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Time to announce the winner of The Ultimate Houston Dessert Draft, who's picking the winner you ask? Michelle Wallace of b'tween Sandwich Co.! Michelle joins Eric on the podcast today to not only pick the winner of the draft but also let us know how things are going at b'tween Sandwich Co., the advice she gave to Greg Gatlin before he began competing on Food Network's BBQ Brawl, and whether a brick + mortar of b'tween Sandwich Co. is in the works. Plus, Michelle shares her thoughts on how the drafters did, their selections, why she selected [redacted] as the winner, and more! Follow Eric on Instagram/Threads @ericsandler. You can also reach Eric by emailing him at eric@culturemap.com. Check out some of his latest articles at Culturemap.com: 10 Eateries Participating in Houston Restaurant Weeks for the First Time Two Week Dining Event Celebrates Houston's Latin-Owned Restaurants Award-Winning NYC Chefs Join Houston Rising Star for Pop-Up Dinner Veteran Houston Bartender Shakes Up the Heights with New Tropical Bar Exclusive: New Cocktail Bar from Houston Hospitality Stars Coming to the Heights

On today's episode of the podcast, you're in for something a lot sweeter than normal... because well it's The Ultimate Houston Dessert Draft! Listen as Eric, alongside Local Foods Group's Chelsea Thomas, the Hangry Houstonian Danielle Dubois, Fluff Bake Bar's Becky Masson, Underground Creamery's Josh Deleon, and Heights Grocer's Mary Clarkson attempt to craft the best dessert lineup. The drafters will be selecting a lineup of 6 desserts in total withe each drafter making one selection in each of the following categories: cookies, cake, frozen, pastries, tableside, and a wild card. For the tableside category, drafters may select any dessert that is either prepared or finished at the table. That means lit on fire, sauced, scooped, sliced, etc. For the frozen category, all forms of ice cream, gelato, frozen yogurt, bingsu, kakigori, shaved ice, sno balls, etc. are available. The wild card category is any additional dessert that hasn't already been selected. The Draft Rules Rule 1: No drafter may select the same restaurant/bakery twice. For example, if a drafter selects Fluff Bake Bar for cookies they may not also select it for their frozen or cake categories.  Rule 2: Once a restaurant/bakery has been selected for a specific category, no other drafter may select it in that same category. For example, only one drafter will get to select Underground Creamery for the frozen category or Fluff Bake Bar for the cookies category.  Rule 3: Drafters may select menu items served at any restaurant, bakery, bar, or food truck in the Greater Houston area. Which is roughly defined as being within the bounds of the Grand Parkway.    Rule 4: Snake draft format. The draft order will go one through six in round 1 then go backwards six through one in round 2. Rule 5: Categories may be selected in any order. Follow Eric on Instagram/Threads @ericsandler. You can also reach Eric by emailing him at eric@culturemap.com. Check out some of his latest articles at Culturemap.com: Two Week Dining Event Celebrates Houston's Latin-Owned Restaurants Award-Winning NYC Chefs Join Houston Rising Star for Pop-Up Dinner Veteran Houston Bartender Shakes Up the Heights with New Tropical Bar Netflix Chef's Modern Mexican Restaurant Opens in Houston this Month Exclusive: New Cocktail Bar from Houston Hospitality Stars Coming to the Heights

Season 4 of The Bear premiered on Hulu a couple of weeks ago so it's time to get our into our now yearly discussion with the Ultimate Date Night Draft winner himself, Justin Yu. Eric and Justin dive into a full spoiler conversation all about season 4 including the financial challenges that the restaurant faced this season, the difficulty of changing the menu so much, how that frequency can also speak to a level of selfishness (looking at you Carmy), how tough it is for a restaurant to find the right puzzle pieces to make the concept run smoothly, how those puzzle pieces were reflected in this season, Sydney's big decision this season, the work/life balance of everything, Carmy's journey, restaurants that live on stodges, and much more! Plus, Justin shares with Eric what restaurants he's excited about, what's new at Theodore Rex, and the best wings in Houston. Follow Eric on Instagram/Threads @ericsandler. You can also reach Eric by emailing him at eric@culturemap.com. Check out some of his latest articles at Culturemap.com: Veteran Houston Bartender Shakes Up the Heights with New Tropical Bar Netflix Chef's Modern Mexican Restaurant Opens in Houston this Month Shaquille O'Neal Leaves $1,000 Tip at Houston Tex-Mex Institution Growing Burger Chain Slides into First Houston Location Exclusive: New Cocktail Bar from Houston Hospitality Stars Coming to the Heights

On today's podcast Eric is joined by Michael Fulmer to discuss Bobby Heugel and Jackie Stromm uniting for a new cocktail bar concept and Michael's beef with an overused word in food media. In the Restaurants of the Week portion Good God, Nadine's and Ichijiku Neighborhood Sushi are featured. Follow Eric on Instagram/Threads @ericsandler. You can also reach Eric by emailing him at eric@culturemap.com. Check out some of his latest articles at Culturemap.com: Exclusive: New Cocktail Bar from Houston Hospitality Stars Coming to the Heights Growing Burger Chain Slides into First Houston Location Country Star Koe Wetzel Opens New Location of his Lively Bar in Houston Houston Restaurant Served Beyoncé a Southern Feast for her First Meal in H-Town Houston's Best New Restaurant Shows Off at CultureMap Tasting Table Dinner

My guest today is Vojkan Brankovic, founder of Apeiron, a principal investment firm that is shaping the future of sustainable real estate investment. Founded in 2013, Apeiron has established itself as a leader in high-impact real asset opportunities, specializing in logistics real estate across Europe.With over 30 years of investment management experience, Vojkan has positioned Apeiron at the forefront of logistics real estate investment, currently managing a portfolio of 500,000 square meters across strategic German locations spanning the full value chain from opportunistic and value-add to core+ strategies.Vojkan's journey into real estate began far from the world of buildings and investments, with his early years spent between Sweden and Belgrade, Serbia, followed by time in the UK. This upbringing shaped much of his entrepreneurial mindset and leadership style.Growing up in these diverse cultures gave him an early understanding of adaptability and collaboration, 2 key factors that would later influence how he built Apeiron. It was this exposure to different ways of thinking, working, and leading that laid the foundation for his approach to business.While his background had always been in business and finance, he found his true passion in real estate. He saw it not just as a way to generate financial returns, but as an opportunity to make a positive environmental impact.This vision was rooted in the recognition that the real estate sector, particularly logistics, was one of the largest contributors to global carbon emissions. But it was also where he saw the greatest potential for change.What sets Vojkan apart is how he's using real estate as a way to do good while making money. For him, it's about transforming inefficient buildings into assets that serve a greater purpose.His vision for sustainable, technology-enabled logistics infrastructure has attracted partnerships with leading institutional investors from Korea and the Middle East, demonstrating the global appeal of Apeiron's differentiated investment approach.One of the interesting features of Apeiron is its lean approach to business. While many firms in the real estate investment space operate with large teams and complex structures, Apeiron keeps things simple and efficient. With just 5 people in its team, the firm can make quick strategy decisions and stay nimble in an industry that's often slow to change.Through Apeiron, Vojkan is demonstrating that real estate doesn't just have to be about buildings and profits—it can be about purpose, too.—Connect with SRI360°:Sign up for the free weekly email updateVisit the SRI360° PODCASTVisit the SRI360° WEBSITEFollow SRI360° on XFollow SRI360° on FACEBOOK—Additional Resources: 

