Episode 352 - Jason Gould of Common Bond and 1891 American Eatery & Bar
On this week's episode, Eric speaks with Jason Gould of Common Bond (https://www.commonbondcafe.com/) , and 1891 American Eatery & Bar (https://www.1891heights.com/) ! They discussed bringing the first classic croissant to the Houston restaurant scene, the decision to close the downtown Brasserie, trying to change the way we think about sports bars, expanding the Common Bond brand, and how the ...
28m Feb 15, 2024
28m
Episode 351 - Artisans
We're back to normal programming this week as Eric is joined by regular cohost Mary Clarkson to dive back into the latest news from the Houston restaurant and bar scene. Eric and Mary discuss the bagel drama happening with Space City Bagels (https://www.instagram.com/spacecitybagels/) formerly known as Brazos Bagel (https://www.brazosbagel.com/) just a short time ago, Dominick Lee returning to ...
27m Feb 13, 2024
27m
Episode 350 - The Ultimate Houston Date Night Draft Winner Reveal with June Rodil of Goodnight Hospitality
Time to find out who won The Ultimate Houston Date Night Draft (https://open.spotify.com/episode/16AyefB5C1vxHkj0uQOvBS?si=1ybNxwaKSkOkVRPey5uJZw) ! To determine our winner, Eric has enlisted the help of June Rodil of Goodnight Hospitality (https://www.goodnighthospitality.com/) . Listen as June reveals the winner of the Date Night Draft, why [redacted]'s lineup won her over in the end, what sh...
19m Feb 08, 2024
19m
Episode 349 - The Ultimate Houston Date Night Draft
You know what your special someone deserves from you for Valentine's Day this year? You to listen to this episode of What's Eric Eating because then you'll be fully prepared to plan the best possible date night. That's right, it's the Ultimate Houston Date Night Draft on today's edition of the podcast. Join Eric Sandler, Felice Sloan, Rafael Nasr, Justin Yu, Mary Clarkson, and Evelyn Garcia as ...
51m Feb 06, 2024
51m
Episode 348 - Ernest Servantes of Burnt Bean Co. Barbecue and Robert Jacob Lerma
Today on the podcast Eric is joined by Ernest Servantes of Burnt Bean Co. Barbecue (https://www.burntbeanco.com/) and Robert Jacob Lerma (https://www.robertjacoblerma.com/) . The guys speak with Eric about how they first became friends, eating birria tacos in Robert's backyard before it was cool to eat birria tacos in your backyard, how Ernest got started in competition barbecue, transitioning ...
1hr 4m Feb 01, 2024
1hr 4m
Episode 347 - Tavola
The Swanky Maven herself Felice Sloan joins Eric on today's podcast to go through some of the latest happenings from the Houston restaurant and bar scene. Eric and Felice discuss the 11 Houston restaurants/chefs named James Beard Award semifinalists, the sudden closure of Buffalo Bayou Brewery (https://www.buffbrew.com/) , and saying their goodbyes to Clare Smith's Alice Blue (https://www.alice...
33m Jan 30, 2024
33m
Episode 346 - Felipe Riccio and Austin Waiter of Goodnight Hospitality
On today's edition of the podcast, Eric is joined by Felipe Riccio and Austin Waiter of Goodnight Hospitality (https://www.goodnighthospitality.com/) . The pair speak with Eric about the vision for Goodnight Hospitality's new concept The Marigold Club (https://www.goodnightcharlies.com/) , the status of the concept currently, what exactly is continental cuisine, the type of food customers can e...
41m Jan 25, 2024
41m
Episode 345 - 1891 American Eatery & Bar
On today's edition of the podcast Eric is joined by Michael Fulmer to dive into some of the latest happenings from the Houston restaurant and bar scene. Eric and Michael discuss Common Bond (https://www.commonbondcafe.com/) claiming a spot in Tanglewood for their 5th bistro location, Layne's Chicken Fingers (https://www.layneschickenfingers.com/) opening their third Houston area location, and t...
