What's Eric Eating Episode 340

What's Eric Eating in review: 2023's hottest food news, our favorite new spots, and more

The panelists discuss new restaurants including Clark's Oyster Bar.

Courtesy of Clark's

On this week’s episode of “What’s Eric Eating,” CultureMap food editor Eric Sandler is joined by three of his regular co-hosts to look back at the year in dining. They are Houston BBQ Festival co-founder Michael Fulmer, Avondale Food & Wine owner Mary Clarkson, and blogger/influencer Felice Sloan.

The conversation begins with a discussion about the most important news stories and trends of the year. The panel talks about how winning a James Beard Award changed the trajectory of Thai restaurant Street to Kitchen. They also offer thoughts on how moving to a new location improved the experience at restaurants such as Wild Oats and The Blind Goat.

“It’s very expensive for an operator to do that. You’ve got a lease. You’ve got all these other expenses,” Fulmer says. “To pick it up and do it all over again is a decided risk . . . I think they’ve been really smart decisions for the most part.”

The panelists share their favorite new restaurants of the year. Their picks, including Rado Market, Clark’s Oyster Bar, and Coastline Pizzeria, serve as a counterpoint to Sandler’s list that published this week.

They also shout out some favorite dishes from this year, such as the tuna toast at ElRo Pizza & Crudo and the Peking duck at Benny Chow’s.

Before the episode concludes, the panelists look back at some of the restaurants that closed this year. They also look ahead to some of the openings they’re looking forward to in 2024.

What’s Eric Eating is taking a hiatus for the holidays. Until new episode return the week of January 8, 2024, the show will re-air some of this year’s most popular shows. That starts with Houston chef Justin Yu discussing season two of smash hit TV show The Bear.

-----

Subscribe to "What's Eric Eating" on Apple podcasts, Google Play, or Spotify. Listen to it Sunday at 8 am on ESPN 97.5.

news-you-can-eat podcasts

step off

Health-conscious Houston sports bar sets Woodlands opening date

Photo by Becca Wright

On the Kirb uses organic ingredients in its bar food.

A Houston sports bar known for its carefully crafted food will soon opens its door. On the Kirb will make its debut this Saturday, November 15.

Located in the former El Tiempo space at 6777 Woodlands Parkway, the Houston area’s fifth On the Kirb occupies a 6,000-square-foot space with a 2,000-square-foot covered patio. It’s been given a comprehensive renovation to make the rustic look of its four siblings and to add enough TVs to follow all the day’s games.

As always, sports fans will find an ingredient-focused approach to bar food. All of its meat, dairy, and poultry are organic. Similarly, the restaurant uses tallow to fry items such as wings, Brussels sprouts, and fries, which has become a trend at some Houston restaurants.

The menu also includes keto items, Neapolitan-style pizzas made with imported flour, burgers, wraps, and tacos. A weekend brunch menu features egg skillets, pancakes, and avocado toast. Pair them with craft beers, cocktails, and non-alcoholic sips.

Weekly specials include organic taco Tuesday, grass-fed steak night on Wednesday, and half-off bottles of wine on Friday.

“We are really looking forward to bringing our fresh approach to the traditional sports bar scene in The Woodlands,” owner Joe Arbeely said in a statement. “From ample TV’s to catch your favorite team to premium outdoor space and bar food you can feel good about indulging in, we’re confident On the Kirb is going to be a great add to the dining scene in this community.”

Photo by Becca Wright

On the Kirb uses organic ingredients in its bar food.

news-you-can-eat openings on the kirb