Today on the podcast Eric is joined by Bryan Caswell and Allison Knight of Latuli. The pair discuss with Eric why the Memorial area was the right place for Latuli, the scale of it, developing the menu, the nods to previous concepts of Bryan's, the staff, what the opening process has been like for Allison, the unusual design of Latuli, making it kid friendly, how things are going so far, adding lunch service, the vision for the concept, and more. Plus, Allison shares about her background and what led her to wanting to open a restaurant. Also, Bryan speaks about his time away from the spotlight and what changed for him to want to go from consulting to a more permanent position.  Follow Eric on Instagram/Threads @ericsandler. You can also reach Eric by emailing him at eric@culturemap.com. Check out some of his latest articles at Culturemap.com: Exclusive: New Cocktail Bar from Houston Hospitality Stars Coming to the Heights Country Star Koe Wetzel Opens New Location of his Lively Bar in Houston Houston Restaurant Served Beyoncé a Southern Feast for her First Meal in H-Town Houston's Best New Restaurant Shows Off at CultureMap Tasting Table Dinner Immersive, Speakeasy-Style Tiki Bar Brings the Underworld to Montrose

Eric's back! Today he's joined by Chelsea Thomas to go through the latest happenings in the Houston restaurant and bar scene. The duo discuss chef Thomas Bille winning Best Chef Texas at this year's James Beard Awards, Tristen Epps winning Top Chef, and Austin based Emmer & Rye Hospitality Group coming to Houston after claiming a space in Autry Park. In the Restaurants of the Week portion, King Steak is featured.  Follow Eric on Instagram/Threads @ericsandler. You can also reach Eric by emailing him at eric@culturemap.com. Check out some of his latest articles at Culturemap.com: Innovative Houston Chef is the City's Newest James Beard Award Winner Houston Chef Tristen Epps Dishes on his Top Chef Victory and What's Next Michelin-Recognized Austin Restaurant Group Reveals First Houston Project Houston Restaurant Served Beyoncé a Southern Feast for her First Meal in H-Town Immersive, Speakeasy-Style Tiki Bar Brings the Underworld to Montrose

n this reflective and insightful episode, Jim is joined by organizational coach Anna Lavrova to unpack her talk at the Scrum Master Summit and dive into the real mechanics of organizational culture. They discuss why people often feel "off" in their roles—not because of the work, but because of the culture—and how leaders can make sense of multicultural, multi-context teams in today's workplace.Connect with Anna: LinkedInThe Culture Map: Book – Erin Meyer Check out our sponsor:www.xebia.comwww.wiserbees.comwww.masteringagility.orgHosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this week's episode of Better Business, Better Life, Debra Chantry-Taylor is joined by EOS implementer Matt Hansen, a former aerospace engineer turned business coach. Matt shares how EOS tools like the Level 10 Meeting, quarterly conversations, and clarity breaks transformed his journey from baling hay to leading a $10 million advanced manufacturing business. They explore why healthy teams, clear roles, and regular time for reflection are essential for scaling with intention. Plus, Matt unpacks insights from The Culture Map and explains why he loves working with bold builders and makers in construction and manufacturing. If you're in construction, manufacturing, or simply want to grow your business without losing your balance, this episode offers real strategies with real results.  CONNECT WITH DEBRA:         ___________________________________________         ►Debra Chantry-Taylor is a Certified EOS Implementer | Entrepreneurial Leadership & Business Coach | Business Owner ►Connect with Debra: debra@businessaction.co.nz ►See how she can help you: https://businessaction.co.nz/       ____________________________________________         GUEST'S DETAIL: ► Matt Hansen - EOS Worldwide    ► Matt Hansen - LinkedIn Episode 229 Chapters:   00:24 – Introduction and Guest Overview   04:32 – Transition to EOS Implementation   07:12 – EOS Implementation Journey   09:45 – Favourite EOS Tools   12:12 – Client Success Stories   23:46 – Cultural Insights and Final Tips   30:19 – Personal Preferences and Conclusion   

Yoko Oshima is Associate General Counsel of Corporate, External and Legal Affairs at Microsoft Japan. In this inspiring episode that spans continents, cultures, and cutting-edge technology, Yoko's journey is a masterclass in authentic leadership, purposeful career building, embracing opportunity and seeking support. Yoko shares powerful insights on adaptive leadership, the importance of being true to your values, and why seeking support is actually a sign of strength, not vulnerability.Whether you're navigating cultural shifts in your career, looking to embrace emerging technology, or seeking to lead with authenticity, Yoko's wisdom will resonate long after the episode ends.If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, we'd love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway. Head over to Apple Podcasts to leave a review and we'd love it if you would leave us a message here!In this episode you'll hear:How she overcame the cultural shift from being "blessed with opportunities" in Japan to proactively raising her hand in competitive New York law firmsWhy she turned down a permanent leadership role twice, and the crucial lesson this taught her about embracing opportunityThe innovative approach to helping legal teams adopt AI and why AI is like training a new associateHer favourite books and other fun facts About YokoYoko is Associate General Counsel of Microsoft and leads its Corporate, External Affairs in Japan. Before joining Microsoft in May 2021. she was with General Electric and her last role before the departure was the general counsel of GE Japan and GE Digital Asia. Before going in-house, she was in private practice, with Anderson Mori in Tokyo (first half) and Clearly Gottlieb, Steen and Hamilton LLP in New York (second half). She is qualified in Japan and the State of New York, USA. She has an LLB from Hitotsubashi University, a Master of Law from the University of Tokyo Graduate School of Law and Politics and an LLM from Harvard Law School. Committed to diversity and inclusion and the social impact, she is a board member of Lawyers for LGBT and Allies Network in Japan and a statutory auditor of Earth Company. She recharges through art, music, nature and family and friends.Connect with Yoko LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yoko-oshima-36a7396/ LinksAdaptive Leadership: https://hbr.org/2020/09/5-principles-to-guide-adaptive-leadership  Tools and Weapons, Brad Smith: https://news.microsoft.com/on-the-issues/tools-and-weapons/ The Culture Map, Erin Meyers: https://erinmeyer.com/books/the-culture-map/ Connect with Catherine LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/oconnellcatherine/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lawyeronair

