What's Eric Eating Episode 273
Former Gatlin's BBQ top chef goes b'tween the lines on her new restaurant, plus Houston's hottest food news
On this week's episode of "What's Eric Eating," chef Michelle Wallace joins CultureMap food editor Eric Sandler. Wallace recently left her role as executive chef of Gatlin's BBQ to launch b'tween Sandwich Co., a new pop-up that she plans to turn into a restaurant.
The conversation begins with Wallace sharing some of her experiences opening Gatlin's Fins & Feathers, the comfort food restaurant that ranked as one of 2022's best new restaurants. From there, the discussion turns to sandwiches. Sandler asks the chef what the necessary components are for a great sandwich.
"Everything has to work like a song. You have a beginning, the middle, and the end," she says. "For me, having a complete song makes a great sandwich. What's giving me texture, what's giving me crunch. Is there a heating element? Do I have a sweet element for balance? All of these things come into play."
Listen to the full interview to hear Wallace discuss her experiences as part of the James Beard Foundation's TasteTwenty program and as a contestant on season three of the Food Network competition show BBQ Brawl. She also shares the timeline for opening her new restaurant.
Prior to the interview, Sandler and co-host Felice Sloan discuss the news of the week. Their topics include: the closure of seafood restaurant 1751 Sea & Bar; Berg Hospitality's plans to open Buttermilk Baby in the Heights; and Eloise Nichols moving to an all-day format.
In the restaurant of the week segment, Sloan and Sandler share first impressions of Fat Boy's Pizza, the Louisiana-based pizzeria that recently opened its first Houston location. They find a lot to like about the massive 30-inch pies, compelling appetizers, and friendly service.
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