What's Eric Eating Episode 89

Meet the mind behind Tasting Room and Max's, plus killer crawfish

On this week's episode of "What's Eric Eating," Jerry Lasco, founder and CEO of Lasco Enterprises, joins CultureMap food editor to discuss his three restaurants: The Tasting Room, Max's Wine Dive, and Sing. The conversation begins with Lasco explaining how being laid off from his job as a Continental Airlines pilot led him and his wife, Laura, to open the first Tasting Room in 2003. Inspired by a restaurant in New York and one of their favorite dive bars, they opened Max's Wine Dive in 2006.

Early success prompted Lasco to open Max's locations in cities like Atlanta, Kansas City, and Chicago, but only the Denver outpost remains from those attempts to expand out of state. Since the restaurant remains popular in Houston, Austin, and San Antonio, Sandler asks Lasco if he plans to try again to take the concept elsewhere.

"That's a great question. The restaurant industry has changed," Lasco says. "It's tricky. We're trying to figure that out. It's no fun shutting restaurants down. I've been doing this for 16 years now. You hope you learn some lessons along the way, and most of the lessons are from mistakes you've made. If you were successful all the time, you probably wouldn't learn anything. Either you knew it already or you were just lucky. I don't know, Eric. We'll see."

Towards the end of the conversation, Lasco discusses how Sing has moved forward since the departure of chef and co-founder Cuc Lam as well as the lessons he's learned from some of the talented chefs and sommeliers who have worked for him over the years.

Prior to Lasco joining the show, Sandler and co-host Linda Salinas discuss the news of the week. Their topics include: the news that the James Beard Foundation will announce the finalists for its annual awards from Houston; the plans to transform Star Fish into 1751 Sea and Bar; Bravery Chef Hall hiring David Cedeno to run its cocktail bar; and whether the media played a role in Rhotey Rotisserie closing.

In the restaurants of the week segment, Sandler and Salinas share some of their recent crawfish meals. Salinas praises Midtown restaurant Saigon House as a favorite, while Sandler sings the praises of the weekend crawfish boils at La Lucha.

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Subscribe to "What's Eric Eating" on Apple podcasts, Google Play, or Spotify. Listen to it Saturday at 3 pm on ESPN 97.5.

Jerry Lasco is this week's guest.

Courtesy of Lasco Enterprises

Jerry Lasco is this week's guest.

news-you-can-eat podcasts

Drop it like it's hot

Houston farmers market adds new indoor pickleball court with food and cocktails

Photo by Abante Photography

Drop Shots HTX celebrates its grand opening this Saturday, June 21.

Pickleball isn’t going anywhere — the racquet sport continues to score with Houstonians. The newest player on the city’s crowded court, Drop Shots HTX, stands out for one big reason: it’s entirely indoors.

Photo by Abante Photography

Drop Shots HTX celebrates its grand opening this Saturday, June 21.

Opening June 21, Drop Shots HTX is the brainchild of hospitality veterans Roveen Abante (Conservatory Galleria, Duchess), Chase Lovullo (Conservatory Galleria), and Shawn Outlaw.

“We didn’t just want to open a bar,” co-founder Roveen Abante said in a statement. “We built a space where people connect, whether they’re playing or not. There’s something for everyone here.”

Drop Shots HTX is marking its grand opening on June 21 from 12-11 pm, offering all-day open play for $5 along with $5 food and drink specials. Live DJs and giveaways will add to the experience.

Patrons can soak up the A/C while slapping balls across one of the six professional-grade indoor courts. Off the court, guests can engage in friendly competitions of skee-ball, ping pong, arcade basketball, and cornhole in the second-floor lounge. Nine screens make up one wall in the mezzanine, ideal for catching the latest game, or can be expanded into one 195-inch television.

Clutch City Kitchen will keep the players' appetite at bay with pizzas, sandwiches, and acai bowls. For hydration, an indoor/outdoor full bar will have 10 signature pickleball-themed cocktails, mocktails, and fresh juices crafted from local fruits and veggies.

“Some venues lean into serious competition, we lean into fun,” added co-founder Shawn Outlaw. “We’re the only indoor pickleball facility inside the Loop with a full bar, kitchen, lounge, and patio. But more than that, we’re the only one that feels like your new favorite neighborhood hangout, even if you never touch a paddle.”

Events like Glow-in-the-Dark Fridays, Tacos and Tequila Saturdays, and Pancakes and Pickball mornings add a twist to the typical pickleball match. Bring the kids—the venue is family-friendly until 10pm.

“We created Drop Shots HTX because we fell in love with a game that brings generations together,” Outlaw said. “From our 10-year-olds to our 65-year-old parents, pickleball is for everyone. And so is this space.”

Drop Shots HTX is located at 2520 Airline Drive, Building A, Suite 100. It’s open Monday through Thursday from 12-11pm, Friday from 12 pm-12 am, and Saturday and Sunday from 11 am-11 pm.

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