Podcast
What's Eric Eating
Hosted by What's Eric Eating · EN
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.
23episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Episode 554 - Jantra
1w ago00:27:53Tap to summarizeToday on the podcast Eric is joined by Felice Sloan, a.k.a. The Swanky Maven. Eric and Felice cover some of the latest happenings from the Houston food scene including Burger Chan opening it's 2nd location, the upcoming closure of Picos, and Bandista rising up the Best Bars in North America rankings for 2026. In the Restaurants of the Week portion, Jantra 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 Culturemap.com: Beard Award-Winning Houston Chef Blasts Off with New Tasting Menu Concept Houston's Most Customizable Burger Joint is Coming to the Heights in May Mole-Obsessed Mexican Restaurant Sets Closing Date for Kirby Location Hidden Houston Cocktail Den Ranks No. 47 on North America Best Bars List Tomball Barbecue Trio Spins Up New Tavern Devoted to Pizza and Burgers
Transcribe →Episode 553 - Julian Haynes of Cosmic Ice Cream Co.
2w ago00:31:51Tap to summarizeOn today's edition of the podcast, Eric is joined by Julian Haynes of Cosmic Ice Cream Co. to discuss his career, Cosmic, and more. Julian speaks with Eric about why he got into the ice cream business, how he left the oil & gas field, the first iteration of Cosmic, learning to make ice cream, getting the initial ice cream bug from a Portland concept, why Webster was the right location for their first shop, being selective about their locations, building the brand, the decision to take a more old school neighborhood ice cream shop approach with the concept, what they took away from opening their first location, how Christine Ha helped them decide on Spring Branch, getting the call about Pearland/Bellaire, building up the team, plans for the future, and more!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 Culturemap.com: Houston Chefs Cook Up Goodwill at Feed the Soul Gala These Houston Restaurants and Bars are Going All Out for Derby Day 2026 Mimo Duo Open Tiny Italian Sandwich and Gelato Shop in Houston's East End Houston's New, All-You-Can-Eat Wagyu Beef Restaurant Opens This Week International Coffee Shop Chain Picks Houston for First Texas Store
Transcribe →Episode 552 - Alba Huerta & Vanessa Alba of Julep and Robin Wong of Blood Bros. BBQ
3w ago00:36:55Tap to summarizeToday on the podcast Eric is joined by Alba Huerta and Vanessa Alba of Julep as well as Robin Wong of Blood Bros. BBQ. Alba shares her insights on the creation of The Parlor at Julep, why the multi-use space at Julep was the perfect vehicle for The Parlor, trying different things with The Parlor that they wouldn't do at Julep, the modern cocktail movement, the new techniques they're using, creating gastro-cocktails, finding a unique way to work with/see others in the industry with Chef's Cut, Houston's place as a bar city, and more. All 3 share their perspectives on the idea of Chef's Cut, how it came about, the chef's that have done it so far, and Robin's DJ skills. Plus, Vanessa speaks on how she first got involved with Julep and Robin talks about the latest happenings over at Blood Bros. BBQ. 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 Culturemap.com: Houston's Best Chef, Restaurant, and More Revealed at 2026 Tastemaker Awards Lively Crowd Celebrates Houston's Culinary Stars at 2026 Tastemaker Awards Mole-Obsessed Mexican Restaurant Sets Closing Date for Kirby Location The Quest for a Topo Chico Replacement, We Rate 9 Sparkling Waters Austin-Based Taco Chain Celebrates Katy Debut with Free Breakfast Tacos
Transcribe →Episode 551 - Johnny Ritas Cocina y Cantina, Pho Prime and Crawfish Cafe
3w ago00:28:26Tap to summarizeOn today's edition of 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 giving a recap of the 2026 Tastemaker Awards, Captain Fred's upcoming affordable seafood concept opening near Third Ward, and the great quest for a Topo Chico replacement. In the Restaurants of the Week portion Johnny Ritas Cocina y Cantina and the new combination of Pho Prime and Crawfish Cafe are 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 Culturemap.com: Houston's Best Chef, Restaurant, and More Revealed at 2026 Tastemaker Awards Chef-Loved Houston Fisherman Opens Affordable Seafood Restaurant Near Third Ward The Quest for a Topo Chico Replacement, We Rate 9 Sparkling Waters Austin-Based Taco Chain Celebrates Katy Debut with Free Breakfast Tacos Hot Houston Hand Roll Spot is First Restaurant at New EaDo Development
Transcribe →Episode 550 - Paige and Andrew Alvis and German Mosquera of Long Weekend
4w ago00:45:28Tap to summarizeToday on the podcast Eric is joined by Paige and Andrew Alvis and German Mosquera of Long Weekend. The trio speak Eric about the creation of Long Weekend, where the idea came about, balancing being family friendly with higher end adult offerings, the former King's Bierhaus space being the right location for the concept, the renovations they made, how they utilize the space for the best experience, developing the menu, the baking program, the idea for the playground, the discourse regarding the kids/playground, the relationship with their neighbors, goals for the concept, and more! 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 Culturemap.com: Chef-Loved Houston Fisherman Opens Affordable Seafood Restaurant Near Third Ward Hot Houston Hand Roll Spot is First Restaurant at New EaDo Development Houston's 11 Best Chefs of 2026 are Leading the City's Rise to Prominence The 11 Best Restaurants of 2026 Showcase Houston's World-Class Status Burger Joint Duo's Frozen Treat Shop Returns with Soft Serve Margaritas Growing Houston Coffee Shop Hits the Road with Battery-Powered Electric Van
