What's Eric Eating Episode 244

Houston food insiders reveal the city's best seafood restaurant, plus the hottest dining news

1751 Sea & Bar is the restaurant of the week.

Photo by Shannon O’Hara

On this week's episode of "What's Eric Eating," CultureMap food editor Eric Sandler and Houston Barbecue Festival co-founder Michael Fulmer discuss the latest food news and their recent meals at two local restaurants.

The episode begins with an in-depth review of Top Chef Houston. They debate whether the episodes provided viewers with enough context about the city. From there, the conversation turns to local cheftestant Evelyn Garcia, who became the second Houston chef to reach the final episode. Finally, they assess season winner Buddha Lo and where he ranks among the Top Chef champions of seasons past.

Their conversation continues with thoughts on Gatlin's Fins & Feathers, the new comfort food restaurant from Gatlin's BBQ owner Greg Gatlin and executive chef Michelle Wallace. Overall, they're excited about the new addition to Independence Heights and look forward to dining there.

The news segment concludes with a few memories of Rice Epicurean. The luxury grocery will close its only remaining location in July.

In the restaurants of the week segment, Fulmer and Sandler describe their recent meal at 1751 Sea & Bar, the upscale seafood restaurant from Pit Room owner Michael Sambrooks. Tune in to hear whether dishes such as crawfish johnnycakes and lobster chawanmushi left the duo with the conclusion that it's Houston's best seafood restaurant.

This week's episode concludes with their thoughts on Flying Fish. A recent meal at the fast casual restaurant in The Heights impressed both of them, and they've resolved to revisit soon.

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Subscribe to "What's Eric Eating" on Apple podcasts, Google Play, or Spotify. Listen to it Saturday at 1 pm on ESPN 97.5.

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Growing national pizza chain will bring halal pies and pastas to Katy

Vocelli Pizza/Facebook

Vocelli Pizza will open its first Houston-area location in March.

A Pittsburgh pizzeria has set its sights on Houston. Vocelli Pizza will makes it Bayou City debut next year with a location in Katy.

Scheduled to open in March 2026, the restaurant will be located at 2941 W. Grand Parkway. Although pizza is part of the restaurant’s name, the menu also includes wings, pizza rolls, salads, sandwiches, pasta, and more. Specialty items include mac and cheese pizza, spinach mushroom rolls, and a chicken parmesan sub.

"We are thrilled to continue our growth into new communities that share our passion for quality, service, and authentic Italian-inspired food," Vocelli Pizza CEO Toni Bianco said in a statement. "Our expansion into Dalton and Houston reflects the strong demand for our brand, and we look forward to delivering an exceptional experience to guests in both markets."

For its expansion into Houston, Vocelli’s will debut an all-halal menu that’s designed to appeal to Houston’s diverse community.

"The team is excited to introduce Vocelli Pizza to Houston with a full halal menu," Bianco added. "There is a clear demand for high-quality Halal pizza and delivery options, and we are proud to meet that need while bringing our brand to a new and dynamic market."

Founded by Turkish immigrant Varol Ablak in 1988, Vocelli began franchising in 1993. The restaurant currently has more than 80 locations.

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