What's Eric Eating Episode 26

Chef in the middle of World Series action, new restaurants are hot podcast topics

On this week's episode of "What's Eric Eating," chef Danny Trace joins CultureMap food editor Eric Sandler to discuss his new role overseeing both Potente and Osso & Kristalla, the fine dining and casual Italian restaurants from Astros owner Jim Crane and Reef partner Bill Floyd. After opening quietly shortly before the Super Bowl, the two establishments have garnered more attention thanks to both their proximity to Minute Maid Park and the food Trace is serving.

Trace discusses the food he's serving at Potente as an Italian-style evolution of the Creole food he became known for during his long stint as the executive chef at Brennan's of Houston.

"To me, I'm continuing to do the same things I've done and put my stamp on and am known for," Trace says. "I'm using seasonal products. I'm using all the same purveyors and farmers and fishermen. It's just more Italian-influened, which, Creole and Italian go hand-in-hand. It's kind of easy for me."

Trace also discusses what its been like to be in the middle of the World Series crowds, how he feels about working for Jim Crane, and what he's done to make Osso & Kristalla appealing to diners.

Prior to the interview, local restaurant consultant Nathan Ketcham joins Sandler to discuss the news of the week. The two discuss Cafe Annie's new, steak-oriented direction, the official announcement that Feges BBQ is coming to Greenway Plaza in 2018, and note news out of Austin that James Beard Award winners Tyson Cole (Uchi) and Aaron Franklin (Franklin Barbecue) have teamed up on Loro, a new barbecue concept that will blend both chefs' skills.

In the restaurant of the week segment, Ketcham and Sandler discuss their visit to Pokeworks, the rapidly expanding New York City-based chain that opened its first Houston location near the Heights. Sandler also shares his experience trying the omakase at Kukuri; the new sushi restaurant on Washington Avenue is lead by chef Shimao Ishikawa, who comes to Houston from New York City’s Michelin-starred Jewel Bako.

Subscribe to "What's Eric Eating" on iTunes or Google Play. Listen to it every Saturday at 11 am on SportsMap 94.1.

Danny Trace is this week's guest on "What's Eric Eating."

Courtesy photo

Danny Trace is this week's guest on "What's Eric Eating."

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on your mark

Houston's racing simulator lounge adds speakeasy-style cocktail bar

Ignition speakeasy Velocity Racing Lounge

Photo by John Huang

Ignition is a 50-seat speakeasy-style bar within Velocity - Sim Racing Lounge.

A Houston venue devoted to racing simulators has upgraded its offerings with a new, speakeasy-style bar. Ignition is the latest addition to Velocity - Sim Racing Lounge in Sawyer Yards.

Opening this Friday, July 17, Ignition is a 50-seat, 1,200-square-foot bar within Velocity’s 5,000-square-foot space. Patrons enter Ignition via a hidden door that’s part of gallery of steering wheels from the worlds of drifting, rally, and GT3 competition.

“Some of the best moments in racing happen off the track, and that's the inspiration behind Ignition," Velocity owner Viet Tran said in a statement. "We wanted to create an exclusive space where guests can immerse themselves in motorsports culture, enjoy outstanding drinks and food, and ignite their passion.”

Tran worked with LOMA Architecture to design the space. It features motorsports memorabilia and a Pro Mazda race car suspended from the ceiling.

Permission Whiskey owner Peter Nolan designed Ignition’s cocktail menu. It includes the Midnight Monaco (Glenfiddich 16-year Aston Martin Edition, honey, Cointreau, Peychaud's bitters, and orange), the Luxe Macallan Sour Macallan 12-year Double Cask, Aperol, lemon, and egg white; an espresso martini; and the Velocity GT (Empress Elderflower Gin, St-Germain, lavender, and Mediterranean tonic). Zero-proof sips are also available.

They can be paired with dishes such as a charcuterie board, seafood campechana, and “Millionaire Bacon,” candied bacon served with two dipping sauces.

While drinking and driving on the street is both dangerous and illegal, it’s encouraged at Ignition. The bar has eight racing simulators — four beginner-friendly and four for more experience drivers. Solo drivers can opt for a $20, 15-minute session, while pairs of two can opt for a 30-minute experience for $35.

Ignition is open Thursday-Sunday beginning at 5 pm. It’s also available for private events.

Photo by John Huang

Ignition is a 50-seat speakeasy-style bar within Velocity - Sim Racing Lounge.