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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riel returns

Shuttered Houston restaurant revived for 1 night only at Canada Day pop-up

Photo by Kirsten Gilliam

The pop-up will serve Riel's caviar and truffle pierogi.

One of the saddest restaurant closures of 2025 will get a one-night-only revival. Favorite dishes from Riel will return at Chardon on Sunday, June 28 for an event being called “Booze Can Sunday.”

While a French fine dining restaurant might seem like an unlikely host for a Riel revival, Chardon executive chef E.J. Miller once served as Riel’s opening sous chef. Miller invited his former boss, Riel chef-owner Ryan Lachaine, to join him for a pop-up that honors Canada Day.

Together, the duo will serve some of Riel’s most popular dishes, including:

Truffle and Caviar Pierogies
Steak Au Poivre Poutine with Cheese Curds
Deli Dog
Montreal Smoked Meat Sliders
Torche Kolaches
Mushroom Empanadas
Gator Karaage
Maple Whiskey Soft Serve with Foie Caram

The day will also feature drink specials such as Canadian Jell-O Shots, Molson X, Canadian Club, Old Grand-Dad, and more. Robin Wong, a co-owner of Blood Bros. BBQ and a successful DJ, will spin throughout the event.

Photo by Kirsten Gilliam

The pop-up will serve Riel's caviar and truffle pierogi.

"Riel was a special place for a lot of people, and Booze Can Sunday was always one of the most anticipated events of the week," said Miller. "Ryan and I wanted to bring back that energy for one day, celebrate the restaurant that meant so much to us, and give guests a chance to revisit some of the dishes and memories they loved."

Riel Restaurant Ryan Lachaine E.J. Miller A vintage picture of chefs EJ Miller and Ryan Lachaine. Photo by Eric Sandler

Riel opened in January 2017 and closed in August 2025. In between, it earned wide acclaim for the way Lachaine blended his Canadian upbringing and Ukrainian heritage with the modern Gulf Coast cuisine he learned while working at restaurants such as Reef and Underbelly.

Currently, Lachaine works as the executive chef at River Oaks restaurant State of Grace. He added two Riel signatures to State of Grace’s menu — the caviar tater tots and signature butter burgers.

Chardon, which earned a Best New Restaurant nomination in the 2026 CultureMap Tastemaker Awards for its blend of classic French fare with Texas ingredients, opened in February 2025. In addition to Riel, Miller’s resume includes SaltAir Seafood Kitchen, International Smoke, and Muse.

Booze Can Sunday takes place from 3-9 pm. Attendees are encouraged to register on Eventbrite.

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