perlasaustin.com/) oyster bar, the array of concepts he's overseen, the atmosphere they go for with their conce...
35m Feb 20, 2025
35m
Episode 445 - Mexican Sugar and Killen's Steakhouse
The Swanky Maven returns! Felice Sloan joins Eric to discuss the latest happenings from the Houston restaurant and bar scene including the closure of Money Cat (https://moneycathtx.com/) and chef Tristen Epps' ongoing pop-up series at Jūn (https://www.junbykin.com/) as part of the opening of BuBoy. In the Restaurants of the Week section, Mexican Sugar (https://www.mexicansugarcocina.com/) and K...
35m Feb 18, 2025
35m
Episode 444 - The Ultimate Houston Date Night Draft 2.0 Winner Reveal with Justin Yu
Time to find out who won The Ultimate Date Night Draft 2.0 (https://open.spotify.com/episode/5pKK3fxHK2YQ1Hq6LjbeIt?si=kK4x5poKTuWTHJiZfs8sYw) with special guest, and winner of last year's Ultimate Date Night Draft (https://open.spotify.com/episode/0ID94P3MKCYKkyh6dbJHEZ?si=hqHeyUf1SQSTotyys9WaeQ) , Justin Yu of Thorough Fare Hospitality (https://www.thoroughfareco.com/) (Theodore Rex (https://...
21m Feb 13, 2025
21m
Episode 443 - The Ultimate Houston Date Night Draft 2.0
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 abou...
1hr 11m Feb 11, 2025
1hr 11m
Episode 442 - Christian Hernandez and Priscilla Treviño of Barbacana
On today's podcast Eric is joined by Christian Hernandez and Priscilla Treviño of Barbacana (https://barbacanatx.com/) . 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 (https://www.marchrestaurant.com/) , the vision for Barbacana, what was it about Barbacana that attracted Priscill...
36m Feb 06, 2025
36m
Episode 441 - bōl and Pok Pok Po
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 (https://www.jamesbeard.org/blog/the-2025-james-beard-award-semifinalists) , Leaf ...
25m Feb 04, 2025
25m
Episode 440 - Marcos Juarez of Hidden Omakase
Today on the podcast Eric is joined by Marcos Juarez of Hidden Omakase (https://hiddenomakase.com/) . Marcos speaks with Eric about how he got into the culinary world, what led him to becoming a sushi chef, his time at Uchi (https://uchi.uchirestaurants.com/location/houston/menu/) , how he made the transition from Uchi to Hidden Omakase, working alongside Niki Vongthong, the changes he's implem...
30m Jan 23, 2025
30m
Episode 439 - Osha Thai Kitchen
The Swanky Maven herself Felice Sloan joins Eric on the podcast today. The pair speak about Bagel Bob's HTX (https://www.instagram.com/bagel_bobs/) finding a new home in a space formerly occupied by Berg Hospitality (https://www.berghospitality.com/) , the opening of Aaron Bludorn's newest concept Perseid (https://www.bunkhousehotels.com/hotel-saint-augustine/eat-drink/perseid) , and Goode Comp...
35m Jan 22, 2025
35m
Episode 438 - Cary Attar and Edel Goncalves of Fielding's Culinary Group
On today's episode Eric is joined by Cary Attar and Edel Goncalves of Fielding's Culinary Group (https://www.fieldingsculinarygroup.com/) . 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 sh...
39m Jan 16, 2025
39m
Episode 437 - Fu Fu Dim Sum & Hotpot
On today's podcast Eric is joined by Chelsea Thomas of The Infatuation Houston (https://www.theinfatuation.com/contributor/chelsea-thomas) 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 (https://www.maximo-htx.com/) getting rebooted, and the closure of Roka Akor (https://rokaakor.com/...
46m Jan 14, 2025
46m
Episode 436 - Aaron Bludorn and Cherif Mbodji of Bludorn Restaurant Group
Aaron Bludorn and Cherif Mbodji of Bludorn (https://www.bludornrestaurant.com/) , Navy Blue (https://www.navybluerestaurant.com/) , and Bar Bludorn (https://www.barbludorn.com/) 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 ...
38m Jan 09, 2025
38m
Episode 435 - Fielding's River Oaks and Space Craft BBQ
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 (https://www.instagram.com/triswoodlands/?hl=en) plus the immediate closure of the restaurant. The guys also discuss Burger Bodega's (https://www.burgerbodega.com/)...
