What's Eric Eating Episode 272

Meet the culinary mind behind Chris Shepherd's Southern Smoke Foundation, plus hottest food news

Chef Seth Siegel-Gardner is this week's guest.

Photo by Moe Lerma

On this week’s episode of "What’s Eric Eating," chef Seth Siegel-Gardner joins CultureMap food editor Eric Sandler. Best known as the co-owner of The Pass & Provisions, Siegel-Gardner now serves as the culinary director for the Southern Smoke Foundation, the Houston-based non-profit that provides emergency assistance to hospitality workers in crisis situations.

The conversation begins with the chef sharing how an interest in cooking professionally ultimately led him to work for celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson in New York at his restaurant Aquavit. Eventually, he returned to Houston where he launched the Just August pop-up with chefs Terrence Gallivan, his partner at The Pass & Provisions, and Justin Yu. That success paved the way for The Pass & Provisions, widely considered one of Houston’s best restaurants during its run from 2012-19.

After moving to Marfa and opening the Marfa Spirit Co., Siegel-Gardner returned to Houston and joined the Southern Smoke Foundation. As culinary director, he works with the chefs who participate in the foundation’s annual festival to source any ingredients and equipment they need, among other responsibilities. It’s a role that keeps him tied to the culinary world even though he’s no longer working in a restaurant.

“Not being in a restaurant can be good and hard at the same time. It’s very weird not to be in a kitchen all day every day,” he says. “Getting to work with Southern Smoke is a great opportunity to be connected to the industry and giving back as well. It was a great part to continue being part of the industry.”

Prior to the interview, Sandler and co-host Michael Fulmer discuss the news of the week. Their topics include: Dallas-based Tex-Mex restaurant Mi Cocina’s plans to open in Houston; Texas Monthly’s list of the state’s best new restaurants; and Traveler’s Cart, the fast casual sibling of Montrose restaurant Traveler’s Table that’s opening later this year.

In the restaurant of the week segment, Fulmer and Sandler share their thoughts on LuLoo’s Day & Night. Listen to the full episode to hear their thoughts on the sandwich shop and bakery from the team behind Blood Bros. BBQ and pastry chef Alyssa Dole.

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there's the rub

Restaurant known for 'new Houston cuisine' now open in Cypress

Courtesy of Jonathan's the Rub

Jonathan's the Rub serves steaks and other dishes.

A restaurant known for its eclectic “new Houston cuisine” has opened in Cypress. The fourth location of Jonathan’s the Rub is now open for dinner in Bridgeland (20215 Bridgeland Creek Parkway).

First announced last year, the new Jonathan’s is located in Village Green, a 70-acre mixed-use development within the 925-acre Bridgeland Central district. The 5,500-square-foot restaurant includes two patios totaling 2,600 square feet, giving the restaurant plenty of room for private dining rooms, a bar area, and indoor-outdoor areas with fire pits and greenery.

“We were looking for the next frontier — a community with a booming population and a clear vision for growth that aligns with our brand,” chef-owner Jonathan Levine said in a statement. “When we discovered Bridgeland and learned it was a Howard Hughes development, we were immediately impressed. With their reputation for developing generational communities, we felt confident that Bridgeland was the right place for our family and for Jonathan’s the Rub.”

Like Jonathan’s three other locations, the menu at Bridgeland is built around Levine’s signature “new Houston cuisine,” a kicked-up take on comfort food that includes everything from lobster tacos and blackened shrimp and grits to Italian American classics and steakhouse fare.

Village Green is also home to H-E-B and restaurants such as Sweet Paris Crêperie & Café and Crust Pizza Co. Austin-based burger joint P. Terry’s will open there next year.

“Jonathan’s the Rub’s arrival in Bridgeland Central brings a distinguished addition to the culinary scene in both the community and northwest Houston,” said Jim Carman, president of the Texas region, for Bridgeland developer Howard Hughes Communities. “We’re proud to partner with exceptional restaurateurs like Chef Jonathan Levine to bring elevated dining experiences that enhance the lifestyle offerings for our residents and neighbors.”

Courtesy of Jonathan's the Rub

Jonathan's the Rub serves steaks and other dishes.