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PODCAST

What"s Eric Eating

What"s Eric Eating

Every week, CultureMap Editor Eric Sandler examines the Houston culinary landscape, giving you the latest news, restaurant reviews, and interviews with some of the most interesting people in the scene. New episodes of the What"s Eric Eating? podcast drop every Tuesday and Thursday.

society & culture food

All Episodes

38:28

Episode 545 - The Green Room

What"s Eric Eating ·

2026/03/31

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

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34:32

Episode 544 - Tom Cunanan, Daniel Davidson, and Brian...

What"s Eric Eating ·

2026/03/26

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

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41:23

Episode 543 - Long Weekend

What"s Eric Eating ·

2026/03/24

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 eric@culturemap.com. Follow Eric on

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41:58

Episode 542 - Ryan Hildebrand of Killen's

What"s Eric Eating ·

2026/03/19

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,

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32:43

Episode 541 - The Culinary Cup, Texas Roadhouse, &...

What"s Eric Eating ·

2026/03/17

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

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35:39

Episode 540 - Paul Miller of Gr8 Plate Hospitality

What"s Eric Eating ·

2026/03/12

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

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26:20

Episode 539 - Bar Xolo

What"s Eric Eating ·

2026/03/10

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

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26:22

Episode 538 - Reginald Scott of The Smoke and Coarse

What"s Eric Eating ·

2026/03/05

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,

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20:21

Episode 537 - Lee's

What"s Eric Eating ·

2026/03/03

Today on the podcast Eric is joined by CultureMap contributor Brianna McClane. Brianna and Eric dive into some of the latest news from the Houston bar and restaurant scene including; Cochinita & Co. getting ready to open a 2nd location and the relaunch of Fancy's under new ownership. In the Restaurants of the Week portion, Lee's is featured. Got a question for Eric? Email him at eric@culturemap.com. Follow Eric on Instagram @ericsandler and check out some of Eric's latest articles online at

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35:01

Episode 536 - Chico Ramirez of Johnny Ritas Cocina y...

What"s Eric Eating ·

2026/02/26

On today's edition of the show Eric is joined by Chico Ramirez of Johnny Ritas Cocina y Cantina. Chico speaks with Eric about what happened with White Elm Brasserie, why Johnny Ritas was the right choice as his next project, deciding where to setup the concept, designing the space, developing the menu, why it was important to describe their food as "authentic Mexican cuisine with Tex-Mex familiarity", what they offer at brunch, how the cocktail program stands out, how his grandparents influenced

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24:54

Episode 535 - Weights and Measures, revived

What"s Eric Eating ·

2026/02/24

Episode 535 of What's Eric Eating, with Eric Sandler! This week Eric was joined by the Swanky Maven, Felice Sloan, an expert on food, wine, and good times to discuss...Pop Up Bagels, a national bagel chain with a couple locations opening up in Houston The Green Room, a new 26 seat, intimate dining experience in town Lo-Lo’s Chicken & Waffles, a cult favorite chicken and waffles chain opening in our city And the restaurant of the week is 'Weights and Measures' Got a question for Eric? Email

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36:13

Episode 534 - Dave Mattern and Cary Grider of Trulucks

What"s Eric Eating ·

2026/02/19

On today's edition of the podcast Eric is joined by Dave Mattern and Cary Grider of Trulucks. Dave and Cary speak with Eric about their culinary careers leading up to Trulucks, the early days of Trulucks, being known for stone crab, their recent renovations, their intentional culture that allows for longevity with it's staff as well as business cards, the difference between their ownership situation versus other restaurants around the city, the company's thoughtful growth approach, being more of a

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35:29

Episode 533 - Hong Kong Food Street and Honest Mary's

What"s Eric Eating ·

2026/02/17

Today on the show Eric is joined by Raffi Nasr of Craft Pita to go through some of the latest happenings from the Houston restaurant and bar scene. First Raffi and Eric discuss a CultureMap exclusive regarding Brasserie 19 owner Charles Clark's 2 new Italian concepts coming soon, 2 recent closures (Succulent Fine Dining and Fainmous BBQ), and the return of Spanish Village. In the Restaurants of the Week portion Hong Kong Food Street and Honest Mary's are featured. Got a question for Eric? Email

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17:57

Episode 532 - The Ultimate Date Night Draft 3.0...