Bobby Heugel is back for an in-depth conversation with Eric about the current state of the restaurant/bar scene in Houston. Bobby speaks with Eric about a plethora of topics including the current state of Thorough Fare Hospitality, whether there's oversaturation in the Houston food scene, why Michelin benefits the winners more than the city, the challenges with tariffs, why fresh build aspirations are decreasing, negotiating with landlords, the gen z customer/worker, and much more! Eric is taking a brief hiatus from the podcast but the show will be back with a new episode on July 8th with Justin Yu, followed by a new Ultimate Draft episode on July 15th. Make sure to subscribe to the podcast wherever you get your podcasts to get notified as soon new episodes release. (Although Eric reserves the right to return sooner... like I don't know... maybe if someone wins a James Beard Award when the winners are announced) For more info and tickets to CultureMap's Tasting Table event series click here. You can also read more about the event on CultureMap.com Follow Eric on Instagram/Threads @ericsandler. You can also reach Eric by emailing him at eric@culturemap.com. Check out some of his latest articles at Culturemap.com: National Food Magazine Champions Houston Nonprofit Head on New 'Power 100' List Houston's Pioneering South American Steakhouse Will Soon Shutter in River Oaks Burger Joint Duo's New Hawaiian Shaved Ice Spot Chills Out The Heights Renovated Galleria Development Will Add 'Greatest Neighborhood Restaurant'  Pizzeria Owner Opens New All-Day Poolside Bar and Restaurant at Heights Hotel

Today on the podcast Eric is joined by Daniel Vaughn, the BBQ editor for Texas Monthly and who's also fresh off the release of Texas Monthly's Top 50 BBQ Joints for 2025. Daniel speaks with Eric about how the Houston BBQ scene has changed in the last decade, the turnover for Houston BBQ joints on the list this year, why certain joints in Houston became honorable mentions or fell off the list entirely, why neither Franklin's BBQ nor Snow's BBQ made the list this year, small town BBQ spots making a comeback, the absolutely outstanding top 3, why Burnt Bean Co. BBQ deserved the number one spot, whether Michelin's selections played a role at all with Texas Monthly's selections, and much more!    Follow Eric on Instagram/Threads @ericsandler. You can also reach Eric by emailing him at eric@culturemap.com. Check out some of his latest articles at Culturemap.com: Two Top 10 Pitmasters React to Texas Monthly's New Top 50 Barbecue List 7 Houston-Area Barbecue Joints Make Texas Monthly's New Top 50 List Pizzeria Owner Opens New All-Day Poolside Bar and Restaurant at Heights Hotel Houston Haunt Earns Only Texas Spot on Bon Appètit Best New Bars List Family Friendly Garden Oaks Restaurant Coming Soon to Magnolia

Michael Fulmer is back joining Eric on the podcast today! The guys dive straight into the News of the Week with more reactions to Texas Monthly's Top 50 BBQ spots and Cecil's Pub getting a new home. In the Restaurants of the Week portion Silk Road and Doko are featured. Follow Eric on Instagram/Threads @ericsandler. You can also reach Eric by emailing him at eric@culturemap.com. Check out some of his latest articles at Culturemap.com: Two Top 10 Pitmasters React to Texas Monthly's New Top 50 Barbecue List 7 Houston-Area Barbecue Joints Make Texas Monthly's New Top 50 List 40-Year Old Houston Pub Reopens in Montrose with Pizza and Patio Power Houston Haunt Earns Only Texas Spot on Bon Appètit Best New Bars List Family Friendly Garden Oaks Restaurant Coming Soon to Magnolia

ChatGPT ist wie eine neue Mitarbeiterin am ersten Tag: Total motiviert, aber noch ziemlich planlos. Wie man ChatGPT richtig für seinen Job und seine Firma “einschult”, darüber habe ich mit Anita Zielina gesprochen. Ein Guide für alle, die mit ChatGPT schneller bessere Arbeit leisten wollen.

On a special episode of What's Eric Eating, Eric Sandler was joined by three people very much in the know about the Texas BBQ scene, to discuss the Texas Monthly Top 50 BBQ restaurants in Texas list! Renowned photographer and entrepreneur Robert Lerma The pitmaster and owner of Truth BBQ in Houston and Brenham, Leonard Botello IV, who ranked inside the top 10 of this list! And Ernest Servantes, the chef/pitmaster/co-owner from Burnt Bean Co. Barbecue, who ranked at the very top of this list! Follow Eric on Instagram/Threads @ericsandler. You can also reach Eric by emailing him at eric@culturemap.com. Check out some of his latest articles at Culturemap.com: Lively new neighborhood bar shakes up Washington Ave. with diverse menu 7 Houston-area barbecue joints make Texas Monthly's new top 50 list Ben Berg's New York-Inspired, Fancy Burger Joint Will Soon Shutter

Today on the podcast Eric is joined by Mary Clarkson to dive into some of the latest news from the Houston restaurant and bar scene. The pair discuss the recent closings of PostScript and B.B. Lemon and the recent openings of Succulent Fine Dining and King Steak. In the Restaurants of the Week portion, Hachi and Burnt Bean Co. Barbecue are featured. Follow Eric on Instagram/Threads @ericsandler. You can also reach Eric by emailing him at eric@culturemap.com. Check out some of his latest articles at Culturemap.com: Ben Berg's New York-Inspired, Fancy Burger Joint Will Soon Shutter Predicting 13 Barbecue Joints That Could Make Texas Monthly's New Top 10 Houston's New Napa Valley-Inspired Restaurant Sets Opening Date Houstonians Will Get the Royal Treatment at this Lively New Steakhouse East Coast-Inspired Eatery Shakes Up Rice Village with 'World's Coldest Martini' Dough-Obsessed Pizzeria Picks River Oaks for First Houston Location

Chef Allie Peña and chef-owner Aaron Bludorn of Bludorn join Eric on the show today. The pair speak with Eric about Allie taking over as executive chef at Bludorn, why Allie pursued the job, why Aaron felt Allie was the right choice, new ideas Allie has for Bludorn, staples that she plans to keep, her time running the Bar Bludorn kitchen, how Bludorn has exceeded Aaron's expectations in terms of the city's response to it, the Michelin aspect of it all, and more! Plus, they discuss Douglas Keane coming to Houston, any possible interest in The Woodlands, how things are going with Perseid, and Allie goes through the lightning round! Follow Eric on Instagram/Threads @ericsandler. You can also reach Eric by emailing him at eric@culturemap.com. Check out some of his latest articles at Culturemap.com: Houstonians Will Get The Royal Treatment at This Lively New Steakhouse Massive, German-Inspired Beer Garden Coming to New Energy Corridor Project Houston's Most Pretty-in-Pink Restaurant Quietly Closes in Upper Kirby River Oaks Gourmet Grocer Unveils Cozy New Name and Big Dallas Plans

