Eric Sandler

🌶️ Houston’s Latin food scene just got a flavorful new addition! Chef Douglas Rodriguez — aka the “Godfather of Nuevo Latino Cuisine” — has joined Exilio Latin Flair in Montrose as executive chef, bringing a revamped menu packed with bold pan-Latin flavors. 🇱🇦🔥

On the latest episode of “What’s Eric Eating,” Rodriguez and Bari Hospitality Group co-owner Pedro Teyuca sit down with CultureMap editor Eric Sandler to dish on Exilio’s new direction, from tuna watermelon ceviche and mixto seafood ceviche with leche de tigre to Colombian-style chicken empanadas, snapper Veracruz, and smoked ribeye. 🐟🍉🥩

Plus, get the scoop on Bari’s upcoming plans, including a second location in The Woodlands and a new sushi bar coming to the lounge above Georgia James. 🍣👀

🎙️ Listen to “What’s Eric Eating” on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts! Click the link in our bio or go to houston.culturemap.com for all the details. Less

Since I don’t want to pick just one dish from my meal at @osteriadimercato for my monthly roundup, here’s some of my favorites from a very tasty first visit. If you love properly al dente pasta, this is your spot.
1. Hanger steak au poivre
2. Scarpinocc with smoked ricotta and morels
3. Tuna crudo with apples
4. Foie gras with peach
5. Fettuccine with braised rabbit
6. Rigatoni bolognese
7. Citrus with fresh cream, olive oil, and sea salt

Fair warning: it only has about 25 seats, so be prepared to book a week or more in advance. When you go, tell @marco__thompson__ and chef @maclovio_a I said hello. Less

One thing I’ve learned about restaurants over the years — don’t get attached. The business is too unpredictable. Today’s hotspot becomes tomorrow’s “surprise shutter.”

Of course, every rule has its exceptions, which means I’m going to miss the hell out of @rielhouston.

When I published my take on Houston’s top 100 restaurants in 2019, picking Riel for no. 1 made sense. It embodies everything I love about dining in Houston: creativity, consistency, diversity, and a quirky sense of humor — after all, it takes a certain sensibility to serve caviar tater tots.

The pics I’ve posted remind me of the many meals I’ve shared at Riel with friends and family. I treasure these memories.

Congrats to @rlachaine and team on a great run. I can’t wait to see what’s next. Less