On this week’s episode of “What’s Eric Eating,” Cinda and Armando Palacios join CultureMap editor Eric Sandler to discuss their growing company, Palacios Murphy Hospitality. Best known for upscale Tex-Mex restaurant Armandos, the group also includes Italian restaurant Lulu’s, a hotel and restaurants in Round Top, and casual Tex-Mex restaurant Mandito’s.

  

Photo by Joseph West

Cinda Murphy de Palacios

The conversation begins with the couple explaining how they met. “The first time I met him my knees got weak,” Cinda recalls.

From there, they turn to the founding of Armandos and it evolution. Armando recalls opening the first location with a $100 deposit he saved up after getting fired from Ninfa’s. The restaurant quickly became a see-and-be-seen spot that ultimately moved to its current location at Westheimer and Kirby 16 years ago.

Of course, Armandos is well known for its Thursday night disco parties. Cinda offers her take on the party’s enduring popularity. Don’t miss Armando’s hilarious anecdote about the night Lionel Richie and Billy Gibbons both came to the restaurant.

“It’s a big house party. It’s very safe. It’s not really a club,” she says.

Husbands feel comfortable their wives are going out. It’s Armandos. It’s a restaurant. It’s not like they’re going out to a disco,” Armando adds.

Listen to the full episode to hear the couple discuss the challenges of operating in a town as small as Round Top. They also offer thoughts on developing Mandito’s and bringing it to Bellaire and Katy.

In this week’s other episode, Sandler and co-host Mary Clarkson discuss the news of the week. Their topics include Houston billionaire Tilman Fertitta purchasing River Oaks District; Harold’s in the Heights closing after more than 10 years on 19th Street; and Tacos Doña Lena opening a second location in Lazybrook/Timbergrove.

For the restaurant of the week segment, Clarkson and Sandler recount their recent meal at Sorrento Ristorante. Both friends have a lot of nice things to say about the Montrose Italian restaurant, which has been given some necessary upgrades by its new owners. Tune in to hear what they liked and what needs tweaking.

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