Transcribe →Episode 549 - Loves Dumpling House and Shredders Pizza
Apr 1400:29:11Tap to summarizeOn today's edition of the show Eric is joined by Raffi Nasr of Craft Pita. First Raffi catches Eric up on his own personal news, the birth of the pita prince! Then the guys dive into the latest news from the Houston culinary scene including the 2 planned concepts that may arrive to a Houston area golf course from Michelin starred chef/owner Michael Fojtasek and Houston's ranking in Food & Wine Magazine's top 10 food cities of America list. In the Restaurants of the Week portion Loves Dumpling House and Shredders Pizza are 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 Culturemap.com: Michelin-Recognized Chef Plans 2 New Restaurants at Proposed Houston Golf Club The 11 Best Restaurants of 2026 Showcase Houston's World-Class Status Burger Joint Duo's Frozen Treat Shop Returns with Soft Serve Margaritas Growing Houston Coffee Shop Hits the Road with Battery-Powered Electric Van Houston Earns 6 Finalist Nominations in the 2026 James Beard Awards
Transcribe →Episode 548 - David Anderson III and Dominick Lee of Fancy's
Apr 900:37:13Tap to summarizeOn today's edition of the podcast Eric is joined by David Anderson III and Dominick Lee of Fancy's. The pair speak with Eric about how they started working together, their work on Augustine's, how the opportunity for Fancy's came about, the difference between Fancy's and Augustine's, why the River Oaks area was the right spot, bringing people together from all walks of life, the food, the amount of caviar, how they'd like the concept to evolve, being a destination spot, and much more! Plus, David talks about his career leading up to becoming a bar owner, the creation of Off the Record, what the scene is like for Off the Record, what Dominick has learned from the pop ups in the lead up to both Augustine's and Fancy's, and what could be next! 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 Culturemap.com: Houston Earns 6 Finalist Nominations in the 2026 James Beard Awards These are Houston's 11 Best Dessert Programs of 2026 6 Things to Know in Houston Food: Openings, a Closing, and More Houston Olympian Simone Biles Opens New Restaurant at Bush Intercontinental 16 Best New Houston Restaurants Compete for Coveted Tastemakers Title
Transcribe →Episode 547 - Latuli
Apr 700:21:38Tap to summarizeOn today's edition of the podcast Eric is joined by Mary Clarkson of Heights Grocer and Montrose Grocer. The pair dive into some of the latest news from Houston restaurant and bar scene including the 6 James Beard Award finalist nominations from Houston, Be More Pacific shuttering, and Julep's ranking on North America's Best Bars of 2026 list. In the Restaurants of the Week portion Latuli 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 Culturemap.com: Houston Earns 6 Finalist Nominations in the 2026 James Beard Awards Guy Fieri-Loved Filipino Restaurant Closes in the Heights After 6 Years Southern-Inspired Houston Cocktail Den Ranks on North America Best Bars List Michelin-Recognized Chef Plans 2 New Restaurants at Proposed Houston Golf Club These are Houston's 11 Best Dessert Programs of 2026
Transcribe →Episode 546 - Jabril Riddick of Southern Jerks
Apr 200:36:43Tap to summarizeToday on the podcast Eric is joined by Jabril Riddick of Southern Jerks. Jabril speaks with Eric about his decision to go on his own to open his own concept, why he decided on fried chicken as the cuisine for his concept, why Houston is the perfect place to showcase fried chicken with a twist, the flavor profile, making the sides standout, how the Jerk Burger ended up on the menu, wanting to open on the northside, opening in conjunction with a gas station, the confidence they have, how influencers have helped their reach, expansion plans, when we could see another location (sooner than you may think), working with his family, following the plan, becoming much more efficient, and much more!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 Culturemap.com: Houston Earns 6 Finalist Nominations in the 2026 James Beard Awards These are Houston's 11 Best Dessert Programs of 2026 6 Things to Know in Houston Food: Openings, a Closing, and More Houston Olympian Simone Biles Opens New Restaurant at Bush Intercontinental 16 Best New Houston Restaurants Compete for Coveted Tastemakers Title
Transcribe →Episode 545 - The Green Room
Mar 3100:38:28Tap to summarizeEric 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 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 Culturemap.com: Steakhouse Chain's Upper Kirby Outpost will Shutter After 25 Years Houston Olympian Simone Biles Opens New Restaurant at Bush Intercontinental Ohio-Based Mediterranean Restaurant Now Baking Fresh Pita in Memorial These are Houston's 11 Best Dessert Programs of 2026 6 Things to Know in Houston Food: Openings, a Closing, and More
Transcribe →