On today's edition of the podcast Eric is joined by Lawton Driscoll to go through some of the latest news from the Houston restaurant/bar scene. The pair discuss new restaurant Kirkwood coming this fall from the Mac Haik Restaurant Group, John Avila's new concept Pinballz Pizzeria, and Nancy's Hustle opening daily now for dinner. In the Restaurants of the Week section Agnes and Sherman is featured.  Follow Eric on Instagram/Threads @ericsandler. You can also reach Eric by emailing him at eric@culturemap.com. Check out some of his latest articles at Culturemap.com: New Houston Pizzeria Serves Up Slices and Vintage Vibes in the East End Michelin-Recognized Houston Restaurant Now Open for Dinner Daily Houston's Most Pretty-in-Pink Restaurant Quietly Closes in Upper Kirby River Oaks Gourmet Grocer Unveils Cozy New Name and Big Dallas Plans

Today on the podcast Eric is joined by Jamie Allen of Juliet. Jamie speaks with Eric about his career before his journey into the culinary world, why he decided to switch careers, creating Candy Shack Daiquiris, the inspiration for Juliet, why the movie theater theme for the concept, developing the menu, his influences in the creation of Juliet, what has made Juliet a hit from day one, his team behind the restaurant, the celebs that've visited, the rose wall, plans for expansion, possible other concepts, his work with Haii Keii, the lack of media coverage, and more! Follow Eric on Instagram/Threads @ericsandler. You can also reach Eric by emailing him at eric@culturemap.com. Check out some of his latest articles at Culturemap.com: New Houston Pizzeria Serves Up Slices and Vintage Vibes in the East End Veteran Houston Chef Steps in to EaDo Barbecue Joint Michelin-Recognized Houston Restaurant Now Open for Dinner Daily Houston's Shuttered Kosher Steakhouse Reopens as Non-Kosher Neighborhood Grill

Today on the podcast Eric is joined by a returning Felice "Swanky Maven" Sloan to discuss some of the latest news from the Houston restaurant/bar scene. The pair speak about Jason Goldstein's new non-kosher steakhouse concept, Cactus Club Cafe opening it's 3rd US location in Houston, and Greg Gatlin of Gatlin's BBQ making his BBQ Brawl debut in June on Food Network. In the Restaurants of the Week portion Tavola is featured.    Follow Eric on Instagram/Threads @ericsandler. You can also reach Eric by emailing him at eric@culturemap.com. Check out some of his latest articles at Culturemap.com: Houston's Shuttered Kosher Steakhouse Reopens as Non-Kosher Neighborhood Grill Canadian Comfort Food Restaurant Puts Down Roots in Prime Houston Spot Michelin-Recognized Houston Restaurant Now Open for Dinner Daily Astros Pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. Serves Up a New Pickleball Bar in Midtown

On today's edition of What's Eric Eating, Eric is joined by Drake Leonards of Eunice. Drake speaks with Eric about the evolution of Eunice since he was last on the podcast back in 2018, why it's important that they're open 7 days a week, fixing their patio situation, being part of the Houston chef community, the team at Eunice, the flexibility they provide customers, having one of the best burgers in town, the possibility of expansion in Houston with some of their other concepts, and much more!  Follow Eric on Instagram/Threads @ericsandler. You can also reach Eric by emailing him at eric@culturemap.com. Check out some of his latest articles at Culturemap.com: Canadian Comfort Food Restaurant Puts Down Roots in Prime Houston Spot Astros Pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. Serves Up a New Pickleball Bar in Midtown Bun B Opens New Spring Location of His Smash Hit Smash Burger Joint Beloved Houston Hot Dog Shop Announces Abrupt Closure After 15 Years

Today on the podcast, Eric is joined by Garden Oaks expert Monica Danna to dive into some of the latest happenings in the Houston restaurant/bar scene. The pair discuss Good Dog Houston closing after 12 years in the Heights, chef Arnaldo Richards new fajita delivery aptly titled FajitaDelivery.com, and CultureMap's list of 9 new bars making an impact in Houston. In the Restaurants of the Week section, BeauSoleil is featured. Follow Eric on Instagram/Threads @ericsandler. You can also reach Eric by emailing him at eric@culturemap.com. Check out some of his latest articles at Culturemap.com: Beloved Houston Hot Dog Shop Announces Abrupt Closure After 15 Years Houston Chef Fires Up Tex-Mex Delivery with Fajitas, Margs, and More Astros Pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. Serves Up a New Pickleball Bar in Midtown Bun B Opens New Spring Location of His Smash Hit Smash Burger Joint

Today on the podcast Eric is joined by Nick Adair and Katie Adair Barnhart of Adair Concepts. The siblings discuss with Eric growing up in the restaurant business, why they wanted to continue on with the family business rather than do something different, working together, how they made Adair Kitchen different from Skeeters, how things are going with their Adair Kitchen and larger Los Tios location in West U., balancing Los Tios to be approachable for both new/returning customers, expanding the Los Tios brand to Fredericksburg, bringing Buffalo Grille into the fold of Adair Concepts, keeping the changes to a minimum with Buffalo Grille, why they brought on Diego Fernandez as culinary director, their plans for Eloise Nichols, why Betsy's is challenging in some ways, and much more! Follow Eric on Instagram/Threads @ericsandler. You can also reach Eric by emailing him at eric@culturemap.com. Check out some of his latest articles at Culturemap.com: Cult Favorite Houston Burger Joint Adds New Co-Owner to Power Future Growth Cowboy-Inspired, Family-Friendly Restaurant Rides into Prime Inner Loop Space Successful Pop-Up Chef Opens a New All-Day Cafe and Bakery in the Heights Creative New Heights Restaurant Spices Up Diner Fare with Asian Flavors

This week, I talk about my experience as the first ever female trainer of a group of Saudi male graduates, Saudi "Qahwa" (قهوة) or "Gahwa" (قهوة), do a short comparison of Saudi Arabian and Irish culture based on Erin Meyer's Culture Map, and share my dos and don'ts for females going to work in Saudi Arabia. Exceed Custom Learning SolutionsSupport the PodcastConnect on LinkedInConnect on InstagramALL IN Magazine Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today on the podcast Eric is joined by a returning Chelsea Thomas. The pair first discuss Chelsea making her return to the culinary scene with her new gig and then they dive into the latest Houston restaurant news. They cover Burger Chan's owners adding a new co-owner, the new cowboy inspired concept coming to the inner loop, and chef Jane Wild's new cafe/bakery concept opening in The Heights. In the Restaurants of the Week portion Perseid is featured.    Follow Eric on Instagram/Threads @ericsandler. You can also reach Eric by emailing him at eric@culturemap.com. Check out some of his latest articles at Culturemap.com: Cult Favorite Houston Burger Joint Adds New Co-Owner to Power Future Growth Cowboy-Inspired, Family-Friendly Restaurant Rides into Prime Inner Loop Space Successful Pop-Up Chef Opens a New All-Day Cafe and Bakery in the Heights Creative New Heights Restaurant Spices Up Diner Fare with Asian Flavors

