What's Eric Eating Episode 249

The dish on a new Thai tapas restaurant, plus best hacks for Houston Restaurant Weeks

Set sail for maki at Blue Sushi Sake Grill.

Courtesy of Blue Sushi Sake Grill

On this week's episode of "What's Eric Eating," co-host Felice Sloan joins CultureMap food editor Eric Sandler to discuss the week in food news. They begin their conversation with thoughts on The Preserve at Eculent, a new tapas restaurant that will unite Street to Kitchen chef Benchawan Painter with Eculent's David Skinner.

Sandler notes that the two chefs have formed a friendship based on respect for each other's work and a shared interest in preservation techniques. Although she hasn't been to Eculent for its elevated tasting menu, Sloan says she expects to visit the new establishment once it opens later this year.

Next, they discuss the recent closure of James Coney Island's last Inner Loop location on Shepherd Drive. It serves as a jumping off point for the overall state of JCI and what the restaurant could do to remain relevant.

They conclude the segment with some thoughts on Chefs for Farmers, the Dallas-based food event that's making its Houston debut in October. With a star-studded lineup and the opportunity to sample dishes from some of the year's most eagerly anticipated new restaurants, they suggest diners purchase tickets.

In the restaurant of the week segment, they duo share first impressions of Blue Sushi Sake Grill, a Japanese restaurant that recently opened in the Heights M-K-T development. Sandler notes that the extensive menu of rolls and fusion-style dishes will give the restaurant mass appeal, while Sloan touts the eclectic decor as an ideal environment for a date night. The episode concludes with some strategies for navigating the Houston Restaurant Weeks lineup.

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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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flying into Houston

Chopped champion's Indian-spiced fried chicken joint opens in Midtown

One of Houston’s most dynamic chefs has unveiled his take on fried chicken. Pok Pok Po is now open in Midtown.

Located at 3201 Louisiana, the restaurant is the latest concept from chef and Chopped champion Jassi Bindra and business partners Surpreet and Preet Paul Singh, the trio behind Indian fine dining restaurant Amrina in The Woodlands. Bindra’s fried chicken recipe uses a gluten-free flour and starch batter that’s seasoned with Indian Kashmiri red chili powder along with other herbs and spices. It’s pressure cooked to ensure the meat stays both juicy and crispy.

The certified halal chicken is available as strips, sandwiches (made with thigh meat), and chicken breast bites.Those looking for a heartier meal, can get their chicken served on top of sidewinder fries or in the “Rice & Shine,” which includes basmati rice and Bindra’s “Desi kimchi.” Beverage options include Akra, an American-style lager that’s brewed in India, cannabis-infused drinks from 8th Wonder and non-alcoholic options such as sodas and a mango lassi.

“At Pok Pok Po, we’re creating something that’s not just a meal but an experience,” Bindra said in a statement. “We’ve taken everything people love about fried chicken and given it a twist with bold, gluten-free recipes and flavors that truly speak to the diversity of Houston.”

While most counter service restaurants are designed primarily for to-go, Pok Pok Po’s 55-seat dining room caters to those who want to enjoy their meals. It features banquette seating and a white-and-black motif that will also be present at Bol, the restaurant’s sister concept that’s opening soon.

The two restaurants occupy part of the former Artisans space. Medium Rare, an affordable steak frites restaurant from Washington, D.C., recently opened next to Bol and Pok Pok Po.

Courtesy of Pok Pok Po

Pok Pok Po is now open in Midtown.

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