26m Jan 23, 2024
26m
Episode 344 - Morgan Weber of HiWay Cantina
Today on the podcast Eric is joined by Morgan Weber of HiWay Cantina (https://www.agricolehospitality.com/hiway-cantina) . Morgan speaks with Eric about why he and the rest of the team at Agricole Hospitality (https://www.agricolehospitality.com/) decided to change things up in the east end of Houston by closing Indianola and Miss Carousel, coming up with the ideas for HiWay Catina and Lightnin...
46m Jan 18, 2024
46m
Episode 343 - Belly of the Beast and Mi Tierra Mexican Kitchen
It's Tuesday, which means it's time to dive into the latest news from the Houston restaurant and bar scene with Eric Sandler and this week's cohost Monica Danna. Eric and Monica talk about ChópnBlọk (https://chopnblok.co/) opening its first brick and mortar location, the new wine bar from Gr8 Plate Hospitality (https://www.gr8plate.com/) , and since Monica missed the annual Year in Review podca...
39m Jan 16, 2024
39m
Episode 342 - Benchawan Painter a.k.a. Chef G and Graham Painter of Street to Kitchen
Today on the podcast Eric is joined by Benchawan Jabthong Painter and Graham Painter of Street to Kitchen (https://www.streettokitchen.com/) . The couple speak with Eric about how they first met, coming to American from Thailand, the story of Chef G's braised green curry brisket that ended up leading her to SaltAir Seafood Kitchen, Chef G's experience working at SaltAir, how Graham's stepmom go...
46m Jan 11, 2024
46m
Episode 341 - Street to Kitchen and Makiin
Eric's back! The first podcast of the new year is here and on this episode Eric is joined by Mary Clarkson to catch up on the news that we missed during the holidays from the Houston bar and restaurant scene. The pair discuss Aaron Bludorn's announcement of Bar Bludorn (https://www.barbludorn.com/) , Kaitlin Steets leaving Theodore Rex (https://trexhouston.com/) after 8 years, and the new upsca...
34m Jan 09, 2024
34m
The Ultimate Houston Burger Draft (Reair)
We're doing things a little differently. The podcast is taking time off until January 9th, but that doesn't mean no episodes until then. Eric is bringing back some of his favorite episodes to your feeds while the podcast is away. Today's episode is a reairing of Episode 310 (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-310-ultimate-houston-burger-draft/id1231236807?i=1000626801273) , originall...
58m Jan 04, 2024
58m
A Conversation with Emmanuel Chavez of Tatemó (Reair)
We're doing things a little differently. The podcast is taking time off until January 9th, but that doesn't mean no episodes until then. Eric is bringing back some of his favorite episodes to your feeds while the podcast is away. Today's episode is a reairing of Episode 266 (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-266-emmanuel-chavez-of-tatem%C3%B3/id1231236807?i=1000593972791) , original...
43m Jan 02, 2024
43m
The Ultimate Houston Tex-Mex Draft (Reair)
We're doing things a little differently. The podcast is taking time off until January 9th, but that doesn't mean no episodes until then. Eric is bringing back some of his favorite episodes to your feeds while the podcast is away. Today's episode is a reairing of Episode 271 (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-271-ultimate-tex-mex-draft/id1231236807?i=1000599954431) , originally relea...
1hr 2m Dec 28, 2023
1hr 2m
The Ultimate Houston BBQ Draft (Reair)
We're doing things a little differently. The podcast is taking time off until January 9th, but that doesn't mean no episodes until then. Eric is bringing back some of his favorite episodes to your feeds while the podcast is away. Today's episode is a reairing of Episode 240 (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-240-ultimate-houston-barbecue-draft/id1231236807?i=1000560743359) , origina...
57m Dec 26, 2023
57m
Talking The Bear Season 2 with Justin Yu (Reair)
We're doing things a little different. The podcast is taking time off until January 9th, but that doesn't mean no podcast episodes at all. Eric is bringing back some of your favorite episodes to your feeds while the podcast is away. Today's episode is a reairing of Episode 294 (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-294-justin-yu-on-the-bear-season-2-plus/id1231236807?i=1000620760480) wi...
