What's Eric Eating Episode 246

Exciting new Vietnamese restaurant freshens up The Heights, plus award-winning Thai in the East End

Braised pork belly and sticky rice at Dinette.

Courtesy of Dinette

On this week's episode of "What's Eric Eating," Jason Andaya and chef Cole Hoang join CultureMap food editor Eric Sandler to discuss Dinette. Slated to open later this summer, Dinette aims to offer a fresh perspective on Vietnamese fare by blending Hoang's heritage from northern Vietnam with some of the techniques he learned while working for James Beard Award finalist Christine Ha at The Blind Goat.

Sandler asks Andaya, who also owns the Heights hand roll restaurant Hando with his business partner Raymond Chan, to discuss how Dinette fits in with other second generation Vietnamese-American restaurants like Les Ba'get, Blood Bros. BBQ, and Ha's restaurants The Blind Goat and Xin Chao.

"In terms of how we fit in the space of Vietnamese cuisine now that people are starting to explore all of the things there are to offer beyond pho and banh mi, we're finding a lot of these second generation Asian Americans have so much to say," he replies. "They've experienced the embrace that Houston has given them and their families. Now it's time to showcase their culture in their own way, but with a little bit of the flavors that Houston has given them."

Listen to the full episode to hear Hoang's plans for the menu and more about the style of cocktails that Dinette will serve. Andaya also shares some observations about Hando's plans to open in Spring Branch.

Prior to the interview, Sandler and co-host Mary Clarkson discuss the news of the week. Their topics include: more thoughts on Julep winning the James Beard Award for Outstanding Bar Program; Agricole Hospitality opening EZ's Liquor Lounge next to Coltivare; self-pour bar Shoot the Moon closing after 11 months; and the Robb Report naming March to its list of best new restaurants.

In the restaurant of the week segment, the two friends discuss their recent meals at Street to Kitchen, the East End Thai restaurant that took home before Rising Star Chef of the Year and Restaurant of the Year in the CultureMap Tastemaker Awards. Hear why it lives up to its growing reputation.

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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.

Braised pork belly and sticky rice at Dinette.

Dinette braised pork belly and sticky rice

Courtesy of Dinette

Braised pork belly and sticky rice at Dinette.

podcasts interview news-you-can-eat

blinded with science

New York's science-themed holiday bar shakes up the Museum District

Courtesy of Drunken Lab

Conduct holiday-themed science experiments at the LIT-Mas Spectacular.

A taste of Manhattan has made its way to Houston with the immersive LIT-Mas Spectacular holiday pop-up. From now until January 12, Houstonians can discover the hype behind New York City’s The Drunken Lab that's known for its unique blend of science and cocktails.

This pop-up marks the first expansion for The Drunken Lab’s parent company, Science and Sip, a concept created to make science accessible and unforgettable. Attendees can dive into holiday-themed science experiments — including explosive endothermic reactions — while enjoying festive cocktails in a winter wonderland setting enhanced with a live DJ. Appropriately, the pop-up is located in the Museum District at 4715 Main Street.

“Houston was the perfect next step for Science and Sip,” founder Cautney Nelson said in a statement. “The city’s vibrant culture, love of celebration, and ties to science through world-famous programs like NASA aligns beautifully with our mission to blend entertainment with discovery.”

Visitors enter a world filled with larger-than-life gingerbread decor and candy-inspired installations where light bulbs and laboratory flasks have been transformed into quirky beverage containers. Admission includes one cocktail or mocktail, a lab coat and goggles, and two to three science experiments. Add-ons like cocktail-filled ornament “Booze Balls” and Grinch-inspired pouches in festive red and green add an extra dose of holiday charm.

“We’re thrilled to host guests for an immersive holiday experience that merges festive fun with curiosity,” Nelson added. “With each pop-up, we aim to create a space where a great party and exploration come together, and we’re excited to see how Houston embraces The LIT-Mas Spectacular.”

A portion of the proceeds from LIT-Mas will benefit Millennial Scnce, a nonprofit founded by Nelson that provides students with accessible STEM resources and educational opportunities.

Tickets are available for Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, with showtimes at 2:30 pm, 6 pm, and 9 pm. Private party and group bookings are also available.

Courtesy of Drunken Lab

Conduct holiday-themed science experiments at the LIT-Mas Spectacular.

cocktails holidays museum district nightlife

What's Eric Eating Episode 246

Exciting new Vietnamese restaurant freshens up The Heights, plus award-winning Thai in the East End

Braised pork belly and sticky rice at Dinette.

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

Broadcaster Frank Billingsley finds second act at Houston radio station

Houston steakhouse reboots as a more affordable neighborhood restaurant

blinded with science

New York's science-themed holiday bar shakes up the Museum District

What's Eric Eating Episode 246

Exciting new Vietnamese restaurant freshens up The Heights, plus award-winning Thai in the East End

Braised pork belly and sticky rice at Dinette.

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

Broadcaster Frank Billingsley finds second act at Houston radio station

Houston steakhouse reboots as a more affordable neighborhood restaurant

blinded with science

New York's science-themed holiday bar shakes up the Museum District

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