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

Astros wives and fans rally at all-star fundraiser for Houston girls

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

A sea of pink and red flooded Union Station at Daikin Park on April 17, as nearly 400 guests turned out for All Stars Night: A League of Her Own, benefiting Girls Inc. of Greater Houston. The annual event, chaired this year by Kat Pressly and her mother, Sue Rogers, blended baseball spirit with bold ambition, raising more than $345,000 to empower young girls to be strong, smart, and bold. Photo by Daniel OrtizKat Pressly, Treopia Cannon, Janet Gurwitch, Sheila Gurwitch, and Sue Rogers.
River Oaks gourmet grocer unveils cozy new name and big Dallas plans

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

River Oaks’ favorite gourmet grocer is switching things up with a new name and a second location. Tres Market is now known as The Cottage Grocery, but that’s only one of many changes for the five-year old market, bakery, and cafe. The rebrand comes after founder Julie Rhyne and her business partner Jeannine Holland decided to end their partnership and go their separate ways. While the name may be new, Rhyne’s recipes are the same.
New Houston pizzeria serves up slices and vintage vibes in the East End

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

a pizza the pastEric SandlerMay 6, 2025 | 4:00 pm A retro-styled pizzeria is slinging pies in the Second Ward. Pinballz Pizzeria pays homage to its neighborhood in its look and with select dishes on its menu. Courtesy of Pinballz PizzeriaA look inside Pinballz Pizzeria. Located in the former Southside Flying Pizza space at 2240 Navigation, Pinballz is the latest project from chef and restaurateur John Avila.
Chef Arash Kharat now working at J-Bar-M BBQ in Houston

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

A veteran Houston chef has taken over the kitchen at J-Bar-M BBQ. Chef Arash Kharat began serving as the executive chef and pitmaster at the EaDo restaurant in April, he tells CultureMap. His path to J-Bar-M came via an unexpected source. After leaving Blood Bros. BBQ last year, Kharat had been bartending at Holler Brewing Co. While there, he ran into Houston Chronicle barbecue columnist J.C. Reid, who suggested he meet with J-Bar-M’s owner and management team.
Michelin-recognized Houston restaurant now open for dinner daily

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

It’s never been easier to get an order of Nancy cakes or former Astros star Justin Verlander’s favorite Houston cheeseburger. Beginning this Monday, May 5, Nancy’s Hustle is now open for dinner seven days a week. Co-owner Sean Jensen tells CultureMap that he and his business partner, chef Jason Vaughan, opted to add a seventh day of service for several reasons. Most importantly, their customers have been requesting it. “We’re busy every night,” Jensen says.
Houston's shuttered kosher steakhouse reopens as a non-kosher neighborhood grill

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

Jason Goldstein is leaving the world of kosher restaurants behind. Although his Meyerland restaurant Genesis Steakhouse & Wine Bar closed on April 30, its space won’t stay empty for long. In its place, Goldstein will open a new restaurant called Exodus Bar and Grill. The name has two meanings. First, Exodus is the book that comes after Genesis in the Jewish Torah (aka, the Old Testament).
Canadian comfort food restaurant puts down roots in prime Houston spot

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

One of Canada’s most popular restaurants is coming to Houston. Cactus Club Cafe will open its third U.S. location in the BLVD Place development. Located next to North Italia in a former Verizon store, Cactus Club Cafe will occupy a two-level space with more than 12,000 square feet. Founded in Vancouver in 1988, the restaurant is known for its wide range of comfort food, lively environment, and excellent service.
Astros pitcher Lance McCullers Jr serves up a new pickleball bar in Midtown

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

A new destination for cocktails, bar bites, and social gaming has arrived in Midtown. After a quiet soft opening this weekend, Solarium is now officially open for service daily. Located in the former Holman Draft Hall space, Solarium unites Rex Hospitality — the group behind Maven at Sawyer Yards that includes Astros pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. as one of its founders — with the Kirby Group, the veteran bar operators behind Heights Bier Garten, Pitch 25, and more.
Bun B opens new Spring location of his smash hit smash burger joint

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

The wait for Houston’s second location of Trill Burgers has come to an end. Bun B’s acclaimed smash burger restaurant will open its Spring outpost today (Friday, April 25). Photo by Quit NguyenBun B is ready to welcome Spring-area diners to Trill Burgers No. 2. “The support our community continues to show has been nothing short of incredible,” Bun B said in a statement. “We’re so grateful for this city, and we’re excited to expand to the north side of Houston.
Beloved Houston hot dog shop announces abrupt closure after 15 years

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

One of Houston’s most revered casual restaurants will soon serve its final meal. Good Dog Houston will close after dinner service on Sunday, April 27. In a lengthy message posted to Facebook on Thursday, April 24, Good Dog owners Amalia Pferd and Danny Caballero celebrated a 15-year run for their restaurant that began as a food truck, evolved into the current Heights location that opened in 2013, and included five years of a second location in Montrose.