37m Dec 21, 2023
37m
Episode 340 - 2023 Year in Review
It's that time of year again! It's time to look back at the year that was in Houston food, it's the What's Eric Eating Year in Review - 2023 Edition. For this go around Eric is joined by Felice Sloan, Mary Clarkson, and Michael Fulmer to look back at some of the biggest stories, best dishes, saddest closures, best new restaurants, old favorites, and more! Plus, the group discuss ideas for food ...
1hr 6m Dec 19, 2023
1hr 6m
Episode 339 - Aaron Bludorn and Alexandra Peña of Bar Bludorn
Today on the show, Eric is joined by Aaron Bludorn and Alexandra Peña of Bar Bludorn (https://www.barbludorn.com/) . The trio discuss how the new Bar Bludorn concept came to be, coming up with the name, what type of food customers can expect, the design, the reactions they're getting from deciding to open in the Memorial area, and more. The group also discuss Alexandra's story of discovering Bl...
42m Dec 14, 2023
42m
Episode 338 - Cocody Restaurant & Bar and La Griglia
Eric is joined on today's edition of the podcast by Mary Clarkson to discuss some of the latest news from the Houston restaurant and bar scene. The pair react to the recent closings of Acme Oyster House (https://acmeoyster.com/) and Common Bond's (https://www.commonbondcafe.com/) brasserie location. Plus, Eric and Mary discuss Ben Berg's announcement of the opening date of his new concept Tavol...
43m Dec 12, 2023
43m
Episode 337 - Tony Nguyen of Xin Chao and Saigon House
On today's edition of What's Eric Eating, Eric is joined by Tony Nguyen of Xin Chao (https://www.xinchaohtx.com/) and Saigon House (https://www.saigonhousehtx.com/) . The guys speak about how Tony got into the restaurant business, starting Wokker (https://www.wokkerhtx.com/) , why Tony got a cease and desist letter from Chuck Norris... yes that Chuck Norris, how he started Saigon House, where T...
30m Dec 07, 2023
30m
Episode 336 - Mi Cocina
On today's podcast Eric is joined by Monica Danna to discuss some of the latest happenings from the Houston restaurant and bar scene. The pair speak about Nonno's Family Pizza Tavern (https://www.houstonsbestpizza.com/home) being named Pizza Joint of the Year as part of Esquire's Best New Restaurants in America (https://www.esquire.com/food-drink/restaurants/a45847159/best-new-restaurants-in-am...
31m Dec 05, 2023
31m
Episode 335 - Kyle Noonan of Free Range Concepts
Today on the podcast, Eric is joined by Kyle Noonan of Free Range Concepts (https://freerangeconcepts.com/) . The pair dive into how Kyle got into the hospitality business, everything that went into starting up Free Range Concepts, creating The Rustic (https://therustic.com/) , working with Pat Green, developing The General Public (https://thegenpublic.com/) , how they expanded their portfolio ...
36m Nov 30, 2023
36m
Episode 334 - Rumi's Kitchen, Comalito, and Burnt Bean Company
On today's podcast Eric is joined by Michael Fulmer. The pair dive into some of the latest happenings from the Houston restaurant and bar scene including the opening of Dallas-based Tex-Mex staple Mi Cocina in the River Oaks area and the beloved El Bolillo Bakery opening up their 4th location in the  Mission Bend neighborhood. In a packed Restaurants of the Week section; Rumi's Kitchen (https:/...
32m Nov 28, 2023
32m
Episode 333 - Deets Hoffman of Leaf & Grain
Today on the show Eric is joined by Deets Hoffman of Leaf & Grain (https://eatlg.com/) . Deets speaks with Eric about his high school sandwich shack dreams, his early culinary career, underestimating the day to day prep of a restaurant, the idea behind Leaf & Grain, what the first year taught him, how things work at Leaf & Grain, when it became clear that they could expand to more locations, co...