On today's edition of the podcast things are little different because Eric is live on-site! Yep, Eric had the chance to catch up with both Fernando Rios and Mike Sammons live at MIMO. The guys speak with Eric about how they first started working together, the fun but hard challenge of Da Marco, why the East End needed an Italian restaurant, what made the space the choice for the concept, how they're a little different from traditional Italian fare, the difficulty of getting MIMO off the proverbial ground at first, how the menu has evolved, their wine list, how things have been going in their first 2 years since opening, the respect they have for Marco Wiles, their plans for the future, and more! Plus, Fernando takes us through his career and where it's taken him, what Mike learned from opening How to Survive, and Fernando experiences his first lightning round.  Follow Eric on Instagram/Threads @ericsandler. You can also reach Eric by emailing him at eric@culturemap.com. Check out some of his latest articles at Culturemap.com: Houston Speakeasy Ranks No. 59 on 100 Best Bars List for North America Cowboy-Inspired, Family-Friendly Restaurant Rides into Prime Inner Loop Space Heights Restaurant Adds Daytime Coffee Service with Guest Chef Pop-Ups Aaron Bludorn's Rising Star Protégé Moving from Memorial to Montrose

Today on the podcast Eric is joined by Mary Clarkson to go through some of the latest Houston bar and restaurant news. The pair speak about the 4 Houston chefs/restaurants named finalists for James Beard awards, Jūn becoming the home of a daytime coffee service called Third Place, and Alexandra "Allie" Peña becoming Bludorn's new executive chef. In the Restaurants of the Week portion Camaraderie is featured.  Follow Eric on Instagram/Threads @ericsandler. You can also reach Eric by emailing him at eric@culturemap.com. Check out some of his latest articles at Culturemap.com: 4 Houston Chefs and Restaurants are James Beard Award Finalists Heights Restaurant Adds Daytime Coffee Service with Guest Chef Pop-Ups Aaron Bludorn's Rising Star Protégé Moving from Memorial to Montrose Houston's Best Chef, Restaurant, and More Revealed at 2025 Tastemaker Awards

On today's edition of the podcast Eric is joined by Shawn Virene and David Buckley of Succulent Fine Dining. The guys speak with Eric about the inspiration for this new concept, why now was the right time for it, the desire for a patio, why David was the right fit to be the executive chef, their vision for the food, how the concept differs from a'Bouzy, the decor, growing succulents in preparation, the wine list, when they expect to open, and more. Follow Eric on Instagram/Threads @ericsandler. You can also reach Eric by emailing him at eric@culturemap.com. Check out some of his latest articles at Culturemap.com: Houston's Best Chef, Restaurant, and More Revealed at 2025 Tastemaker Awards 4 Houston Chefs and Restaurants are James Beard Award Finalists Aaron Bludorn's Rising Star Protégé Moving from Memorial to Montrose Dallas Tex-Mex Staple Shutters Only Houston Location After Less Than 2 Years

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Today on the podcast Eric is joined by Shawn Gawle of Camaraderie. Shawn speaks with Eric about what got him first interested in becoming a chef, his journey beginning with his Dad's deli to eventually working in Michelin star restaurants, working at his 2nd grade teacher's restaurant, what brought him to Houston, why he decided to join Goodnight Hospitality, creating the program at Rosie Cannonball, why he decided to pursue savory over doing something like a bakery given his pastry chef background, when he knew the timing was right to open his own restaurant, why the location for Camaraderie was the right spot, the story behind the name, why they're kinda doing both a tasting menu and an a la carte menu, developing the prefix menu, the work/life balance, and much more!  Follow Eric on Instagram/Threads @ericsandler. You can also reach Eric by emailing him at eric@culturemap.com. Check out some of his latest articles at Culturemap.com: Dallas Tex-Mex Staple Shutters Only Houston Location After Less Than 2 Years One of Texas Monthly's Favorite Houston Restaurants will Soon Shutter Houston's 11 Best Pastry Chefs Make Dining Sweeter New Houston Hotspot Debuts with a Seasonal Spin on Prix-Fixe Dining Hospitable Houston Craft Beer and Burger Spot Will Soon Shutter

On today's episode Eric is joined by Mary Clarkson to discuss some of the latest happenings from the Houston restaurant/bar scene. Eric and Mary speak about the recent closings of both Auden and Mi Cocina, whether there's been an actual of rash of closings as of late, Dallas restaurants making their way to Houston, and the Kahani Social Group's latest concept Kitchen Rumors. In the Restaurants of the Week portion Chardon and Yuston's are featured.  Follow Eric on Instagram/Threads @ericsandler. You can also reach Eric by emailing him at eric@culturemap.com. Check out some of his latest articles at Culturemap.com: Dallas Tex-Mex Staple Shutters Only Houston Location After Less Than 2 Years One of Texas Monthly's Favorite Houston Restaurants will Soon Shutter Houston's 11 Best Pastry Chefs Make Dining Sweeter New Houston Hotspot Debuts with a Seasonal Spin on Prix-Fixe Dining Hospitable Houston Craft Beer and Burger Spot Will Soon Shutter

Today on the podcast Eric is joined by Suu Khin of Burmalicious. Suu speaks with Eric about how Burmese cuisine is different from other southeast Asian food, starting her food blog, how she got on Master Chef, her experience being on the show, doing the show in the midst of the pandemic, meeting each other for the first time, sharing her Burmese heritage through her food, working with Cucharita for the Burmalicious pop-ups, being nominated for a James Beard award, her goals, the possibility of opening her own establishment, and more! Follow Eric on Instagram/Threads @ericsandler. You can also reach Eric by emailing him at eric@culturemap.com. Check out some of his latest articles at Culturemap.com: TikTok Food Critic Keith Lee Awards $50,000 to Pearland Dessert Shop One of Texas Monthly's Favorite Houston Restaurants will Soon Shutter Houston's 11 Best Pastry Chefs Make Dining Sweeter New Houston Hotspot Debuts with a Seasonal Spin on Prix-Fixe Dining Hospitable Houston Craft Beer and Burger Spot Will Soon Shutter

On today's podcast Eric is joined by Michael Fulmer to go through some of the latest news happening across the Houston restaurant/bar scene. Eric and Michael discuss Shawn Gawle's new restaurant Camaraderie, the space that once held Flying Fish transforming into a new cocktail bar called The Kid, and Eric's road trip to Redbird BBQ. In the Restaurants of the Week portion Annam is featured.  Follow Eric on Instagram/Threads @ericsandler. You can also reach Eric by emailing him at eric@culturemap.com. Check out some of his latest articles at Culturemap.com: New Houston Hotspot Debuts with a Seasonal Spin on Prix-Fixe Dining Shuttered Heights Eatery Will Soon Transform Into a Neighborhood Cocktail Bar One of Texas Monthly's Favorite Houston Restaurants will Soon Shutter Houston's 11 Best Bars of 2025 Craft Cocktails and Community Houston's 11 Best Pastry Chefs Make Dining Sweeter

