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 team, developing their menu, sustainability/conservation being core pillars of the menu, how things are going so far at Barbacana, goals for the concept, and much more!

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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 new concepts in Memorial, and Koffeteria getting set to open a new location in Spring Branch. In the Restaurants of the Week section, bōl and Pok Pok Po are featured. 

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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 needed for the different types of fish, what it meant to be included in the Michelin Guide, what improvements they want to make, how the lunch menu rollout is going, and more!

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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 Buena. In the Restaurants of the Week portion, Osha Thai Kitchen is featured.   

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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 the show,  what's been going on at both Fielding's Wood Grill and Fielding's Local Kitchen + Bar, why River Oaks was the right spot for them to debut a concept inside of the loop, creating the menu for Fielding's River Oaks, the wealth of bread options they offer, what was the inspiration for the menu, how they adapted to best cater to the River Oaks market, their focus on getting the best ingredients, their brunch program, and much more!

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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 is featured.   

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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 Perseid,  the French inspirations, how Bar Bludorn has evolved since opening, growing talent within the group, collaborating with other restauranteurs, thoughts on the Michelin Guide coming to Texas, and more!

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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 location and local concept Koffeteria making the New York Times Best Bakeries list. In the Restaurants of the Week Fielding's River Oaks and Space Craft BBQ are featured.

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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's learned about Houston since coming here, possible areas where Atlas could expand into, and much more! Plus, Alex updates Eric on how things are going at Azumi, Loch Bar, and Marmo. 

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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 city to their favorite dishes of the year. Plus they discuss the best new restaurants, old favorites they revisited, what restaurants they're most looking forward in 2025 and more!

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