Eric Sandler

Houston

Food Editor at CultureMap Houston

Host at What's Eric Eating

@CultureMap editor. Mostly not here. Find me on Instagram at ericsandler.

Articles

Cult favorite Houston burger joint adds new co-owner to power future growth

1 week ago | houston.culturemap.com | Eric Sandler

A major change has come to one of Houston’s most well-regarded burger restaurants, but the owners assure fans that the restaurant they love will stay (mostly) the same. Burger Chan owners Diane and Willet Feng tell CultureMap that they’ve partnered with chef Ryan Stewart and his Silver Linings Hospitality company to take over day-to-day operations of the restaurant.
Creative new Heights restaurant spices up diner fare with Asian flavors

1 week ago | houston.culturemap.com | Eric Sandler

One of this year’s most eagerly anticipated new restaurants is ready to make its debut. Agnes and Sherman will open for dinner service beginning tonight (Thursday, April 17). Located in the former Alice Blue space at 250 West 19th St in the Heights, Agnes and Sherman describes itself as a diner serving Asian American comfort food.
Houston speakeasy ranks No. 59 on 100 best bars list for North America

1 week ago | houston.culturemap.com | Eric Sandler

A Houston hotel’s intimate speakeasy-style cocktail lounge has been ranked as one of North America’s best bars. Bandista, the hidden bar at the Four Seasons Hotel Houston, comes in at No. 59 on the list of bars ranked 51-100 that debuted on Monday, April 15. “Secreted within the Four Seasons Hotel Houston, Bandista is part swanky 1920s cocktail lounge, part modern-day speakeasy,” the entry reads.
Cowboy-inspired, family-friendly restaurant rides into prime inner loop space

1 week ago | houston.culturemap.com | Eric Sandler

One of Houston’s most successful pop-up chefs has found a permanent home. Chef Jane Wild has brought her Jane and the Lion Bakehouse to the Heights. Located in the former Morningstar coffee shop at 4721 N. Main St., Jane and the Lion gives diners a daily option for the chef’s signature pies, pastries, breads, and other creations that earned her Best Pop-Up in the 2024 CultureMap Tastemaker Awards.
Successful pop-up chef opens a new all-day cafe and bakery in the Heights

1 week ago | houston.culturemap.com | Eric Sandler

One of Houston’s most successful pop-up chefs has found a permanent home. Chef Jane Wild has brought her Jane and the Lion Bakehouse to the Heights. Located in the former Morningstar coffee shop at 4721 N. Main St., Jane and the Lion gives diners a daily option for the chef’s signature pies, pastries, breads, and other creations that earned her Best Pop-Up in the 2024 CultureMap Tastemaker Awards.
Heights restaurant adds daytime coffee service with guest chef pop-ups

2 weeks ago | houston.culturemap.com | Eric Sandler

Prefer to enjoy Easter in sweatpants or with zero stress about cooking? These Houston restaurants have you covered with chef-prepared carryout meals. From slow-smoked barbecue to bakery bundles and seafood boils, here’s where to pick up a holiday spread with plenty of time for the backyard egg hunt. Balboa Surf ClubFor a meal reminiscent of a hug from mom, consider Balboa Surf Club’s two whole roasted chickens ($50) over creamed corn, plus a side of off-menu Parker House rolls ($20).
Aaron Bludorn's rising star protégé moving from Memorial to Montrose

2 weeks ago | houston.culturemap.com | Eric Sandler

Diners will soon notice a change in the kitchen at one of Houston’s most prominent fine dining restaurants. Beginning in late May, Bar Bludorn executive chef Alexandra “Allie” Peña will become the executive chef at Bludorn, chef-owner Aaron Bludorn’s namesake, Montrose-area restaurant. Peña replaces Bludorn’s current executive chef, Chase Voelz, who’s leaving Houston to be closer to family. It’s a bittersweet moment for the growing hospitality group, Aaron Bludorn tells CultureMap.
Houston's best chef, restaurant, and more revealed at 2025 Tastemaker Awards

3 weeks ago | houston.culturemap.com | Eric Sandler

Here are the winners of the 2025 CultureMap Tastemaker Awards. These bars, restaurants, and individuals represent the best of Houston’s culinary scene, as selected by our judges’ panel of former winners and local experts and revealed at an awards ceremony on Thursday, April 3 at Silver Street Studios. Our winners include local favorites that have been satisfying customers for 10 years or more, as well as four restaurants that have been open for less than two years.
Houston's 12 best chefs of 2025 lead Texas' culinary captial

3 weeks ago | houston.culturemap.com | Eric Sandler

We’ve reached the final category in the 2025 CultureMap Tastemaker Awards. These are the nominees for Chef of the Year. This year’s nominees are an accomplished group. They hold Michelin stars and received Bib Gourmand designations. They are James Beard Award semifinalists, finalists, and winners. They’ve competed on Top Chef and been featured in national publications such as Food & Wine and The New York Times.
Austin wine pro earns city's only nomination as James Beard finalist

3 weeks ago | austin.culturemap.com | Eric Sandler

The first place you offer to meet a date: a coffee shop. The spot you keep coming back to during slow days working from home: a coffee shop. The de facto venue for life updates between busy best friends? You guessed it. Austin isn't beating any of its hipster allegations, so residents might as well embrace them at the city's many cool coffee shops.