Transformative Leadership Insights: As the founder of Conscious Business Consulting, Monika has empowered high-profile clients like EY, Unilever, and Toyota to enhance their leadership capabilities and prevent burnout, showcasing her ability to drive results across diverse industries. Her work with leaders from 68 countries provides unique cultural perspectives that can inspire actionable changes within workplace environments. Innovative Approaches to Resilience and Inclusivity: Monika's innovative methodologies, including the use of LEGO® Serious Play in her coaching, align perfectly with the Breakfast Leadership Show's focus on personal growth and mental resilience. Her passion for cultural diversity and inclusion is poised to offer listeners fresh strategies for fostering inclusive workplaces and enhancing overall well-being. Website:  https://monikaguzek.com/ LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/monika-guzek/ Courses:  https://monikaguzek.com/sklep/   Navigating Challenges and Embracing Diversity Monika and I dove into the tough realities of today's world—everything from the lingering effects of the pandemic and global conflicts to economic struggles and shifting governments. One of the biggest challenges we see? The decline of joy in the workplace. Monika pointed out that the blending of personal and corporate life plays a huge role in this. She stressed the importance of embracing cultural and generational diversity, with leaders stepping up to empower their teams and create truly inclusive environments. We also explored how social skills are critical in today's workplace—many people feel overwhelmed and struggle to manage their workload effectively. Embracing Diverse Communication and Cultural Nuances Communication in a diverse workplace isn't just about words—it's about understanding the meaning behind them. Monika emphasized the need to strike a balance between positivity and tough conversations, as well as the importance of reading between the lines in different cultural contexts. I completely agreed. Clear communication is key, but so is recognizing cultural nuances. Personally, I appreciate direct communication and love using humor as a tool—even if it doesn't always land perfectly. We both agreed that embracing these differences leads to stronger collaboration and better teamwork. Fostering a Healthy Workplace Culture We also explored what it takes to build a thriving workplace culture—one where people feel connected and supported. Monika highlighted the importance of playfulness and fun at work, even bringing up how something as simple as Lego can spark creativity. That said, there's a balance—some industries require a more structured approach. We also touched on the insights from The Culture Map, discussing how different cultural dimensions influence workplace interactions. At the end of the day, considering different perspectives makes for a more productive and enjoyable work environment. Building Trust in Diverse Workplaces Trust is the foundation of any great workplace. When leaders and employees trust each other, they can create better products and services that make a real impact. I emphasized how crucial it is for leaders to foster that trust—because without it, everything else falls apart. Monika added that trust-building requires awareness of cultural differences and individual needs. It's all about open communication, self-awareness, and a conscious approach to understanding those we work with. When we get this right, we create workplaces where people feel valued, heard, and truly connected.  

Today on the podcast Eric is joined by Casey McNeil of Case Chocolates. Casey speaks with Eric about how he got started down the chocolate career path, the early days of his career, learning how to make chocolates with liquid centers, why he decided to open a speakeasy, wanting to tell a story with cacao, returning customers, plans for the future, and much more!  Follow Eric on Instagram/Threads @ericsandler. You can also reach Eric by emailing him at eric@culturemap.com. Check out some of his latest articles at Culturemap.com: New Houston Hotspot Debuts with a Seasonal Spin on Prix-Fixe Dining Hospitable Houston Craft Beer and Burger Spot Will Soon Shutter Shuttered Heights Eatery Will Soon Transform Into a Neighborhood Cocktail Bar Burger Masters Shake Shack Open New Houston Location in Town & Country

Monica Danna is back on the podcast! Eric and Monica catch up a bit and then dive into some of the latest news from the Houston bar and restaurant scene. The duo discuss Matt Toomey opening a brick and mortar location of Little Dreamer Coffee in Montrose, Jeff Harmon bringing a new venture to Montrose called Montrose Country Club (if you're thinking about going there for golf you'd be wrong to do so), and the interesting 3D animated dinner presentation coming to the InterContinental Houston hotel called La Petit Chef. In the Restaurants of the Week section Maximo is featured.  Follow Eric on Instagram/Threads @ericsandler. You can also reach Eric by emailing him at eric@culturemap.com. Check out some of his latest articles at Culturemap.com: Veteran Houston Barista Dreams Up a New Coffee Shop for Montrose Burger Masters Shake Shack Open New Houston Location in Town & Country Houston's 16 Best New Restaurants Compete for Coveted Tastemakers Title Houston's 10 Best Bartenders of 2025 Serve Cocktails with Hospitality

On the podcast today, Eric is joined by Kripa and Kirthan Shenoy of Auden & EaDough. The couple speak with Eric about they first met, how they both got into their respective culinary careers, the decision to comeback to Houston after working in New York, how the ideas for their concepts grew organically, creating EaDough, how the pandemic affected the initial stages of the bakery, developing the EaDough menu, what makes a good muffin, creating Auden, how's it's grown to become what is now, how the menu has changed in the year and a half the concept's been open, their goals for Auden, whether expansion plans are in their future, possible future concepts, and much more!  Follow Eric on Instagram/Threads @ericsandler. You can also reach Eric by emailing him at eric@culturemap.com. Check out some of his latest articles at Culturemap.com: Houston's 10 Best Bartenders of 2025 Serve Cocktails with Hospitality Bun B's Smash Hit Burger Joint Picks Westheimer for New Location Veteran Houston Barista Dreams Up a New Coffee Shop for Montrose 9 Houston Pop-Ups Pushing the City's Food Scene Foward

Today on the podcast Eric is joined by Lawton Driscoll to discuss some of the latest news from the Houston restaurant and bar scene. The pair speak about the recent string of Steakhouse closures (Andiron, Karne Korean Steakhouse, Patton's, & more), Shawn Virene's new wine focused concept Succulent Fine Dining, and the 3 Houston concepts that made Texas Monthly's Best New Restaurants list. In the Restaurants of the Week section Haii Keii is featured.  Follow Eric on Instagram/Threads @ericsandler. You can also reach Eric by emailing him at eric@culturemap.com. Check out some of his latest articles at Culturemap.com: Award-Winning Houston Steakhouse Will Close After Only 2 Years Houston's Most Ambitious Korean Steakhouse Suddenly Closes in The Heights Exclusive: Ronnie Killen Explains Surprise Decision to Close Woodlands Steakhouse Wine-Obsessed Houston Restaurateur Honors Napa with New Montrose Eatery 3 High-Flying Houston Eateries Make Texas Monthly's Best New Restaurants List

Eric returns for a new edition of the podcast! Sorry about Tuesday (insert oops emoji face here). On today's podcast Eric is joined by Sean Carroll of Melange Creperie which is celebrating it's 15th anniversary! Sean speaks with Eric about this awesome milestone, how he first started selling crepes, being ahead of the curve on the food truck boom, why crepes, building a following via the stand in the early days, some of his favorite types of crepes he's done over the years, the evolution of The Heights, building the brand, dealing with ongoing egg problem, whether he'd ever expand, and much more! Follow Eric on Instagram/Threads @ericsandler. You can also reach Eric by emailing him at eric@culturemap.com. Check out some of his latest articles at Culturemap.com: 9 Houston Pop-Ups Pushing The City's Food Scene Forward 3 High-Flying Houston Eateries Make Texas Monthly's Best New Restaurants List Houston Diner Known for Breakfast All Day Closes in the Heights Wine-Obsessed Houston Restaurateur Honors Napa with New Montrose Eatery Houston's 9 Best Coffee Shops Brew Strong Drinks and Good Vibes