34m Nov 22, 2023
34m
Episode 332 - Hotel Lucine, The Fancy, Katami, Hudson House, and Catbirds
On today's podcast Eric is joined by Mary Clarkson. The pair dive into some of the latest happenings from the Houston restaurant and bar scene including Seth Siegel-Gardner becoming the new culinary and creative director for Benjy Levit's restaurants and rising star chef Tim Reading heading to Leo's River Oaks (https://www.leosriveroaks.com/) . In a jam packed Restaurants of the Week section; H...
38m Nov 21, 2023
38m
Episode 331 - Paul Petronella & Elyse Wilson of Camerata
Today on the podcast Eric is joined by Paul Petronella and Elyse Wilson of Camerata. Paul and Elyse speak with Eric about a multitude of topics including Paulie's being a staple in the Houston restaurant scene 25 years later, what brought Elyse to Camerata, Elyse's culinary career before Camerata, the sorcery of sommeliers, how Camerata has stood out since it's opening 10 years ago, bringing ba...
41m Nov 16, 2023
41m
Episode 330 - Auden and State of Grace
On today's podcast Eric is joined by Monica Danna! The pair dive into some of the latest headlines from the Houston restaurant and bar scene including Jonathan Levine's announcement that a second location of Jonathan's the Rub (https://www.jonathanstherub.com/) is opening in the East End, the new Washington D.C. based concept Medium Rare (https://www.mediumrarerestaurant.com/index.php) coming t...
43m Nov 14, 2023
43m
Episode 329 - Dany Kamkhagi of Mostly Chocolate & Catering
Today on the podcast Eric is joined by Dany Kamkhagi of Mostly Chocolate & Catering (https://mostlyhtx.com/) . Dany speaks with Eric about his family's history in the chocolate business, working with his parents early on, becoming a chocolatier, the apprenticeship that changed his perspective, changing the way they operated, how they grew the business, the Rodeo Best Bite competition, the curre...
43m Nov 09, 2023
43m
Episode 328 - Clark's Oyster Bar
The Swanky Maven herself Felice Sloan joins Eric on the podcast today to discuss some of the latest happenings in the Houston restaurant and bar scene. The pair speak about La Griglia's (https://www.lagrigliarestaurant.com/) move to Montrose, Relish (https://www.relishhouston.com/) opening it's second location in the Memorial area, and The Original Ninfa's (https://ninfas.com/) bringing in some...
47m Nov 07, 2023
47m
Episode 327 - Jonathan Horowitz of the Houston Hospitality Alliance
Today on the podcast Eric is joined by Jonathan Horowitz of the Houston Hospitality Alliance (https://houstonhospitalityalliance.com/) . Jonathan speaks with Eric about his recent time/career in the hospitality industry, the work he's done with Buffalo Bayou Brewing leading him to what he's currently doing with the Houston Hospitality Alliance, what the Houston Hospitality Alliance is, what the...
58m Nov 02, 2023
58m
Episode 326 - Annabelle Brasserie
On today's episode of the podcast Eric is joined by Linda Salinas to discuss some of the latest from the Houston restaurant and bar scene. The pair discuss their expectations for the future of the Thompson Hotel (set to open in December) following their partnership with TableOne Hospitality, speak about KP's Kitchen (https://www.kps-kitchen.com/) opening their 2nd location in the Bellaire Trian...
26m Oct 31, 2023
26m
Episode 325 - Keath Jacoby and Leila Ortiz of Hotel Lucine
Eric is joined today by Keath Jacoby and Leila Ortiz of Hotel Lucine (https://www.hotellucine.com/) in Galveston. Keath and Leila speak with Eric about the inspiration behind Hotel Lucine, why open the boutique hotel in Galveston, why this was the right next step for Leila, what patrons can expect from the Fancy, the Fancy being available to hotel guests and the Galveston community at large, ho...
37m Oct 25, 2023
37m
Episode 324 - Coastline Artisan Pizzeria
On today's episode of the podcast Eric is joined by Michael Fulmer to discuss some of the latest from the Houston restaurant and bar scene. The pair dive into the Houston Chronicle's top 100 restaurants of 2023 (https://www.houstonchronicle.com/projects/2023/best-houston-restaurants/) list, speak about Kaiser Lashkari opening up his own cooking school, and Street to Kitchen's (https://www.stree...
