What's Eric Eating

Today 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.

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On 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 [email protected]. Follow Eric on Instagram @ericsandler and check out some of Eric's latest articles online at Culturemap.com:

Today 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 [email protected]. Follow Eric on Instagram @ericsandler and check out some of Eric's latest articles online at Culturemap.com:

On 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 [email protected]. Follow Eric on Instagram @ericsandler and check out some of Eric's latest articles online at Culturemap.com:

Today 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!

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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. 

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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 Lane and The Green Room, the idea for The Green Room, working together, the standouts from their menu, how things are going so far, the possibility of a brunch, ideas for the future, how things are going for Lazy Lane, the goals for Lazy Lane, and much more!

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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 [email protected]. Follow Eric on Instagram @ericsandler and check out some of Eric's latest articles online at Culturemap.com: