What's Eric Eating Episodes 318 and 319

Houston celeb dishes on his buzzy new THC seltzer, plus our trip to Barcelona Wine Bar

Washington Ho is this week's guest.

Photo by Daniel Ortiz

On this week’s interview episode of “What’s Eric Eating,” Washington Ho joins CultureMap food editor Eric Sandler. One of the stars of the House of Ho reality TV show, Washington recently partnered with local trial attorney Tony Buzbee to launch HoBuzz, a line of THC-infused seltzers.

The conversation begins with Washington sharing some early memories of dining out with his family. From there, he and Sandler discuss House of Ho, which depicts the family’s lavish lifestyle and dramatic interpersonal moments. As Washington explains, seeing himself on TV inspired him to give up alcohol, which ultimately led to his interest in creating HoBuzz.

“I love to have a great time. When my family is drinking in front of me, is there a part of me that would like to be in that realm? Yeah, I like that,” he says..” What I found out is that every time I was owning my truth I was doing it because of peer pressure. Through that challenge, I needed my own drink that would put me in the space as other people but with alcohol. That’s what I created HoBuzz.”

Listen to the full episode to hear how Washington and Tony Buzbee decided to work together and what his goals for HoBuzz’s first year are. He also shares some of the new restaurants he’s most excited to try.

In this week’s news episode, Sandler and co-host Mary Clarkson discuss Mandito’s plans to open a new location in Katy. They also talk about Saint Arnold’s recent victory at the Great American Beer Festival and the new chef at its restaurant.

In the restaurant of the week segment, they share their thoughts about Barcelona Wine Bar, the Connecticut-based restaurant that just opened its first Houston location in Montrose. Listen to hear their favorite dishes and where it fits in with other wine-forward concepts. Clarkson and Sandler conclude the episode by raving about a recent meal at Nobie’s, the Montrose eatery that won Restaurant of the Year in the 2021 CultureMap Tastemaker Awards.

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

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hola, Katy

Austin-based taco chain celebrates Katy debut with free breakfast tacos

Photo by Mylk Creative

Tacodeli is opening in Katy on May 18.

One of Austin’s favorite taco joints will soon open in Katy. Tacodeli will officially open on Monday, May 18, but Katy residents don’t have to wait that long to get their first taste of the restaurant.

Every Saturday and Sunday beginning this week (April 18), Tacodeli will give away approximately 200 breakfast tacos starting at 7 am. The limit is two tacos per person.

On opening day, the first 25 people in line will receive free tacos for a year, which is defined two free tacos per week at any Tacodeli location other than Austin’s airport.

Once it opens for daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner service, the new Tacodeli will serve the restaurant’s familiar menu of about 40 meat, seafood, and vegetarian options, many of which are inspired by founder Robert Espinoza’s hometown of Mexico City. They include the Tikin Xic (achiote-marinated grilled salmon, spicy salsa negra, habanero-onion escabeche, cilantro), the Cowboy Taco (dry-rubbed beef tenderloin, grilled corn, caramelized onions, roasted peppers, guacamole, queso fresco), and the Otto (organic refried black beans, bacon, avocado, and Monterrey Jack cheese).

Located at 19302 Katy Freeway, the 2,400-square-foot restaurant will seat 40 people indoor and 40 more on its 500-square-foot patio. The restaurant’s design will blend nods to Mexico City with Texas details.

Katy will join Tacodeli’s two other locations on Washington Avenue and in Uptown’s Post Oak Plaza shopping center. Founded in 1999, Tacodeli has 15 locations in Austin, Dallas, Plano, and Houston.

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