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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moves like jagger(s)

Texas Roadhouse plans first Houston-area outpost of its casual burger spot

Jaggers Restaurant/Facebook

Jaggers serves burgers, chicken, and shakes.

Texas Roadhouse has revealed the first Houston-area location of Jaggers, its fast casual sister concept. Construction is expected to begin soon at Katy’s Grand Morton Town Center, a shopping center location on the Grand Parkway just north of I-10.

Described by Texas Roadhouse founder, the late Kent Taylor, as “What if Chick-fil-A and Five Guys got married and had a kid,” Jaggers serves burgers, chicken tenders, chicken sandwiches, and salads. Affordable prices are part of its appeal, with the standard "Crazy Good Cheeseburger" priced around $7 and a Bacon Avocado Burger priced just over $9.

First opened in Noblesville, Indiana in 2014, the growing chain recently launched its 13th store in North Carolina, Forbes reports.

Expected to open in early summer 2025, the Katy location will occupy approximately 3,900 square feet. A drive-thru will allow for efficient processing of to-go orders.

Jaggers joins two other burger-focused concepts at Grand Morton — Pincho Burgers + Kebabs, the Miami-based restaurant that also has a location near Memorial City Mall, and Texas fast food favorite Whataburger. The center is also home to Bubba’s 33, another Texas Roadhouse concept that’s centered around pizza, wings, and pasta.

“It’s always exciting to get a new-to-market brand for a development” Josh Friedlander, executive for Houston-based commercial real estate developer, said in a statement. “Jaggers will be a strong addition to Grand Morton’s dining options.”

openings burgers jaggers restaurant