What's Eric Eating Episodes 353 and 354

Get the dish on a new-to-Montrose eatery, plus our visit to buzzy Baso

On this week’s episode of “What’s Eric Eating,” Julia and David Grossman join CultureMap food editor Eric Sandler to discuss Fusion Eats. The husband-and-wife team recently opened the third location of their globally-inspired restaurant in Montrose.

As is tradition whenever a married couple appears on the show, Sandler asks them to explain how they met. Julia explains they met in 2010 when David still owned Branch Water Tavern. They got married in 2021 and now have a son.

From there, David shares memories of Branch Water, and Julia discusses Fusion Taco, her pioneering Houston food truck that served globally-inspired tacos. Those dishes are still at the heart of Fusion Eats’ offerings, which include fried Gulf oysters, chicken tikka masala on naan, and grilled redfish.

“We take great care and great pride in trying to put out a good product for a great price. Now we’re doing the same thing with the bar,” Julia says. “We’ll continue to add and rotate some new, interesting menu items.”

Listen to the full interview to hear the couple’s plans to become Montrose’s next exciting brunch destination. Julia also shares her aspirations for Fusion Eats’ next location.

In this week’s other episode, Sandler welcomes a new co-host, Chelsea Thomas, staff writer for The Infatuation Houston. After a brief description of the website, Sandler and Thomas discuss the news of the week. Their topics include: the openings of PostScript and MF Lobster, The Tipping Point teaming up with 93’ Til, and Winfield’s Chocolate Bar's new partnership with Kroger.

In the restaurant of the week segment, Thomas and Sandler share thoughts on their meal at Baso, the Basque-influenced restaurant in the Heights that's generating major social media buzz. They find a lot to like about the recently-opened establishment and recommend several dishes for diners to try.

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Courtesy of Fusion Eats

Fusion Eats serves an eclectic menu.

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say boo

Houston smash burger pop-up finds permanent home on East End esplanade

Photo by Drea Karolina

Boo's Burgers wil occupy a kiosk on the Navigation Esplanade.

One of Houston’s favorite burger pop-ups is opening a brick and mortar restaurant. Boo’s Burgers will open a permanent location in early 2025.

Located in the Second Ward at 2510 Navigation Boulevard, Boo’s Burgers will occupy a kiosk on the bustling Navigation Esplanade. A permanent location represents the next step for chef Joseph Boudreaux, who founded Boo’s Burgers in 2021 while he was working as a barista at a downtown coffee shop. Prior to that, he worked at a number of restaurants, including Leeland House and Tiny Champions.

Boo's Burgers Joseph Boudreaux Chef-owner Joseph Boudreaux.Photo by Drea Karolina

Those experiences helped shape the chef’s take on the classic smash burger. It features a 50-50 ratio of chuck and short rib that he grinds himself with a little fat for extra juiciness. It gets topped with a slice of American cheese, lettuce, tomato, caramelized onions, pickles that Boudreaux makes himself, and burger sauce.

“Burgers are something everyone in Houston can relate to,” Boudreaux said in a statement. “We’ve tapped into that shared memory of local mom-and-pop burger stands while weaving in the city’s unique blend of southern charm and urban culture. The East End feels like the perfect place for Boo’s next chapter. It’s a vibrant community that’s rich in history, where we can create a space that’s both familiar and exciting.”

Joseph Bourdeaux smashburger That's a photogenic burger. Photo by Eric Sandler

Having a permanent location will allow Boudreaux to expand his menu with food specials and sides. Diners can also expect a full range of drinks and desserts. The restaurant’s design will take inspiration from streetwear and hip hop, establishing it as a uniquely Houston destination. Prior to the opening, Boudreaux will host Boo’s Burger Run, a bi-weekly pop-up series with chefs from the East End and other parts of Houston.

“We’re not just opening a restaurant,” Boudreaux added. “We’re building a space where food, culture, and community come together. We want Boo’s to be the kind of place where people feel connected to Houston’s past and future.”

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