What's Eric Eating?

CultureMap's ace food writer launches podcast that examines Houston culinary scene

Listen to What's Eric Eating for in-depth conversations about the Houston food scene.

Courtesy of Gow Media

If there's one thing we've learned since CultureMap launched seven years ago, it's that Houstonians are crazy about dining out. We want to be the first to know about hot new restaurants, under-the-radar gems, and amazing new chefs, as well as what eateries didn't quite make it and what their replacements will be.

Now, in addition to comprehensive, up-to-the-minute online coverage of the Houston dining scene on the pages of CultureMap, there's a new podcast helmed by ace CultureMap food editor Eric Sandler.

"What's Eric Eating?" launches this week with a lively discussion about all things food-related. The podcast, which runs approximately one hour, is produced by Gow Communications, the parent company of CultureMap.

Each show features three segments. News of the Week recaps CultureMap's recent restaurant coverage; Restaurant of the Week recounts a new eatery that Sandler has visited, and an in-depth interview follows with a leading figure (or figures) on the Houston culinary scene. Each week Sandler will be joined by a co-host with a tie to the restaurant community who will participate in the conversation for all three segments.

"I frequently conduct interviews with chefs and restaurant owners, but only a few sentences might make their way into an article," Sandler says. "The podcast gives these interviews a home and provides listeners with the opportunity to hear in-depth opinions from people who I think are interesting."

Listen to the first episode via this player:

For the first episode, Nathan Ketcham, a restaurant consultant and the former owner of South American steakhouse Samba Grille, serves as guest host, analyzing the winners of the CultureMap Tastemaker Awards, and discussing such hot topics as Cane Rosso's decision to hire chef Jonathan Jones and the announcement that a New Orleans steakhouse will open in the former Triniti space.

Also, Lee Ellis and Jim Mills, the partners in Cherry Pie Hospitality, which operates such acclaimed restaurants as Tastemaker Awards Best New Restaurant State Fare, Pi Pizza, and Lee's Fried Chicken and Donuts, discuss how they developed the concept for Star Fish, their newly opened seafood restaurant, what comes next for the company, and some of their favorite under-the-radar restaurants.

"I really enjoy listening to podcasts like Special Sauce with Ed Levine and the Eater Upsell. Hopefully, the show will reach that level of quality as I make the transition from radio guest to host," Sandler says. "If we manage to break a little news on the show every now and then, that would be even better."

"What's Eric Eating?" is also available on Podcast Arena and on iTunes. It will be broadcast Saturday at 11 am on SB Nation Radio 1560 AM.

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Bowling over Houston

Gluten-free Austin restaurant picks River Oaks for first Houston store

Rendering of Honest Mary's in River Oaks

Rendering by Mark Odom Studio

Honest Mary's, an Austin-based eatery, is expanding with a new location in Houston's River Oaks in fall 2025.

It will be a Houston homecoming for restauranteur Nelson Monteith with the fall 2025 debut of Honest Mary’s in River Oaks.

“It’s a joy and honor to bring a brand we’ve worked hard to create in Austin and finally be able to share that concept with friends and family in Houston,” Monteith said in a statement. “There’s a bit of built-in comfort in knowing there are folks here who are already fans of Honest Mary’s. They’ve been asking us for years to open a location in Houston, and now it’s happening.”

Located at 2047-A West Gray St., Honest Mary's will occupy the current La Madeleine space. It is not known at this time when La Madeleine will close, but construction on Honest Mary's is expected to begin in May 2025.

Monteith and his wife, Mary, launched Honest Mary’s in 2017 after embracing mindful eating to improve their health. Since then, the Austin-based eatery that describes itself as serving "life-giving fast food" has expanded to four locations, with the upcoming River Oaks spot marking its arrival in Houston.

“There’s healthy food, fresh food, and fast food,” he said. “We wanted to create something that fits into that sweet spot without sacrificing quality or convenience. The trend towards healthy eating and the reality of busy lifestyles aren’t slowing down. We offer a place that caters to both.”

At the center of Honest Mary’s menu are five signature bowls ranging from poke to vegetarian, including the smoky poblano ($10.25) that features a basmati rice base with fresh vegetables of wild arugula, sweet corn, and pickled onions in a creamy poblano sauce. Co-partner and chef Andrew Wiseheart, known for Austin’s Contigo and Ladybird Taco, leads the kitchen.

Honest Mary's menu features healthy, gluten-free bowls. Guests can choose from five signature bowls at Honest Mary's, or create their own.Courtesy of Honest Mary's

Diners can build their own bowls by selecting a base like quinoa, proteins including grilled chicken and tuna, and vegetables such as sweet potatoes. Pickled onions, cucumber salad, and avocado are among the topping selections, with sauces like lemon garlic and cashew-lime crema.

Scratch-made sipping broths round out the menu, with the chicken bone broth packed with celery, carrots, onions and parsley, or an umami-rich seaweed and mushroom broth.

A selection of house-made aguas frescas and teas, local craft beer, wine, kombucha, and organic cold-pressed juices will be available, as will Honest Mary’s popular almond butter cookies sweetened with maple syrup and topped with a sprinkle of Maldon salt.

Rendering by Mark Odom Studio

Honest Mary's, an Austin-based eatery, is expanding with a new location in Houston's River Oaks in fall 2025.

With its fully gluten-free menu, Honest Mary’s caters to a range of dietary preferences, including vegetarian, vegan, and dairy-free. To align with Monteith’s dedication to nutrition, Honest Mary’s uses seed oils sparingly and prioritizes local and organic ingredients when possible.

“River Oaks Shopping Center has a unique blend of history and vibrant new concepts, making it the ideal home for us,” Monteith said. “We aim to be a neighborhood spot where people can enjoy delicious, healthy food.”

Lunden McGill and John Frazier of Baker Katz brokered the deal for the 2,200-square-foot space and additional patio with seating for 38 inside and 44 outside. Mark Odom Studio is responsible for architecture and design.

Honest Mary’s signature elements of terra cotta and blue tilework will be incorporated to provide consistency between all five locations, while Art Deco-inspired decor of lush greenery, warm wood tones and natural light will align the space with the River Oaks Shopping Center’s structure.

Takeaway, delivery, and dine-in will be provided daily from 11 am to 9 pm.

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