What's Eric Eating Episode 97

What's brewing with this beer-minded Houston chef, plus a first taste of reopened Reef

On this week's episode of "What's Eric Eating," chef Matt Marcus joins CultureMap food editor Eric Sandler to discuss his career. It's a free-flowing conversation that begins with Sandler congratulating the chef on the recent birth of his daughter; then, the two men talk about the times they've been confused for each other (some people think they look alike).

Marcus begins by explaining how making burgers on a hot plate in military school ultimately led him to Brennan's and the Culinary Institute of America. After working at Michelin-starred restaurants, he partnered Ryan Soroka and Alex Vassilakidis to launch the Eatsie Boys, one of Houston's first gourmet food trucks. The chef credits a victory in the Saint Arnold Brewing Company One Pot Showdown and the support of then Houston Press food editor Katharine Shilcutt for giving the truck a promotional boost that helped it evolve into a short-lived cafe in Montrose.

Currently, Marcus serves as the culinary director for 8th Wonder Brewery, a role that sees him overseeing the Eatsie Boys food truck and helping organize various events. Sandler asks if he misses cooking in a restaurant.

"Everyday. I miss cooking," Marcus says. "I'm hoping, and who knows what's in the future for me. I want to cook again. I cook everyday for my wife, but I'd love to feel the heat of the kitchen again. I do miss it . . . The dream with 8th Wonder is to open a restaurant someday . . . maybe that will be the step to get to that place."

Prior to Marcus joining the show, Felice Sloan of Swanky Maven joins Sandler to discuss the news of the week. Their topics include: the closing of Indika, Tejas Chocolate & Barbecue making plans to open a burger joint, and the imminent arrival of seafood restaurants Ouzo Bay and Loch Bar in River Oaks District.

In the restaurants of the week segment, the duo recount their recent experience at Tropicales, the new all-day cafe from Blacksmith owner David Buehrer. In particular, they're impressed by the stylish interior, Cuban sandwich, and a custom cocktail that bar manager Aaron Lara whips up for Sloan. Sandler also shares some first impressions of Reef, chef Bryan Caswell's newly reopened seafood restaurant in Midtown.

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Subscribe to "What's Eric Eating" on Apple podcasts, Google Play, or Spotify. Listen to it Saturday at 5 pm on ESPN 97.5.

Tejas Chocolate & Barbecue is opening a burger joint.

Tejas Chocolate & Barbecue smoked cheeseburger

Tejas Chocolate & Barbecue/Facebook

Tejas Chocolate & Barbecue is opening a burger joint.

news-you-can-eat podcasts chefs food-trucks

one last hurrah

Staple downtown Houston bar announces imminent closure

Dean's Downtown/Facebook

Dean's is closing this Sunday, April 26.

One of downtown Houston’s favorite casual bars will serve its last drink this weekend. Dean’s will close after service on Sunday, April 26.

First opened in 1999 as Dean’s Credit Clothing, the bar rebranded as Dean’s when current owner Bobby Stark took over in 2013. He tells CultureMap that Notsuoh owner Jim Pirtle, who also owns the bar’s building at 316 Main Street, offered to buy out the last two years of Dean’s lease so that he could open a new concept in the space.

“[The buyout] allows me, my partners, and my employees to do something else,” Stark writes in a text. “Some staff want to get out of the business. Some want to start their own bars and restaurants. Some just want to continue, and Jim’s new bar will be mostly the same vibe — maybe just a little bit more low-key.”

Dean’s opened at the same time as other game-changing bars and restaurants such as Goro & Gun, the Original OKRA Charity Saloon, and Captain’s Foxheart’s Bad News Bar & Spirit Lodge. Stark says he’s watched the area evolve from an area that people viewed skeptically into one of Houston’s most popular nightlife spots.

“Back then, downtown still had the perception that it was dangerous somehow. I don’t know why,” he says. “Now, it’s more mainstream. In a way, I think Houston is becoming more metropolitan as opposed to just a car city.”

Dean’s will celebrate its last night with “Party Like Its 2013.” Expect a soundtrack powered by songs from the era from artists such as The Weeknd, Rihana, Kendrick Lamar, Drake, Taylor Swift, and more. The party runs from 8-11 pm.

closing nightlife