Best John Maison Podcasts (2026)

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Episode 522 - 2025 Year in Review 1:00:27

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3h ago1:00:27

1:00:27

It's the end of 2025 which means it's time to look back and some our favorites from the year in the Houston food scene. Today on the 2025 Year in Review, Eric is joined by Mary Clarkson of Heights Grocer & Montrose Grocer, and Raffi Nasr of Craft Pita to highlight some of their favorite new restaurants that opened this year, some of their favorite …

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Episode 521 - Judith Piotrowski of Hotel ZaZa 39:24

3h ago39:24

39:24

On today's edition of the podcast, Eric is joined by Judith Piotrowski of Hotel ZaZa. Judith speaks with Eric about what inspired her to get into bartending/hospitality, her time at Weights + Measures, working at One Fifth during the pandemic, what she learned from working with Chris Shepherd and his team, becoming the director of bars at The Post …

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Episode 520 - Doc's Houston 31:15

2d ago31:15

31:15

The Swanky Maven Felice Sloan returns for this edition of the podcast. Eric and Felice touch on some of the latest happenings from the Houston food scene including chef Jean-François Feuillette opening the first US location of Café Feuillette here in Houston, Local Table's 6th location set to open in Missouri City, and ChòpnBlọk getting more nation…

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Episode 519 - Nelson Monteith and Andrew Wiseheart of Honest Mary's 42:49

7d ago42:49

42:49

Today on the show Eric is joined by Nelson Monteith and Andrew Wiseheart of Honest Mary's. Nelson and Andrew share with Eric their culinary journey's leading up to Honest Mary's, how they first started working together, why River Oaks was the right area of Houston to expand to, how they set themselves apart from other concepts in the healthy fast c…

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Episode 518 - Hypsi at the Hotel Daphne 30:15

16d ago30:15

30:15

On today's edition of the podcast Eric is joined by Mary Clarkson of Heights Grocer and Montrose Grocer. The pair dive into some of the latest news from the Houston food scene including Home Slice Pizza expanding in the Houston area with a new location set to open in The Heights, the closure of Killen's BBQ in The Woodlands, the surprising announce…

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Writers on Memory, Language & the Power of the Unconscious 11:50

13d ago11:50

11:50

How can we use negative spaces in fiction to engage with readers’ imaginations? How are memory and trauma passed onto us through language? How do we become more than the stories we tell ourselves? KATIE KITAMURA (Author, Audition, Intimacies) emphasizes that a book is created in collaboration with the reader, using negative spaces in the narrative …

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Episode 517 - The Ultimate Houston Vietnamese Food Draft Winner Reveal with Christine Ha and John Suh 22:08

15d ago22:08

22:08

On this special episode, Eric is joined by MasterChef Season 3 winner Christine Ha, and her husband John Suh, who co-own the great Houston restaurant "The Blind Goat," to reveal the winner from the Ultimate Houston Vietnamese Food Draft on the previous episode! Follow Eric on Instagram/Threads @ericsandler. You can also reach Eric by emailing him a…

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Episode 516 - The Ultimate Houston Vietnamese Food Draft 59:38

17d ago59:38

59:38

On today's podcast episode, it's The Ultimate Houston Vietnamese Food Draft! Listen as Eric, alongside Local Foods Group's Chelsea Thomas, Heights Grocer's Mary Clarkson, Stevie Vu from the Chow-down in Chinatown Facebook group, Isabel Protomartir from the 'Have A Nice Day' AAPI pop-up markets, and Michael Fulmer, who co-founded the Houston BBQ Fes…

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Episode 515 - Lazy Lane 35:06

25d ago35:06

35:06

On today's edition of the podcast Eric is joined by a returning Monica "The Mayor of Garden Oaks" Danna to go through some of the latest news from the Houston culinary scene. Eric and Monica discuss Ninja Ramen shuttering at the end of December, the new sushi concept from Grace and Leo Xia coming to Chinatown, and Lankford's opening a new location …

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Episode 514 - Tracy Vaught, Hugo Ortega, and Sofia Ortega of H-Town Restaurant Group 58:48

1M ago58:48

58:48

On today's edition of the podcast Eric is joined by Tracy Vaught, Hugo Ortega, and Sofia Ortega of H-Town Restaurant Group. H-Town Restaurant Group is the company behind Backstreet, Hugo's, Xochi, Caracol, Urbe, and Zaranda. The family speak with Eric about their new concept Zaranda, why now was the right time for the concept, the inspiration behin…

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Episode 513 - Reacting to the Chronicle's top 100 restaurants & a visit to Maison Chinoise 33:53

1M ago33:53

33:53

Today on the podcast Eric is joined by Mary Clarkson of Heights Grocer and Montrose Grocer and the duo react to the Houston Chronicle's Top 100 Restaurant's list, did the Chronicle get it right? Is Aga's the best in Houston? Is Milton's Top 25? Kata Robata isn't on the list?! The pair explore those questions and more regarding this year's list. Plu…

