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
Episode 420 - Maven Coffee + Cocktails
Fluff Bake Bar's (https://www.fluffbakebar.com/) Rebecca Masson makes her triumphant return to What's Eric Eating! Eric catches up with Rebecca, then the pair dive into some of the latest news from the Houston restaurant and bar scene including Levi Goode's confirmation on last week's podcast (https://houston.culturemap.com/news/restaurants-bars/levi-goode-credence-kitchen-cantina/) that a new ...
34m Nov 05, 2024
34m
Episode 419 - Levi Goode of Goode Company Restaurants and Credence
Today on the podcast Eric is joined by Levi Goode of Goode Company Restaurants (https://goodecompany.com/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAabw1tNq-8ahy5eeDlY-3V-6s0T9iiPQK7LFEkVCFGEjRN988aqdqGtd0CY_aem_VKFkTNGWdLawtbzIUeTsqw) and Credence (https://credencehtx.com/) . Levi speaks with Eric about his decision to open his first solo project with Credence, the inspiration for Credence, the design choices ...
35m Oct 31, 2024
35m
Episode 418 - Mi Luna
On today's podcast Eric is joined by Monica Danna to discuss some of the latest happenings in the Houston restaurant and bar world. The pair react to the Houston Chronicle's Top 100 Restaurant's List (https://www.houstonchronicle.com/projects/2024/best-restaurants-houston/) , the closures of Nippon (https://www.nippon-sushi.com/) and Cecil's Pub (https://www.instagram.com/cecilspub_htx/?hl=en) ...
40m Oct 29, 2024
40m
Episode 417 - Thy and Matthew Mitchell of Traveler’s Table and Traveler's Cart
On today's edition of What's Eric Eating, Thy and Matthew Mitchell of Traveler's Table (https://www.travelerstable.com/) and Traveler's Cart (https://www.travelerscart.com/) stop by. The pair speak with Eric about how they got into the culinary world, why Matthew decided to leave his lucrative pharmaceutical job to go to culinary school, Thy's family restaurant background, the influences behind...
41m Oct 24, 2024
41m
Episode 416 - Dandelion Cafe
Today on the 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 the plan real-estate company Rebees' (https://rebees.com/) has for a reimagined GreenStreet (https://greenstreetdowntown.com/) , the opening of the firs...
33m Oct 22, 2024
33m
Episode 415 - Seth Siegel-Gardner, Kent Domas, and Máté Hartai of Milton's
On the podcast today, Eric is joined by Seth Siegel-Gardner, Kent Domas, and Máté Hartai of Milton's (https://www.instagram.com/miltonshtx/) . The trio speak with Eric about developing Milton's, how the restaurant is doing in it's first 3 weeks of service, what they wanted to do with the food menu, how the drink program is evolving, embracing old school Italian dishes, and much more about Milto...
41m Oct 17, 2024
41m
Episode 414 - Milton's
On today's show, Eric is joined by Michael Fulmer to dive into some of the latest news from the Houston restaurant and bar scene. The guys discuss Blacksmith (https://www.instagram.com/bl4cksmith/) opening a new kiosk location in Memorial City and Saigon Hustle (https://saigonhustle.com/) opening a larger 2nd location in Spring Branch. In the Restaurants of the Week portion, Milton's (https://w...
29m Oct 15, 2024
29m
Episode 413 - (Southern) Smoke Gets in Your Eyes
Doing this a little different on today's podcast. A day ahead of the Southern Smoke Festival (https://southernsmoke.org/festival/ssf-2024/) , Eric had a chance to catch up with some of the chefs participating at this year's event. In this episode you'll hear Eric speak with Sam Fore of Tuk Tuk Snack Shop (https://www.tuktuksnackshop.com/) , Cheetie Kumar of Ajja (https://www.ajjaeats.com/) , Ja...
42m Oct 10, 2024
42m
Episode 412 - Credence and ChòpnBlọk
Today on the podcast Eric is joined by the Swanky Maven Felice Sloan to discuss some of the latest happenings in the Houston restaurant and bar scene. The pair speak about the Michelin Guide (https://guide.michelin.com/us/en/article/news-and-views/the-michelin-guide-expands-to-texas) getting ready to announce the Texas restaurants receiving stars at a ceremony in Houston on November 11th (https...