Today on the podcast Eric is joined by Wade Schindler of Cotton Culinary. Wade gives Eric the rundown on what Cotton is, what Cotton Culinary does, how Cotton Culinary got started, and more Plus, he speaks with Eric about how he first got into the culinary industry, the challenges of responding to an area that's just experienced a natural disaster, the process of feeding 50,000 people (yes you read that number right), working the cookoff at the Rodeo, winning the best bites competition, most exciting part of the rodeo, and more! Follow Eric on Instagram/Threads @ericsandler. You can also reach Eric by emailing him at eric@culturemap.com. Check out some of his latest articles at Culturemap.com: Houston's Most Ambitious Korean Steakhouse Suddenly Closes in the Heights James Beard Honors Galveston Seafood Restaurant with America's Classics Award Houston's 11 Best Neighborhood Restaurants Keep People Coming Back for More Award-Winning Houston Steakhouse Will Close After Only 2 Years Top Houston Restaurants Lasso Big Prizes at Rodeo Best Bites Competition

What if the way you give feedback, run meetings or make decisions was holding your global team back—without you even realising it? Cultural differences influence how we work in powerful ways, and understanding them is the key to unlocking better collaboration and leadership. So, in this episode of the Digital HR Leaders podcast, host David Green sits down with Erin Meyer, professor at INSEAD and author of The Culture Map: Breaking Through the Invisible Boundaries of Global Business, to explore how cultural differences shape the way we work, lead and collaborate. Join them as they uncover: The eight dimensions of culture and how they impact leadership and teamwork How organisations can use The Culture Map to navigate cultural complexities Strategies for bridging high-context and low-context communication styles Practical approaches to giving and receiving feedback across cultures Aligning hierarchical and egalitarian leadership styles in global teams Navigating cultural differences in time management and decision-making If you're leading a global team or working across cultures, this conversation is packed with actionable insights to help you sharpen your cultural intelligence and lead more effectively. This episode is sponsored by Amazing Workplace and Workhuman. Amazing Workplace is an AI-powered platform designed to help companies grow and succeed by unlocking the full potential of their people. By providing the most accurate insights into how employees feel and why, Amazing Workplace equips leaders with powerful tools to drive meaningful improvements where they matter most. With Amazing Workplace, companies have reduced turnover by up to 90%, have increased revenue by over 400%, and solved recruitment. Find out more at www.amazingworkplace.com  Workhuman is the world's number one employee recognition platform, helping the biggest companies drive engagement, improve retention and show tangible business value – all while making work more human for millions of people every day. To find out more and see it in action, come along to Workhuman Live Forum in London on March 19th. Tickets are free but limited, grab them now at workhumanlive.com/forum Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today on the podcast Eric is joined by Mary Clark, the owner of Heights Grocer! They discussed... The Houston Chronicle announcing that Bao Ong will be their new restaurant critic, replacing Alison Cook, who retired in November after 22 years in the position Ronnie Killen's decision to close down his steakhouse in The Woodlands Ramen Tatsu-ya announcing it will open its second Houston-area location in Town & Country Village And the featured restaurant of the week discussed was Barbacana Follow Eric on Instagram/Threads @ericsandler. You can also reach Eric by emailing him at eric@culturemap.com. Check out some of his latest articles at Culturemap.com: Top Houston restaurants lasso big prizes at Rodeo Best Bites Competition Austin ramen institution steams into Memorial with new location Southern-inspired steakhouse rebrands to grow beyond Houston Exclusive: Ronnie Killen Explains Surprise Decision to Close Woodlands Steakhouse

Today on the podcast Eric is joined by Larry McGuire of MML Hospitality. Larry speaks with Eric about his journey into becoming a restaurateur, starting Lamberts barbecue, going from barbecue to seafood with Perla's oyster bar, the array of concepts he's overseen, the atmosphere they go for with their concepts, why they decided to come to Houston, why Clark's Oyster Bar was the right concept for the city, how things have been going at Clark's, whether other concepts of theirs could come to Houston, and much more! Follow Eric on Instagram/Threads @ericsandler. You can also reach Eric by emailing him at eric@culturemap.com. Check out some of his latest articles at Culturemap.com: Exclusive: Ronnie Killen Explains Surprise Decision to Close Woodlands Steakhouse Southern Inspired Steakhouse Rebrands to Grow Beyond Houston Meet the 11 Rising Star Chefs Mixing Up Houston's Dynamic Restaurant Scene Renovations Allow Houston Italian Restaurant to Serve Pizza All Day  Favorite Austin Coffee Shop Brews Up First Houston Location in the Heights

In this episode of the Global Medical Device Podcast, host Etienne Nichols sits down with Olga Chashchina, a MedTech startup founder with extensive international experience. They explore how cultural differences affect communication in the medical device industry and the importance of understanding intercultural nuances. Drawing from the book The Culture Map by Erin Meyer, Olga shares practical insights on managing global teams, the role of context in communication styles, and how cultural awareness can improve both workplace dynamics and patient care.Key Timestamps:00:00 – Intro & Sponsor: Introduction to the episode and Greenlight Guru sponsorship02:20 – Meet Olga Chashchina: Olga's background in MedTech and international work experience06:45 – Understanding Cultural Missteps: Common mistakes when navigating cultural differences in teams12:15 – High vs. Low Context Communication: How context affects communication styles across cultures15:00 – Cultural Impact on Healthcare: How cultural backgrounds influence patient care and medical communication18:30 – Feedback Across Cultures: Differences in giving and receiving feedback globally20:00 – Building Personal Connections in Professional Settings: Balancing personal relationships and cultural norms in business22:00 – Final Thoughts: Olga's key takeaway for appreciating cultural diversityQuotes:"The biggest problem in intercultural management is thinking everybody thinks the same way." – Olga Chashchina"Positive feedback should be well-measured and well-argued; a vague 'amazing' doesn't help anyone improve." – Etienne Nichols"Sometimes you need the culture map in the beginning, but eventually, you just see the person in front of you." – Olga ChashchinaTakeaways:Key Insights on MedTech Trends:Global Teams Need Cultural Awareness: Effective communication hinges on understanding cultural contexts.Healthcare is Deeply Cultural: Patient care varies across cultures due to differences in symptom expression and medical expectations.Feedback Styles Differ Greatly: Recognizing how cultures approach feedback can prevent misunderstandings and improve collaboration.Practical Tips for MedTech Professionals:Educate Yourself: Read books like The Culture Map to understand global communication styles.Ask, Don't Assume: Always ask clarifying questions rather than assuming shared context.Balance Praise and Constructive Feedback: Be specific and culturally sensitive when providing feedback.Future-Focused Questions:How will global team dynamics evolve with remote work becoming the norm?Can AI tools help bridge cultural communication gaps in healthcare?What future training will be essential for MedTech leaders to manage diverse teams effectively?References:The Culture Map by Erin Meyer – A pivotal resource discussed in the episode for understanding intercultural communication.Etienne Nichols' LinkedIn – Connect with Etienne for more insights and MedTech discussions.