What"s Eric Eating ·

2026/02/12

Time to find out who won The Ultimate Houston Date Night Draft 3.0 with special guest judges Erin Smith and Patrick Feges of Feges BBQ. The couple speak with Eric about why they felt [redacted] had the best lineup, the process they took in selecting the winning team, what selections stood out to them, what they would've selected, and more! Plus, they give an update on what's been happening at Feges BBQ. Got a question for Eric? Email him at eric@culturemap.com. Follow Eric on Instagram @ericsandler

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69:47

Episode 531 - The Ultimate Houston Date Night Draft 3.0

What"s Eric Eating ·

2026/02/10

Since it's Valentines season Eric said "you know, we should do another Date Night Draft" and since it's Eric's show we said... well nothing you know because it's his show.The Ultimate Houston Date Night Draft is back for a 3rd iteration! This year, Eric is joined by Chelsea Thomas, Monica Danna, Brianna McGriff, Dominick Lee, and Chris Shepherd to draft the perfect date night lineup. This year's categories are: First Date, Coffee Date, Place Your Friends Won't See You Date, Happy Hour Date, Breakup

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37:55

Episode 530 - Paul Prior of Lankford's

What"s Eric Eating ·

2026/02/05

On today's edition of the show Eric is joined by Paul Prior of Lankford's. Paul speaks with Eric about the history of Lankford's, inheriting the family business, being known for burgers, expansions to the menu, the evolution of the Midtown location, why Bellaire was the right place for their 2nd location, possible areas they'd like to expand to, changing to counter service, the opening of The Woodlands location, what's new at the 3rd location, listening to customer feedback, and much more!Got a

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33:17

Episode 529 - Pinkerton’s Barbecue and Sushi Horiuchi

What"s Eric Eating ·

2026/02/03

Today on the podcast Eric is joined by Michael Fulmer, a co-founder of the Houston BBQ Festival, to go through some of the latest happenings in Houston food. Michael and Eric discuss Fielding's River Oaks' rebranding as Fielding's Steak, the new Arizona seafood concept making it's way to Houston, and the closure of Wooster's Garden. In the Restaurants of the Week portion the new location of Pinkerton's Barbecue and Sushi Horiuchi are featured. Got a question for Eric? Email him at

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36:57

Episode 528 - Shiva and Rick Di Virgilio of ŌPORTO...

What"s Eric Eating ·

2026/01/29

Today on the podcast Eric is joined by Shiva and Rick Di Virgilio of ŌPORTO Fooding House & Wine and da Gama canteen. Shiva and Rick speak with Eric about how they first met, the initial humble beginnings of Oporto, wanting to experiment at The Queen Vic, the early days of craft cocktails, blending Portuguese and Indian cuisine, why they decided to move Oporto, the benefits of the bigger space, how Midtown has changed over the years, evolving over time, developing da Gama, what dishes they

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25:48

Episode 527 - Zaranda

What"s Eric Eating ·

2026/01/27

On today's edition of the podcast Eric is joined by Mary Clarkson of Heights Grocer and Montrose Grocer. The pair discuss some of the latest news from the Houston restaurant and bar scene including the 12 local restaurants/chefs announced as James Beard Semifinalists, Paulie's cookies living on in a new venture, and a new concept called Exilio Latin Flair coming to Montrose. In the Restaurants of the Week portion, Zaranda is featured. Got a question for Eric? Email him at eric@culturemap.com

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30:01

Episode 526 - Cooper Abercrombie of Bar-A-BBQ

What"s Eric Eating ·

2026/01/22

On today's podcast, Eric is joined by Cooper Abercrombie of Bar-A-BBQ. Cooper speaks with Eric about what drew him to barbecue, how mom's in the neighborhood got the business growing, his helpful barbecue connections, what brought him to Montgomery, developing the weekly specials, what customers can expect at Bar-A-BBQ, moving to a new location, possible expansions to the menu once they're in their new space, the attention they've received, his team, future plans, and the story of a neighbor that

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551 results

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