34m Oct 24, 2023
34m
Episode 323 - Andrew Smith of Savory Fund
Andrew Smith of Savory Fund (https://savory.mercatopartners.com/) joins the show today. Andrew speaks with Eric about the creation of Savory Fund, going from a few units to over 100 in a span of 10 years, identifying what brands are good to become a Savory Fund restaurant, how the process works, discovering Saigon Hustle (https://saigonhustle.com/) through their $1 million restaurant launch, Sa...
33m Oct 19, 2023
33m
Episode 322 - Norigami
Today on the podcast Eric is joined by Monica Danna to discuss some of the latest news from the Houston restaurant and bar scene. The pair speak about City Cellars HTX (https://www.citycellarshtx.com/) opening it's new location in the massive scale East River development, Agricole Hospitality (https://www.agricolehospitality.com/) opening it's new bar concept Lightnin’s Good Times (https://www....
33m Oct 17, 2023
33m
Episode 321 - Rob Wright and Jabril Riddick of Rockhouse Southern Kitchen
Eric welcomes Rob Wright and Jabril Riddick of Rockhouse Southern Kitchen (https://www.rockhousehtx.com/) to the podcast today. Rob and Jabril speak with Eric about getting Rockhouse Southern Kitchen started, Jabril's early career, what brought Jabril to the project, how the concept has evolved since opening, the menu they've developed, the live music aspect of Rockhouse Southern Kitchen, how t...
32m Oct 12, 2023
32m
Episode 320 - Dough Zone Dumpling House
Linda Salinas joins Eric on the podcast today. The duo discuss some of the latest news from the Houston restaurant and bar scene including La Cruderia (https://www.lacruderiabar.com/) coming to Spring Branch for their 2nd location, Dumpling Haus (https://www.instagram.com/dumplinghaushtx/) closing in Sawyer Yards, and Jane Wild's (https://www.janeandthelion.com/) new pop-up dinner series. In th...
18m Oct 10, 2023
18m
Episode 319 - Washington Ho of HoBuzz and House of Ho
Reality TV star Washington Ho of House of Ho (https://www.max.com/shows/house-of-ho/ae1ceff1-2efd-4de2-9d6c-be80ee90cde1) and one of the co-founders of HoBuzz (https://hobuzzco.com/) joins the show today! Washington speaks with Eric about the restaurant that stirred on his love for food, his favorite fine dining experience, how House of Ho got started, showcasing Houston on the show, how he's p...
32m Oct 05, 2023
32m
Episode 318 - Barcelona Wine Bar and Nobie's
Eric is joined by Mary Clarkson today to discuss some of the latest news from the Houston restaurant and bar scene. The duo discuss Mandito's Tex-Mex (https://www.manditostexmex.com/) opening a location in Katy, Saint Arnold Brewing Company (https://www.saintarnold.com/) winning at the Great American Beer Festival (https://www.greatamericanbeerfestival.com/) , and Saint Arnold hiring Chase Reid...
36m Oct 03, 2023
36m
Episode 317 - Alain Verzeroli and Felipe Botero of Le Jardinier
Chef Alain Verzeroli and Chef Felipe Botero of Le Jardinier (https://lejardinier-houston.com/) at MFAH (https://www.mfah.org/) join Eric on today's show! Alain and Felipe share with Eric stories from the early days of their respective careers, what brought Alain from Tokyo to America, the culinary philosophy of Le Jardinier, the importance for Le Jardinier to have a connection with nature with ...
43m Sep 28, 2023
43m
Episode 316 - Balboa Surf Club
It's Wednesday... wait it's Wednesday and there's a What's Eric Eating podcast?! Yep, Eric is joined by the Swanky Maven herself Felice Sloan to discuss why the Wednesday podcast. Plus the two discuss the latest news from the Houston Restaurant and bar scene beginning with the New York Times naming 2 Houston restaurants to it's list of "The 50 Places in the United States We're Most Excited Abou...