Mardi Gras season is officially here, and it's the perfect time to enjoy some gumbo, crawfish and other Cajun favorutes. But with so many great options in Houston, choosing the best can be tough. So, host Raheel Ramzanali is bringing on Eric Sandler, lifelong foodie and editor of CultureMap, to get his top picks for Cajun food in Houston and help us celebrate Mardi Gras.  Learn more about the recommendations here: Viola & Agnes' Neo Soul Café  BBs Tex-Orleans Restaurant Crawfish & Noodles Crawfish Café Treebeards Winnie's Perseid Josephine's Gulf Coast Tradition CultureMap TasteMaker Awards Learn more about the sponsors of this February 19th episode here: Inprint Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston  Follow us on Instagram  @CityCastHouston Don't have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know!  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let's Talk! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Swanky Maven returns! Felice Sloan joins Eric to discuss the latest happenings from the Houston restaurant and bar scene including the closure of Money Cat and chef Tristen Epps' ongoing pop-up series at Jūn as part of the opening of BuBoy. In the Restaurants of the Week section, Mexican Sugar and Killen's Steakhouse are featured. Plus, Felice gives what would have been her date night draft selections since she was unable to be part of this year's date night draft.  Follow Eric on Instagram/Threads @ericsandler. You can also reach Eric by emailing him at eric@culturemap.com. Check out some of his latest articles at Culturemap.com: Innovative Houston Japanese Restaurant Closes After Only 2 Years Top Chef Contestant Reintroduces Himself to Houston at New Pop-Up Dinner Series Renovations Allow Houston Italian Restaurant to Serve Pizza All Day Favorite Austin Coffee Shop Brews Up First Houston Location in the Heights Experiential Asian Fusion Eatery Serves Up Steak and Sushi in Upper Kirby

Time to find out who won The Ultimate Date Night Draft 2.0 with special guest, and winner of last year's Ultimate Date Night Draft, Justin Yu of Thorough Fare Hospitality (Theodore Rex, Squable, Better Luck Tomorrow, & more). Justin explains why [redacted] was the winner of the draft, his thoughts on the selections all around, the picks that stoodout to him, what he would have selected, what he thought of the occasion format for this year's draft, and more! Plus, Justin updates Eric on what's going on for him currently, including working with the Alley Theater. Follow Eric on Instagram/Threads @ericsandler. You can also reach Eric by emailing him at eric@culturemap.com. Check out some of his latest articles at Culturemap.com: Houston Chef Brings Texas Touches to Posh Hotel's New French Bistro Talented Culinary Couple Serve Up Exciting New Pop-Up Dinner Series All The Nominees Vying for Glory in the 2025 Houston Tastemaker Awards Dallas-Based, Wine-Obsessed Private Club Unveils New Houston Facility Innovative Houston Japanese Restaurant Closes After Only 2 Years

Planning out where to go for a first date can be hard, I mean there's so many places where could you take that special someone what do you even choose? If only there was an episode of a podcast that not only picked some of the best first date spots but also third date spots, casual weeknight date spots, and even breakup spots. Oh, well it turns out this episode of What's Eric Eating is all about that. After the success of last year's Ultimate Date Night Draft, Eric's bringing it back with new drafters and a twist. This year Eric, alongside Chelsea Thomas, Lawton Driscoll, Michael Fulmer, Monica Danna, and Army Sadeghi of Clarkwood are drafting based off an occasion format. Here's the categories: first date spot, third date spot, girls/guys/friend's night spot, casual weeknight date spot, breakup spot, and a wildcard which is any place the drafter thinks would be fun to go to on a date (does not have to be a bar or restaurant).  The Draft Rules Rule 1: All selections must be located in Greater Houston. Rule 2: Once a restaurant has been selected for a certain category, no one else may pick it for the same category. i.e., only one person can select 13 Celsius for a first date but someone else could select 13 Celsius for a third date. Rule 3: Drafters cannot pick the same bar/restaurant/business twice. All 6 selections must be from different places. Rule 4: Snake draft format. The draft order will go one through six in round 1 then go backwards six through one in round 2. Rule 5: Categories may be selected in any order. Follow Eric on Instagram/Threads @ericsandler. You can also reach Eric by emailing him at eric@culturemap.com. Check out some of his latest articles at Culturemap.com: All The Nominees Vying for Glory in the 2025 Houston Tastemaker Awards Dallas-Based, Wine-Obsessed Private Club Unveils New Houston Facility Innovative Houston Japanese Restaurant Closes After Only 2 Years Rent Dispute Prompts Closure of Downtown Houston Tequila and Taco Bar

On today's podcast Eric is joined by Christian Hernandez and Priscilla Treviño of Barbacana. The pair speak with Eric about how their respective culinary careers began, where their careers have taken them, Christian's experience opening/working at March, the vision for Barbacana, what was it about Barbacana that attracted Priscilla to joining the team, developing their menu, sustainability/conservation being core pillars of the menu, how things are going so far at Barbacana, goals for the concept, and much more! Follow Eric on Instagram/Threads @ericsandler. You can also reach Eric by emailing him at eric@culturemap.com. Check out some of his latest articles at Culturemap.com: Innovative Houston Japanese Restaurant Closes After Only Two Years Rent Dispute Prompts Closure of Downtown Houston Tequila and Taco Bar Top Chef Contestant Reintroduces Himself to Houston at New Pop-Up Dinner Series Houston's Next Great Neighborhood Bar Conjures West Texas Vibes in the Heights Fresh Houston Restaurant Group Serves Up Pizza and Salads for Memorial

After a week off, Eric is back with a brand new episode of the podcast. Today he's joined by Houston BBQ Festival co-founder Michael Fulmer to dive into some of the latest news from the Houston restaurant and bar scene. The guys discuss the Houston chefs/restaurants that were named James Beard Award Semifinalists, Leaf & Grain getting set to open 2 new concepts in Memorial, and Koffeteria getting set to open a new location in Spring Branch. In the Restaurants of the Week section, bōl and Pok Pok Po are featured.  Follow Eric on Instagram/Threads @ericsandler. You can also reach Eric by emailing him at eric@culturemap.com. Check out some of his latest articles at Culturemap.com: 13 Houston Restaurants Score James Beard Award Semifinalist Nominations Fresh Houston Restaurant Group Serves Up Pizza and Salads for Memorial Eclectic EaDo Pastry Shop Bakes Up New Location in Spring Branch Top Chef Contestant Reintroduces Himself to Houston at New Pop-Up Dinner Series Houston's Next Great Neighborhood Bar Conjures West Texas Vibes in the Heights