What's Eric Eating Episodes 288 and 289

Meet the Wild talent baking up some of Houston's tastiest treats, plus our visits to Andiron and Blind Goat

Chef Jane Wild is this week's guest.

Courtesy of chef Jane Wild

On this week’s episode of “What’s Eric Eating,” chef Jane Wild joins CultureMap food editor Eric Sandler to discuss her business. Formerly a chef at restaurants such as The Dunlavy and Golden Bagel, Wild now operates a bakery that sells sweet and savory pastries at markets in Houston.

The conversation begins with Wild explaining her decision to go out on her own as a market vendor rather than seeking a job at a restaurant. From there, they duo discuss the details of her business, which operates at the Urban Harvest farmers market on Saturday and either the Heights Mercantile or Rice Village farmers markets on Sunday. She also pops up at events like the Butcher’s Ball and cooks private dinners.

Sandler asks Wild about market life. She tells him her days start at midnight and end in the afternoon, which includes standing outside to serve customers. It sounds difficult, but the chef explains how she makes it work.

“I’m in this really cool rhythm where I feel rested,” Wild says. “Is it hot on Saturday and Sunday? Absolutely, but my trick is to stay present, don’t think about it. I’m so grateful that I have the freedom that I can do my thing, too. I have a line. That brings me so much joy to see my regulars. That community, that’s a driver. It doesn’t feel so hot when you have so much joy.”

They also discuss Wild’s participating in Regeneration Weekend at Synergos Farms in Santa Fe, Texas. She’ll prepare a live fire farm-to-table dinner on Friday, June 23 and breakfast on Saturday morning. Attendees will also participate in a farm tour and learn about regenerative farming techniques that nourish the soil without chemical fertilizers or pesticides. A limited number of tickets are still available online.

Prior to the interview, Sandler and co-host Michael Fulmer discuss the news of the week. Their topics include: Robb Report selecting two Houston establishments for its Best New Restaurants list; Cyclone Anaya’s replacing Frank’s Americana in River Oaks; and Montrose Tex-Mex favorite La Mexicana opening a fast casual sister concept in Garden Oaks’s Stomping Grounds development.

In the restaurants of the week segment, Sandler and Fulmer share their thoughts on Andiron, the new live-fire steakhouse from the owners of The Pit Room. They also visit the new Spring Branch location of The Blind Goat, chef Christine Ha’s Vietnamese gastropub.

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Stay trill, owls

Bun B serves up smash hit smash burgers at Houston's Rice University

Photo by Quit Nguyen

Bun B is bringing Trill Burgers to Rice University.

Faculty, students, and staff at Rice University will have a fresh new dining option when classes resume for the fall semester. Trill Burgers will open its fourth Houston-area location on campus beginning Monday, August 17.

Located at the Rice Memorial Center, the new Trill Burgers will serve the restaurant’s signature smash burgers, which are available in either beef or vegan versions. That starts with the OG Trill Burger, made with two smashed beef patties, pickles, caramelized onions, Trill Sauce, and American cheese on a Martin’s potato roll. A vegan version uses plant-based smashed patties, vegan sauce, and vegan cheese. Burgers will be sold individually or as a combo with fries and a drink. Students will be able to use their campus dining dollars (Tetra) to purchase their meals.

Bun B, a Houston hip-hop legend and co-founder of Trill Burgers, has long had ties to Rice University. In 2011, 2013, and 2015, he served as a distinguished lecturer, co-teaching Religion and Hip-Hop Culture with Anthony Pinn, the Agnes Cullen Arnold Distinguished Professor of the Humanities.

“This is truly full circle for me,” Bun B said in a statement. “To bring this brand to Rice University where I once taught is a major moment for Trill Burgers and for myself.”

In addition to Trill Burgers, Rice is also home to locations of breakfast favorite Dandelion Cafe and salad and sandwich concept Local Foods Market.

“We are excited to build upon this long-standing relationship while giving the Rice community an authentic taste of Houston,” Beth Leaver, Rice’s assistant vice president of housing, dining, and hospitality, added. “Trill Burgers brings a distinctive and celebrated part of Houston’s culinary culture to the Rice campus. I am often asked about adding a great burger option, and this partnership fills an important gap in our dining portfolio.”

While the restaurant is open to the general public, its proximity to the original Trill Burgers location (3607 S. Shepherd Dr.) means it will likely appeal primarily to people who are already on campus. Initially, the restaurant will be open from 11 am-5 pm.

Opening at Rice comes at a time of continued growth for Trill Burgers. In December, the restaurant opened in Missouri City. It is expected to open a new location at Westheimer and Hillcroft (7616 Westheimer Rd.) as soon as this month.

burgers rice university openings bun b trill burgers

What's Eric Eating Episodes 288 and 289

Meet the Wild talent baking up some of Houston's tastiest treats, plus our visits to Andiron and Blind Goat

Stay trill, owls

Bun B serves up smash hit smash burgers at Houston's Rice University

Historic Houston fried chicken destination will close after 80 years

Houston ranked as America's No. 2 least safe city and more top stories

Michelin-recognized Texas barbecue chain fires up Houston opening date