What's Eric Eating Episode 279
Meet the talented team who've uncorked the Heights' newest wine bar, plus Houston's hottest food news
William Farley and Nick Nguyen are this week's guests.
On this week's episode of "What's Eric Eating," Padre's Wine Shop + Bar owner William Farley and general manager Nick Nguyen join CultureMap food editor to discuss the newly opened business in the Heights. The conversation begins with Farley explaining why he left a career in investment banking to begin importing wines from South America.
From there, the conversation turns to Padre's. Recently opened in the historic Obsidian Theater space on White Oak, Padre's offers both a wine shop with more than 500 selections and a wine bar for enjoying its wares. Nguyen oversees a limited food offering that includes charcuterie, cheese, and a couple of sandwiches inspired by New Orleans' famed Turkey and the Wolf. Sandler asks the duo how they see Padre's distinguishing itself from other nearby wine bars.
"We have an environment where we want people to have conversations. The music isn't too loud. We want people to network. Naturally, it's setting up an environment where people are talking to each other," Nguyen says.
"The way we laid everything out with the patio and the interior, it's supposed to be like a living room. It fosters those kind of conversations Nick was referring to," Farley adds. "Last weekend, I watched groups who had no prior understanding of each other, you could see them see them start talking to each other."
Listen to the full interview to hear Farley discuss his favorite South American wines. The duo also share their goals for Padre's first year of operations.
Prior to the interview, Sandler and co-host Matt Harris discuss the news of the week. Their topics include: the winners of this year's CultureMap Tastemaker Awards; East End restaurant Louie's Italian American closing to become Angie's Pizza; and Bobby Heugel and Justin Yu parting ways with Galveston's Hotel Lucine.
In the restaurants of the week segment, Sandler and Harris share their thoughts about two recently-opened restaurants. First, they recap a meal at Oheya, Uchi's new omakase counter. Then, they visit Muse, the lively, globally inspired new restaurant in the former Emmaline space.
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Co-owners Ceci McBride (l) and Henry Johnson pose with wine club coordinator Estella Winton.Photo courtesy of Formando Vineyards