Today on the podcast Eric is joined by Casey McNeil of Case Chocolates. 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, …

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 in Montrose, Jeff Harmon bringing a new venture to Montrose called Montrose Country Club (if you're thinkin…

On the podcast today, Eric is joined by Kripa and Kirthan Shenoy of Auden & EaDough. 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 pandemic affected …

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, Karne Korean Steakhouse, Patton's, & more), Shawn Virene's new wine focused concept Succulent Fine Dining, and the 3 Houston concepts that made T…

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 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, …

Today on the podcast Eric is joined by Wade Schindler of Cotton Culinary. 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,…

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 annou…

Today on the podcast Eric is joined by Larry McGuire of MML Hospitality. Larry speaks with Eric about his journey into becoming a restaurateur, starting Lamberts barbecue, going from barbecue to seafood with Perla's oyster bar, the array of concepts he's overseen, the atmosphere they go for with their concepts, why they decided to come to Houston, …

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 and chef Tristen Epps' ongoing pop-up series at Jūn as part of the opening of BuBoy. In the Restaurants of the Week section, Mexican Sugar and Killen's Steakhouse are featured. Plus, Felice …

Time to find out who won The Ultimate Date Night Draft 2.0 with special guest, and winner of last year's Ultimate Date Night Draft, Justin Yu of Thorough Fare Hospitality (Theodore Rex, Squable, Better Luck Tomorrow, & more). Justin explains why [redacted] was the winner of the draft, his thoughts on the selections all around, the picks that stoodo…

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…

On today's podcast Eric is joined by Christian Hernandez and Priscilla Treviño of Barbacana. 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, the vision for Barbacana, what was it about Barbacana that attracted Priscilla to joining the …

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, Leaf & Grain getting set to open 2…

Today on the podcast Eric is joined by Marcos Juarez of Hidden Omakase. Marcos speaks with Eric about how he got into the culinary world, what led him to becoming a sushi chef, his time at Uchi, how he made the transition from Uchi to Hidden Omakase, working alongside Niki Vongthong, the changes he's implemented since taking over, the preparation n…

The Swanky Maven herself Felice Sloan joins Eric on the podcast today. The pair speak about Bagel Bob's HTX finding a new home in a space formerly occupied by Berg Hospitality, the opening of Aaron Bludorn's newest concept Perseid, and Goode Company opening their new Kitchen & Cantina concept along with a speakeasy concept within it called Bar Buen…

On today's episode Eric is joined by Cary Attar and Edel Goncalves of Fielding's Culinary Group. 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 th…

On today's podcast Eric is joined by Chelsea Thomas of The Infatuation Houston 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 getting rebooted, and the closure of Roka Akor. In the Restaurants of the Week section, Fu Fu Dim Sum & Hotpot i…

Aaron Bludorn and Cherif Mbodji of Bludorn, Navy Blue, and Bar Bludorn 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 the new Hotel Saint Augustine, developing the menu at Persei…

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 plus the immediate closure of the restaurant. The guys also discuss Burger Bodega's announcement of a new Katy locati…

Happy New Year! On the first podcast of 2025, Eric is joined by Alex Smith of Atlas Restaurant Group. 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'…

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 everyt…

Today on the podcast Eric is joined by Ali Mesghali and Stephen Kaplan of Rumi's Kitchen. 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 …

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 closing down after service on December 31, and also the opening of Mercato and Company, a European grocery store offering items including Italian wines, pastries, cheese and charcute…

On today's podcast Eric is joined by Tim Reading of Leo's River Oaks. 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…

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 and Mary shares major news regarding a new venture she's embarking on. In the Restaurants of the Week portion Medium Rare is featured. …

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 which is set to open in the Heights in 2025, Austin based concept Honest Mary's setting it's opening in Houston window to f…

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 lef…

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 Drisco…

Today on the podcast Eric is joined by Stephanie Velasquez and Nicolas Vera of Ema and Papalo Taqueria. Stephanie and Nicolas speak with Eric about how they both got into the culinary scene, meeting/working together at Xochi, how they bonded over their passion for food/working in restaurants, how dining at a restaurant in Mexico became the inspirat…