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Episode 512 - Michael Sambrooks of Candente and The Pit Room 30:00

2M ago30:00

30:00

On today's edition of the podcast, Eric is joined by Michael Sambrooks of Sambrooks Hospitality which is behind Candente and The Pit Room. Michael speaks with Eric about the big news that Candente's opening 2nd location will open in Bellaire, how the location popped up on their radar, why Bellaire was the right choice, what they need to do to chang…

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Episode 511 - Murray's Pizza & Wine and 93' Til 30:45

2M ago30:45

30:45

Local Houston celebrity Felice Sloan, aka the Swanky Maven, takes time from her busy autograph schedule to join Eric on today's show. The pair discuss some of the latest news including the upcoming opening of Doc's Houston and how things went at the first ever Bites & Beyond Festival this past weekend. In the Restaurants of the Week portion Murray'…

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The Beast in Me starring CLAIRE DANES - Behind the Scenes w/ HOWARD GORDON & DANIEL PEARLE 46:26

2M ago46:26

46:26

“And I think there's also just something about an unfettered or uncensored id that is so captivating. We all have that fantasy of doing exactly what we want with no consequences and sort of letting that go. I think when you see an athlete at the peak of their game, doing that embodied thing and living that dream, or when someone has actually done h…

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Episode 510 - Deets Hoffman of Murray's Pizza & Wine and Leaf & Grain 42:36

2M ago42:36

42:36

Today on the podcast Eric is joined by Deets Hoffman of Murray's Pizza & Wine and Leaf & Grain. Deets speaks with Eric about why pizza was the route he wanted to go following the success of Leaf & Grain, why they wanted to go more adult date night forward with Murray's, the wine offerings, his wife's reaction to picking her name for the concept, wh…

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Episode 509 - Charm Taphouse & BBQ and Truluck's 39:09

2M ago39:09

39:09

On the show today, Eric is joined by Houston BBQ Festival co-founder Michael Fulmer. Eric and Michael go through some of the latest news from the Houston culinary scene including the surprising closure of Paulie's and the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo's fine dining change coming in 2026. Plus, the guys discuss a bit more about the Michelin Guide's…

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Episode 508 - Otto Othman and Adrian Sanchez of PINCHO 48:45

2M ago48:45

48:45

Today on the show, Eric is joined by Otto Othman and Adrian Sanchez of PINCHO. The duo speak with Eric about their culinary careers, what got them interested in the culinary scene, where the idea for PINCHO came from, what the name means, developing a family recipe for pincho into a commercial success, the evolution of the burger menu, entering foo…

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Episode 507 - Michelin Guide Reactions 50:33

2M ago50:33

50:33

It's year 2 of the Michelin Guide being in Texas and during a special ceremony in Houston on Tuesday night the guide announced the newest recipients of stars, recommendations, and more in Texas. So for this edition of the podcast Eric, alongside June Rodil of Goodnight Hospitality, CultureMap contributor Brianna McClane, and Misha Govshteyn a.k.a. …

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Episode 506 - Peter Skountzos and Manuel E. Guzmán-López of Doc's Houston 35:20

2M ago35:20

35:20

On today's show Eric is joined by Peter Skountzos and Manuel E. Guzmán-López of Doc's Houston. The duo speak with Eric about their careers leading up to Doc's, the story behind the name, why Houston was the right fit for the expansion of Jazz, TX, what was appealing about the Tower Theater space, the entertainment that patrons can expect, the food …

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"Everything is Art. Everything is Politics." AI WEIWEI'S TURANDOT Dir. MAXIM DEREVIANKO - Highlights

2M ago

—

“So when we decided to do a documentary to follow Ai Weiwei, we knew, of course, it wouldn't be just a simple opera, and we knew he would bring his own very special and original vision. Because, of course, he is not an opera director. From his point of view, it's a challenge, but from another perspective, it’s probably an enrichment for the opera a…

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AI WEIWEI'S TURANDOT 59:36

2M ago59:36

59:36

“Everything is Art. Everything is Politics. I think art competes with reality. And art will give you the last words.” –Ai Weiwei The renowned artist and activist Ai Weiwei has used sculpture, photography, documentaries, and large-scale installations to challenge authoritarian power for decades. But his project at the Rome Opera House, directing Puc…

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Episode 505 - Late August 32:11

2M ago32:11

32:11

On today's edition of the podcast Eric is joined by Mary Clarkson of Heights Grocer. The pair speak about some of the latest restaurant/bar news from the Houston scene including Mary's own news that Heights Grocer is expanding into Montrose. Mary shares what they'll be able to do with the larger space in Montrose, what she's learned in her first ye…