31m Sep 27, 2023
31m
Episode 315 - Sara Brook of Dessert Gallery
Sara Brook of Dessert Gallery (https://www.dessertgallery.com/) stops by the podcast today! Sara speaks with Eric about what it was like when she first started Dessert Gallery 28 years ago, why she wanted to open a pastry shop, how Dessert Gallery was different than most when it first started, developing the menu, dessert trends, recognizing a wide array of communities through dessert offerings...
26m Sep 21, 2023
26m
Episode 314 - Nonno's Family Pizza Tavern
Today on the podcast Eric is joined by Monica Danna to go over the latest news from the Houston restaurant and bar scene. The pair discuss chef Emmanuel Chavez of Tatemó (https://www.tatemohtx.com/) being named to Food & Wine's Best New Chef's (https://www.foodandwine.com/2023-best-new-chefs-7852273) list for 2023, Levi Goode going solo for 2 new projects under his personal brand, and Dough Zon...
36m Sep 19, 2023
36m
Episode 313 - Joe Cervantez and Raz Halili of Pier 6 Seafood & Oyster House
Joe Cervantez and Raz Halili of Pier 6 Seafood & Oyster House (https://www.pier6seafood.com/) join Eric on today's show. Joe and Raz speak with Eric about how things have changed since they were last on the podcast back during the height of the pandemic, the vast amount of offerings they have at Pier 6, what they've added to their menu, their bungalow additions, getting nominated for a James Be...
29m Sep 14, 2023
29m
Episode 312 - Moon Rabbit and Best Regards
Today on the podcast Eric is joined by Linda Salinas to discuss the latest happenings from the Houston restaurant and bar scene. The pair discuss Reserve 101 (https://www.reserve101.com/) 's rollout of their new vintage spirits program, Dak & Bop (https://www.dakandbop.com/) returning to it's original Museum District location, and Betelgeuse Betelgeuse (https://www.betelgeusehou.com/) opening i...
30m Sep 12, 2023
30m
Episode 311 - Ultimate Houston Burger Draft Winner Picked by Abbas Dhanani of Burger Bodega
In the epic conclusion of the Ultimate Houston Burger Draft (https://open.spotify.com/episode/5rmaX6CBUwRSHSA6LR3Jzn?si=o8IWyzkGTKiSGjZXxBPEAg) we find out who won the draft as picked by Abbas Dhanani of Burger Bodega (https://www.burgerbodega.com/) . Abbas explains to Eric why [redacted]'s line up won, what he thought of the selections all around, what he would have selected had he participate...
15m Sep 07, 2023
15m
Episode 310 - Ultimate Houston Burger Draft
It's football season so that means fantasy football is in full swing... which doesn't mean much for this show because it's all about burgers! Specifically drafting the most delicious burger lineup possible from Houston area burger restaurants. Join Eric Sandler, Mary Clarkson, Michael Fulmer, Monica Danna, Ryan Lachaine, and Bobby Matos as they select their ultimate burger lineup! Here's what ...
45m Sep 05, 2023
45m
Episode 309 - Bobby Heugel of Thorough Fare Hospitality
Bobby Heugel of Thorough Fare Hospitality (https://www.thoroughfareco.com/) makes his return to What's Eric Eating. Bobby speaks with Eric about the acquisition of Catbirds, keeping Catbirds as an affordable neighborhood bar, when Catbirds will reopen, the story behind the creation of Refuge, the atmosphere at they wanted to create at Refuge (https://www.refugehouston.com/) , thoughts on the Mo...
46m Aug 31, 2023
46m
Episode 308 - Dante's River Oaks and Goode Co. Kitchen & Cantina
Today on the podcast Eric is joined by Michael Fulmer to discuss some of the latest happenings from the Houston restaurant and bar scene including the 4 Houston restaurants named to Texas Monthly's new and improved BBQ joints list, the sudden closure of the iconic Pho restaurant Pho Binh Trailer (https://www.phobinh.com/) , and Ryan Granger's new full service concept heading to the Museum Distr...
34m Aug 29, 2023
34m