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

Houston burger mastermind fires up new pop-up devoted to Philly cheesesteaks

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

With or Without WhizEric SandlerJun 19, 2025 | 4:35 pmAbbas Dhanani is serving up cheesesteaks at his new pop-up. Photo by Michael Ma Abbas Dhanani is at it again. The food influencer-turned-restaurateur behind the CultureMap Tastemaker Award-winning smash burger concept Burger Bodega is firing up a new pop-up concept devoted to another iconic sandwich.
Essential Houston LGBT club reopens in original Midtown location

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

Houston nightclub Rich’s has reopened its original location on San Jacinto, but the venue aims to reach a broader audience than it did as a LGBTQ-focused dance club. First opened in 1983, owner Jeff Harmon moved Rich’s to 202 Tuam in 2019. Earlier this year, Harmon rebranded the property that property as the Montrose Country Club, an all-day restaurant and bar with a pool.
Innovative Houston chef is the city's newest James Beard Award winner

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

Add another Houston chef to the city’s growing list of James Beard Award winners. Thomas Bille, chef-owner of Belly of the Beast in Spring, earned Best Chef: Texas at the James Beard Foundation’s Restaurant and Chef Awards ceremony.
Casual River Oaks restaurant will shutter after 10 years

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

2 weeks to say goodbyeEric SandlerJun 16, 2025 | 3:29 pmEloise Nichols is closing at the end of June. Photo by Alex Montoya A neighborhood restaurant near River Oaks will soon serve its last meal — for now. Eloise Nichols will close after service on June 29. Part of Adair Concepts, the hospitality group behind restaurants such as Adair Kitchen, Buffalo Grille, and Los Tios, Eloise Nichols opened in 2016 as a more upscale concept with cocktails, a raw bar, and a stylish interior.
One of Austin's top restaurant groups claims first space in Houston

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

An Austin summer always threatens a slowdown in food and entertainment, but the food scene isn't showing any signs of flagging yet. A food truck switch-up at Radio Coffee and Beer, a new pop-up for Broadway lovers, and an energy infusion for a longtime bakery are all keeping the ball rolling. Openings and closingsWow Poke, a local handful of food trailers for Hawaiian-inspired bowls, is now parked at Radio Coffee and Beer (4204 Menchaca Rd.).
Houston chef Tristen Epps dishes on his Top Chef victory — and what's next

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

Houston has played a leading role in America’s culinary scene, but the city has never been home to a Top Chef winner — until last night. In the final episode of season 22, chef Tristen Epps earned the title and a $250,000 cash prize.
Award-winning Houston cocktail bar diverts to new home in Montrose

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

a fresh startEric SandlerJun 12, 2025 | 5:00 pmAn award-winning Houston cocktail bar has found a new home. Diversión will reopen Thursday, June 19 in Montrose’s food-focused Harlow District development. Located at 1226 W Clay Street, Diversión Montrose will occupy one of the two houses that comprise Emma Jane, the European-inspired teahouse that opened last year. It replaces the original location of Diversión that opened in early 2021 in Spring Branch.
Michelin-recognized Austin restaurant group reveals first Houston project

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

One of Texas’ most lauded hospitality groups is finally coming to Houston. Austin-based Emmer & Rye Hospitality Group has claimed the former MF Lobster space in Autry Park for a new restaurant that will open in late 2025. At this time, Emmer & Rye isn’t providing any details about the restaurant, including its name or what kind of food it will serve.
National food magazine champions Houston nonprofit head on new 'Power 100' list

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

The leader of one of Houston’s most prominent nonprofits is basking in the national spotlight. Lindsey Brown, co-founder and executive director of the Southern Smoke Foundation, is part of the inaugural class of Cherry Bombe magazine’s Power List. Published on June 6, the Cherry Bombe Power List is the latest initiative from the media company that focuses on women in the world of food and beverage.
Houston's pioneering South American steakhouse will soon shutter in River Oaks

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

adios, churrascosEric SandlerJun 9, 2025 | 5:34 pmChurrascos is known for its center cut beef tenderloin. Churrascos Facebook Sad news for inner loopers who are fans of plantain chips, wood-grilled steaks, and Houston’s best tres leches. The River Oaks location of South American steakhouse Churrascos will close on June 16, the restaurant announced. Located at the intersection of Shepherd Drive and Westheimer Road, Churrascos has operated its location at 2055 Westheimer for more than 30 years.