What's Eric Eating Episode 184

A delicious new Texas culinary documentary, plus good eats at Messina Hof

On this week's episode of "What's Eric Eating," author and filmmaker Adán Medrano joins CultureMap food editor Eric Sandler to discuss his new documentary film, Truly Texas Mexican. Inspired by Medrano's cookbook of the same name, Truly Texas Mexican tells the story of 15,000 years of Texas culinary history from Native people to their modern descendants.

Traveling throughout South Texas, Medrano introduces viewers to women who are preserving these Mexican American culinary traditions. Along the way, he eats really well: from a grapefruit pie that leaves him speechless to traditional barbacoa — a whole cow's head cooked overnight in an earthen pit. Although the story is very specific to Texas, Medrano notes that the film's themes are universal.

"We hope this will be the start of other stories. We hope that the way that this is told is a humanistic way," Medrano says. Quoting the film's director Aníbal Capoano, Medrano adds "This is a universal story. This is not just about Texas. This is about every community in Latin America. The way the book tells it, it's a human story."

The film can be viewed on Apple TV, Google, Youtube, and Amazon. It will also air on Houston's PBS affiliate KUHT on March 29 at 9 pm, April 4 at 2:30 am, and April 7 at 3:30 pm.

Prior to the interview, Avondale Food & Wine owner Mary Clarkson joins Sandler to discuss the news of the week. Their topics include: what Gov. Greg Abbott's decision to end capacity restrictions and the statewide mask mandate means for restaurants; Doris Metropolitan's plans to open Badolina Bakery in Rice Village; and downtown taqueria La Calle expanding with new locations in Midtown and Garden Oaks.

In the restaurant of the week segment, Clarkson and Sandler discuss their recent meal at Messina Hof Harvest Green Winery & Kitchen. Recently opened in Richmond, the facility is both Houston's largest winery and offers an Italian-inspired food menu that includes frito misto, meatballs, and Neapolitan-style pizza.

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Adán Medrano filming Truly Texas Mexican on the Rio Grande.

Courtesy of JM Media, LLC

Adán Medrano filming Truly Texas Mexican on the Rio Grande.

podcasts news-you-can-eat

there's the rub

Restaurant known for 'new Houston cuisine' now open in Cypress

Courtesy of Jonathan's the Rub

Jonathan's the Rub serves steaks and other dishes.

A restaurant known for its eclectic “new Houston cuisine” has opened in Cypress. The fourth location of Jonathan’s the Rub is now open for dinner in Bridgeland (20215 Bridgeland Creek Parkway).

First announced last year, the new Jonathan’s is located in Village Green, a 70-acre mixed-use development within the 925-acre Bridgeland Central district. The 5,500-square-foot restaurant includes two patios totaling 2,600 square feet, giving the restaurant plenty of room for private dining rooms, a bar area, and indoor-outdoor areas with fire pits and greenery.

“We were looking for the next frontier — a community with a booming population and a clear vision for growth that aligns with our brand,” chef-owner Jonathan Levine said in a statement. “When we discovered Bridgeland and learned it was a Howard Hughes development, we were immediately impressed. With their reputation for developing generational communities, we felt confident that Bridgeland was the right place for our family and for Jonathan’s the Rub.”

Like Jonathan’s three other locations, the menu at Bridgeland is built around Levine’s signature “new Houston cuisine,” a kicked-up take on comfort food that includes everything from lobster tacos and blackened shrimp and grits to Italian American classics and steakhouse fare.

Village Green is also home to H-E-B and restaurants such as Sweet Paris Crêperie & Café and Crust Pizza Co. Austin-based burger joint P. Terry’s will open there next year.

“Jonathan’s the Rub’s arrival in Bridgeland Central brings a distinguished addition to the culinary scene in both the community and northwest Houston,” said Jim Carman, president of the Texas region, for Bridgeland developer Howard Hughes Communities. “We’re proud to partner with exceptional restaurateurs like Chef Jonathan Levine to bring elevated dining experiences that enhance the lifestyle offerings for our residents and neighbors.”

Courtesy of Jonathan's the Rub

Jonathan's the Rub serves steaks and other dishes.