What's Eric Eating Episode 230

Behind the scenes at buzzy Brasserie 19, plus Chris Shepherd goes Wild

Charles Clark is now Brasserie 19's sole owner.

Photo by Shannon Waiter

On this week's episode of "What's Eric Eating," proprietor Charles Clark and chef Michael Hoffman join CultureMap food editor Eric Sandler to discuss Brasserie 19. Clark and Grant Cooper recently ended their business partnership, leaving Clark as the River Oaks restaurant's sole owner.

Clark begins the conversation by reviewing the history of his partnership with Cooper and explaining the reasons they amicably parted. From there, he and Hoffman discuss life at Brasserie 19 over the past couple of months.

Known for its French-inspired cuisine, lively atmosphere, and see-and-be-seen crowd, the restaurant remains a staple in River Oaks. Sometimes customers make seemingly over-the-top requests, but Clark considers it his duty to exceed people's expectations.

"My rule is I can make anything happen. I had a 10-top walk in, and they didn't have a reservation. I told the hostess, 'I'm going to invent a 10-top.' I brought in a table from outside, mooved two tables," Clark says. "In the dining room, you've got to think, 'what can I do to make people happy.' If you do that, the customer is always on your side. No one wants to hear no. It's made a big difference. Sales have increased about 12 or 13-percent since I've been there."

The conversation continues with Clark and Hoffman discussing the new menu they introduced this week. Clark also shares some ideas he has for future projects, including a new bar that would be walking distance from Brasserie 19.

Prior to the interview, Sandler and co-host Michael Fulmer discuss the news of the week. Their topics include: the Houston chefs and restaurants named as semifinalists for the 2022 James Beard Awards; the closure of Salt & Time at Post Houston; and Henderson & Kane's plans to open a second location at the Houston Farmers Market.

In the restaurant of the week segment, Fulmer and Sandler discuss their recent meal at Wild Oats, Underbelly Hospitality's new restaurant devoted to Texas cuisine. They rave about dishes like chili and wood-grilled chicken while explaining why the much-discussed chicken fried steak came up a little short.

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Charles Clark is now Brasserie 19's sole owner.

Photo by Shannon Waiter

Charles Clark is now Brasserie 19's sole owner.

chefs podcasts news-you-can-eat

Stay trill, owls

Bun B serves up smash hit smash burgers at Houston's Rice University

Photo by Quit Nguyen

Bun B is bringing Trill Burgers to Rice University.

Faculty, students, and staff at Rice University will have a fresh new dining option when classes resume for the fall semester. Trill Burgers will open its fourth Houston-area location on campus beginning Monday, August 17.

Located at the Rice Memorial Center, the new Trill Burgers will serve the restaurant’s signature smash burgers, which are available in either beef or vegan versions. That starts with the OG Trill Burger, made with two smashed beef patties, pickles, caramelized onions, Trill Sauce, and American cheese on a Martin’s potato roll. A vegan version uses plant-based smashed patties, vegan sauce, and vegan cheese. Burgers will be sold individually or as a combo with fries and a drink. Students will be able to use their campus dining dollars (Tetra) to purchase their meals.

Bun B, a Houston hip-hop legend and co-founder of Trill Burgers, has long had ties to Rice University. In 2011, 2013, and 2015, he served as a distinguished lecturer, co-teaching Religion and Hip-Hop Culture with Anthony Pinn, the Agnes Cullen Arnold Distinguished Professor of the Humanities.

“This is truly full circle for me,” Bun B said in a statement. “To bring this brand to Rice University where I once taught is a major moment for Trill Burgers and for myself.”

In addition to Trill Burgers, Rice is also home to locations of breakfast favorite Dandelion Cafe and salad and sandwich concept Local Foods Market.

“We are excited to build upon this long-standing relationship while giving the Rice community an authentic taste of Houston,” Beth Leaver, Rice’s assistant vice president of housing, dining, and hospitality, added. “Trill Burgers brings a distinctive and celebrated part of Houston’s culinary culture to the Rice campus. I am often asked about adding a great burger option, and this partnership fills an important gap in our dining portfolio.”

While the restaurant is open to the general public, its proximity to the original Trill Burgers location (3607 S. Shepherd Dr.) means it will likely appeal primarily to people who are already on campus. Initially, the restaurant will be open from 11 am-5 pm.

Opening at Rice comes at a time of continued growth for Trill Burgers. In December, the restaurant opened in Missouri City. It is expected to open a new location at Westheimer and Hillcroft (7616 Westheimer Rd.) as soon as this month.

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