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, what they'd like the Michelin Guide to improve upon in the future, the Houston Chronicle's Alison Cook announcement that she's leaving the C…

Michelin Guide coverage continues on the podcast this week, with today's episode featuring 3 Texas Michelin star recipients: March, CorkScrew BBQ, and Hestia. First up, Eric is joined by June Rodil and Felipe Riccio of Goodnight Hospitality, then Nichole and Will Buckman of CorkScrew BBQ stop by, and finally Tavel Bristol-Joseph of Emmer & Rye Hosp…

The Michelin Guide has announced it's selections for Texas, 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. Did Michelin get it right? What they think of the restaurants awarded stars? Which restaurants did the guide miss? How this sets up for future g…

Brittany Vaughan of Garnish Design 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't think about when it comes to designing a restaurant (where are we putting the trash cans?), t…

Fluff Bake Bar's 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 that a new location of Goode Company's Kitchen & Cantina is coming to River Oaks, The Ri…

Today on the podcast Eric is joined by Levi Goode of Goode Company Restaurants and Credence. Levi speaks with Eric about his decision to open his first solo project with Credence, the inspiration for Credence, the design choices for the space, developing the menu, the personality of Sidebar at Credence, how Credence is different from Goode Company …

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, the closures of Nippon and Cecil's Pub, and talk wings as CultureMap's ongoing Ultimate Wing Showdown continues. In the Restaurants of the Week porti…

On today's edition of What's Eric Eating, Thy and Matthew Mitchell of Traveler's Table and Traveler's Cart 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 Traveler's Table, t…

Today on the podcast Eric is joined by Chelsea Thomas of The Infatuation Houston to talk about some of the latest happenings from the Houston restaurant and bar scene. The pair discuss the plan real-estate company Rebees' has for a reimagined GreenStreet, the opening of the first Portillo's in the Houston area, and Austin based burger concept P. Te…

On the podcast today, Eric is joined by Seth Siegel-Gardner, Kent Domas, and Máté Hartai of Milton's. 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…

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 opening a new kiosk location in Memorial City and Saigon Hustle opening a larger 2nd location in Spring Branch. In the Restaurants of the Week portion, Milton's is featured. Follow Eric on Ins…

Doing this a little different on today's podcast. A day ahead of the Southern Smoke Festival, 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, Cheetie Kumar of Ajja, Jason Ryczek of Little's Oyster Bar, Erin Smith and Patrick Feges of…

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 getting ready to announce the Texas restaurants receiving stars at a ceremony in Houston on November 11th , the "hot slop" being served at Meow Wolf's dive bar…

On the podcast today Eric is joined by Marin Slanina and Miranda Q of Star Sailor. 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…

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, HiWay Cantina, and Vinny's Pizza. Montrose area restaurant Andiron deciding to change up their concept to something more relaxed. The New …

Today on the podcast Eric is joined by Ford Fry and Bobby Matos of Rocket Farm Restaurants, the hospitality group behind local concepts State of Grace, La Lucha, Superica, and Little Rey. The guys speak with Eric about why they decided now was the time to change things up at State of Grace, how they've changed the menu at State of Grace, the respon…

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, Katz's opening a new location in the Memorial City area, and Loro's 2nd Houston location has an opening date. In the Restaurant of the Week portion Eric and Mo…

Today on the show, Eric is joined by Ope Amosu of ChòpnBlọk. 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…

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 closing Wild Oats, Nando's Peri-Peri claiming it's 3rd Houston area location, and Postino WineCafé adding it's first ever cocktail menu. In the Restaurants of the Week portion…

Today on the podcast Eric is joined by Bobby Heugel of Thorough Fare Hospitality 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 guarante…

On today's podcast Eric is joined by Chelsea Thomas of The Infatuation Houston 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 locations and Houston Restaurant Weeks extending through the end of September. In the Restaurants of the Week portion Thai Ta…