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Episode 504 - Ryan Lachaine and Bobby Matos of State of Grace 33:40

3M ago33:40

33:40

On today's edition of the podcast Eric is joined by Ryan Lachaine and Bobby Matos of State of Grace. The pair speak with Eric about why Ryan was a fit for State of Grace, why they want to push to be more like the old State of Grace, doing their chefs table dinners, the food forward regulars at State of Grace, what they've added to the menu (mmmm bu…

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Episode 503 - Vida Mariscos and Connie's Frozen Custard 43:00

3M ago43:00

43:00

On episode 503 of What's Eric Eating, Eric Sandler was joined by former food critic, and current Director of Events & Catering at Local Foods Group, Chelsea Thomas! They discussed... The unfortunate closing down of Kim Son, and the continued stress put on all businesses around the I-45 expansion The opening of Maison Chinoise A San Antonio based co…

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Episode 502 - Armando DiMeo of Coastline Pizzeria 26:00

3M ago26:00

26:00

On today's podcast Eric is joined by Armando DiMeo of Coastline Pizzeria. Armando speaks with Eric about how he first decided to become a chef, working in the family business, when he knew that pizza was his passion, why decided to focus on Neapolitan pizza, Houston's struggles with Neapolitan pizza, where grilled pizza came from, the creative free…

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Episode 501 - Eric Opens the Mailbag 50:41

3M ago50:41

50:41

By What's Eric Eating

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Episode 500 - Meet 6 of the 2025 Houston StarChefs Rising Stars 57:41

3M ago57:41

57:41

Eric's doing things a little different today for this 500th edition of the podcast (yep 500!). Today Eric is being joined by not 1, not 2, not 3, not 4, not 5, but 6 of Houston's Rising Stars selected by StarChefs for 2025. Eric visits with Evelyn Garcia and Henry Lu of JŪN, Lucas McKinney of Josephine's, Maham Qureshi of Shakkar, Adrian Torres of …

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Episode 499 - North China 29:06

3M ago29:06

29:06

On today's podcast Eric is joined by one of StarChef's Rising Stars of 2025, Craft Pita's own Raffi Nasr!. Raffi and Eric talk about some of the latest news from the Houston restaurant and bar scene including Justin Yu and Bobby Heugel's newest concept coming to Montrose, Ryan Lachaine's new gig, and the StarChefs Rising Stars Houston Class of 2025…

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Episode 498 - Catching Up with Houston Hospitality Veteran Jonathan Horowitz 56:07

3M ago56:07

56:07

Today on the show Eric has in depth conversation with Houston hospitality veteran Jonathan Horowitz. The pair discuss Jonathan's leaving from the Houston Hospitality Alliance, how he found his way into commercial real estate, the ramifications of the pandemic on the restaurant industry, the difficulties that are now present within the industry post…

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Episode 497 - Local Public Eatery and a One Michelin Star Restaurant Comparison 34:16

3M ago34:16

34:16

CultureMap contributor Brianna McClane is back on What's Eric Eating. Eric and Brianna discuss some of the latest news from the Houston restaurant and bar scene including Candente claiming the space formerly occupied by Mandito's for it's 2nd location, Tacos A Go Go's 2 new locations opening with cocktails by Bobby Heugel, and the fall restaurant o…

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Episode 496 - Top Chef Winner Tristen Epps of Buboy 42:50

4M ago42:50

42:50

Today on the podcast Eric is joined by Tristen Epps of Buboy. Tristen speaks with Eric about how scrambled eggs and Japanese TV set him on a path towards being a chef, his initial stint in Houston, why he decided on Houston for his big city experience, meeting/working with Marcus Samuelsson, pushing the idea of what really is fine dining cuisine, w…

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Episode 495 - Butter Funk Kitchen and Southern Jerks 36:25

4M ago36:25

36:25

On today's podcast Eric is joined by the Swanky Maven herself Felice Sloan! Eric and Felice discuss some of the latest news from the Houston restaurant and bar scene including the closure of Bosscat Kitchen & Libations' in River Oaks, ChòpnBlọk being named to the New York Times' 50 Best Restaurants in America list, and chef Kate McClean's departure…

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Episode 494 - Jacques Varon and Evan McCarley of Baso 35:47

4M ago35:47

35:47

Today on the podcast Eric is joined by Jacques Varon and Evan McCarley of Baso. The pair speak with Eric about how they first got connected, the evolution of Baso since it first opened, the addition of Sarah Dowling to the team, the incredible wine list, what they've learned from their customers, what it's meant to be part of the Michelin Guide, th…

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Episode 493 - Mayahuel 32:36

4M ago32:36

32:36

On today's podcast Eric is joined by Monica Danna to discuss some the latest news from the Houston restaurant and bar scene. The pair speak about Ostia shuttering this week, chefs Austin Simmons and Aaron Bludorn opening new spots in The Woodlands, and Terrence Gallivan's new restaurant set to open in Hotel Daphne. In the Restaurants of the Week po…