37m Oct 08, 2024
37m
Episode 411 - Marin Slanina and Miranda Q of Star Sailor
On the podcast today Eric is joined by Marin Slanina and Miranda Q of Star Sailor (https://starsailorhtx.com/) . Marin and Miranda speak with Eric about how they got into the hospitality industry, Marin's journey into craft beer brewing, how the opportunity to open Star Sailor came up, why the food side of Star Sailor became a much needed part of the business, what made Miranda decide to move f...
32m Oct 03, 2024
32m
Episode 410 - State of Grace
On today's edition of the podcast, Eric is joined by Mary Clarkson to discuss the latest happenings from the Houston restaurant and bar scene, including several notable restaurant closings including Benny Chows (https://houston.culturemap.com/news/restaurants-bars/benny-chows-closing-ben-berg/) , HiWay Cantina, and Vinny's Pizza (https://houston.culturemap.com/news/restaurants-bars/hiway-cantin...
30m Oct 01, 2024
30m
Episode 409 - Ford Fry and Bobby Matos of Rocket Farm Restaurants
Today on the podcast Eric is joined by Ford Fry and Bobby Matos of Rocket Farm Restaurants (https://www.rocketfarmrestaurants.com/) , the hospitality group behind local concepts State of Grace (https://stateofgracetx.com/) , La Lucha (https://laluchatx.com/) , Superica (https://superica.com/heights/) , and Little Rey (https://www.littlerey.com/houston) . The guys speak with Eric about why they ...
35m Sep 26, 2024
35m
Episode 408 - Drake's Hollywood and Októ
Today Eric's joined by Monica Danna to go through the some of the latest news from the Houston restaurant and bar scene including Ronnie Killen's announcement of the closure of Killen's STQ (https://www.killensstq.com/) , Katz's (https://katzsneverkloses.com/) opening a new location in the Memorial City area, and Loro's (https://www.loroeats.com/) 2nd Houston location has an opening date. In th...
41m Sep 24, 2024
41m
Episode 407 - Ope Amosu of ChòpnBlọk
Today on the show, Eric is joined by Ope Amosu of ChòpnBlọk (https://chopnblok.co/) . Ope and Eric discuss Opeyemi's journey from the pop up he held in an apartment complex years ago to now opening his first brick & mortar location of ChòpnBlọk. Plus, Ope speaks with Eric about why the space in Montrose was the right spot for him, the design of the location, the references/symbolism made within...
37m Sep 12, 2024
37m
Episode 406 - Kira
On today's edition of the podcast, Eric is joined by Mary Clarkson to discuss the latest happenings from the Houston restaurant and bar scene including Underbelly Hospitality (https://underbellyhospitality.com/) closing Wild Oats (https://wildoatshouston.com/) , Nando's Peri-Peri (https://www.nandosperiperi.com/) claiming it's 3rd Houston area location, and Postino WineCafé (https://www.postino...
27m Sep 10, 2024
27m
Episode 405 - Bobby Heugel of Thorough Fare Hospitality
Today on the podcast Eric is joined by Bobby Heugel of Thorough Fare Hospitality (https://www.thoroughfareco.com/) for in-depth conversation regarding the pricing structure at restaurants and bars. Bobby and Eric speak about the differences now versus pre-pandemic, the cost of goods, the cumulative effects of alcohol/food inflation, the rise of labor costs, what a personal guarantee for lease m...
58m Sep 05, 2024
58m
Episode 404 - Thai Tail and Ramen Moto
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 the closure of 2 Houston area Shake Shack (https://shakeshack.com/#/) locations and Houston Restaurant Weeks (https://houstonrestaurantweeks.com/) extendi...
26m Sep 03, 2024
26m
Episode 403 - Manabu “Hori” Horiuchi and Ryan Snyder of Katami
On today's edition of the show, Eric is joined by Manabu “Hori” Horiuchi and Ryan Snyder of Katami (https://www.katamihouston.com/) . The guys cover a range of topics with Eric, including how Ryan and Hori-san first met, what Ryan learned early on from Hori-san, why Hori-san left for Kata Robata (https://www.katarobata.com/) , the beginnings of Kata Robata, what went into the decision to evolve...
41m Aug 29, 2024
41m