37m Jan 07, 2025
37m
Episode 434 - Alex Smith of Atlas Restaurant Group
Happy New Year! On the first podcast of 2025, Eric is joined by Alex Smith of Atlas Restaurant Group (https://atlasrestaurantgroup.com/) . 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 ...
29m Jan 02, 2025
29m
Episode 433 - 2024 Year in Review
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 ci...
56m Dec 31, 2024
56m
Episode 432 - Ali Mesghali and Stephen Kaplan of Rumi's Kitchen
Today on the podcast Eric is joined by Ali Mesghali and Stephen Kaplan of Rumi's Kitchen (https://www.rumiskitchen.com/) . 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, Houstoni...
33m Dec 19, 2024
33m
Episode 431 - Andiron Grille & Patio
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 (https://www.elrohtx.com/) closing down after service on December 31, and also the opening of Mercato and Company (https://mercatoandcompany.com/) , a European grocery store offering items including Italian wines, pastries, chees...
27m Dec 17, 2024
27m
Episode 430 - Tim Reading of Leo's River Oaks
On today's podcast Eric is joined by Tim Reading of Leo's River Oaks (https://www.leosriveroaks.com/) . 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 descr...
43m Dec 12, 2024
43m
Episode 429 - Medium Rare
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 (https://www.esquire.com/food-drink/restaurants/a62875489/best-new-restaurants-america-2024/) and Mary shares major news regarding a new venture she's embarking on. In the Restaurant...
31m Dec 10, 2024
31m
Episode 428 - Leo's River Oaks and Mandola's Deli
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 (https://www.camaraderiehtx.com/) which is set to open in the Heights in 2025, Austin based concept Honest Mary's (https://www.honestmarys.com/) setting it's opening in H...
41m Dec 03, 2024
41m
Episode 427 - Ultimate Houston Bar Draft Results
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...
22m Nov 27, 2024
22m
Episode 426 - Ultimate Houston Bar Draft
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 Cla...
1hr 5m Nov 26, 2024
1hr 5m
Episode 425 - Stephanie Velasquez and Nicolas Vera of Ema and Papalo Taqueria
Today on the podcast Eric is joined by Stephanie Velasquez and Nicolas Vera of Ema (https://www.emahtx.com/) and Papalo Taqueria (https://www.papalomercado.com/) . Stephanie and Nicolas speak with Eric about how they both got into the culinary scene, meeting/working together at Xochi (https://www.xochihouston.com/) , how they bonded over their passion for food/working in restaurants, how dining...
44m Nov 21, 2024
44m
Episode 424 - Ishtia and Emma Jane
On today's podcast Eric is joined by Michael Fulmer to discuss some of the latest news from the Houston restaurant and bar scene. The pair discuss the removal of one Houston restaurant from the Michelin Guide (https://guide.michelin.com/us/en/article/michelin-guide-ceremony/michelin-guide-bib-gourmands-texas-austin-dallas-fort-worth-houston-san-antonio) , what they'd like the Michelin Guide (ht...
41m Nov 19, 2024
41m
Episode 423 - 3 Texas Michelin Star Winners: March, CorkScrew BBQ, & Hestia
Michelin Guide (https://guide.michelin.com/us/en/article/michelin-guide-ceremony/michelin-guide-texas-stars-green-stars-sustainability) coverage continues on the podcast this week, with today's episode featuring 3 Texas Michelin star recipients: March (https://www.marchrestaurant.com/) , CorkScrew BBQ (https://www.corkscreworders.com/) , and Hestia (https://hestiaaustin.com/) . First up, Eric i...
1hr 17m Nov 14, 2024
1hr 17m
Emergency Pod: Michelin Guide Reactions
The Michelin Guide has announced it's selections for Texas (https://guide.michelin.com/us/en/article/michelin-guide-ceremony/michelin-guide-texas-stars-green-stars-sustainability) , time to break it all down. On this episode, Eric is joined by Mary Clarkson, Monica Danna, and Michael Fulmer to discuss/react to the selections (https://guide.michelin.com/us/en/texas/restaurants) . Did Michelin ge...
53m Nov 12, 2024
53m
Episode 421 - Brittany Vaughan of Garnish Design
Brittany Vaughan of Garnish Design (https://garnishdesignco.com/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaat6w0iYbYW7KJAus9ZH_CDkGjZimdbLk45CaG2wjf4dUBvBvW_ND68QEg_aem_hK2jcJ1t1tSU0Ed4SCSkMA) joins Eric on the show today. Brittany speaks with Eric about how she developed an interest in restaurant design, pivoting into restaurant design after working front of house for years, the common things that people don...
33m Nov 07, 2024
33m