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Episode 492 - Shawn Singh a.k.a. Shawn the Food Sheep 49:34

4M ago49:34

49:34

Today on the podcast, Eric is joined by Shawn Singh a.k.a. Shawn the Food Sheep! Shawn speaks with Eric about how he first got started down the influencer path, why the first 3 seconds of a video are so important, wanting to showcase his personality, building a good community, finding under the radar spots, staying positive with his content, coming…

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Episode 491 - Thomas Bille of Belly of the Beast 45:45

4M ago45:45

45:45

Thomas Bille of Belly of the Beast returns to the podcast after 5 long years and a James Beard Award win. Thomas shares with Eric why he decided to put a pause on the initial version of Belly of the Beast, what he took away from his experience of Chivos, why Spring was the right place for the new version of Belly of the Beast, looking at spaces in …

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Episode 490 - Yiayia’s Greek Kitchen 31:18

4M ago31:18

31:18

Eric is back again with another edition of the podcast. For this week's news and restaurants of the week, he is joined by Michael Fulmer, a co-founder of the Houston BBQ Festival. In the news, Eric and Michael discuss CASAEMA being named to Bon Appétit’s best new breakfast spots list, a 3rd location of Handies Douzo coming to Spring Branch, and the…

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Episode 489 - Luis Robledo Richards of Mayahuel 54:14

4M ago54:14

54:14

Today on the podcast Eric is joined by chef Luis Robledo Richards of Mayahuel. Luis speaks with Eric about how his career got started, where his career has taken him, what drove him to pursue learning about being a pastry chef, working at Le Cirque, the creation of Tout Chocolat, how Tout Chocolat was unlike any other, being named the best pastry c…

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Episode 488 - Flora Mexican Kitchen, MAD, and Riel 35:10

5M ago35:10

35:10

Today on the podcast Eric is joined by Mary Clarkson of Heights Grocer to discuss some of the latest news from the Houston restaurant and bar scene. The duo discuss the Michelin Guide's incoming announcement of Texas' second class of establishments selected for the guide and the 2nd location of The Woodlands area high profile restaurant The Audrey …

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Episode 487 - Chris Cusack of Betelgeuse Betelgeuse 49:50

5M ago49:50

49:50

On today's episode, Eric is joined by Chris Cusack of Betelgeuse Betelgeuse. Chris speaks with Eric about creating the first Betelgeuse Betelgeuse, their style of pizza, how they were able to open a 2nd location so quickly, why the Montrose area was appealing, how things are going with Betelgeuse Betelgeuse, how Soluna came together (and went), why…

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Episode 486 - Agnes and Sherman 42:23

5M ago42:23

42:23

A new cohost has entered the chat, as chef Raffi Nasr of Craft Pita joins Eric to go through some of the latest news from the Houston restaurant and bar scene. Raffi and Eric discuss the closure of Picos, the reopening of Savoir under new leadership, and chef Ryan Hildebrand's return to Houston. Plus, Raffi catches us up on the latest happenings wi…

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Episode 485 - Joseph Boudreaux of Boo's Burgers 39:26

5M ago39:26

39:26

Today on the podcast Eric is joined by Joseph Boudreaux of Boo's Burgers. Joseph speaks with Eric about how he got into the culinary industry, why he decided to transition away from the corporate world, where his culinary journey took him before Boo's Burgers, what he learned from Jason Vaughn, starting Tipping Point Coffee, when word starting gett…

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Episode 484 - Kitchen Rumors and Alora 38:21

5M ago38:21

38:21

On today's episode Eric is joined by a newcomer to the podcast, as he's joined by CulutureMap contributor Brianna McClane. Brianna shares a bit about her background, then the pair dive into some of the latest news from the Houston restaurant and bar scene including the closure of Riel and Shipley Do-Nuts being acquired by a California based private…

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Art, Empathy & Resilience with CADY McCLAIN, Actor, Director, Writer, Artist, Musician - Highlights 11:20

5M ago11:20

11:20

“I had to become the father of my family very young because my parents divorced when I was 12. My situation was a little bit unusual in that my father kind of disappeared, and I had been making a fair amount of money as a kid, doing commercials and television and film. We needed money, and I kind of became the breadwinner. But I had this amazing wo…

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A Life in Acting with Emmy Award-winning Actor, Director, Writer CADY McCLAIN 1:06:02

5M ago1:06:02

1:06:02

“I won my first Emmy when I was 21, which was the result of absolutely devoting myself day and night for two years to doing all the scene work. I attended classes simultaneously and did plays until my mother died. I studied with Michael Howard for eight years. Even when I was so tired I couldn't get up to do a scene, he would say, "Get up and do a …