digital media company that covers food, wine, entertainment, fashion, and sports. As part of his job, Eric stays current on trends and consumer preferences. “I have always been passionate about food, interested in dining and curious about food service," says Eric. "My job allows me to experience all areas of the restaurant industry and see things from the guest's point of view.”

In this episode, Eric explains how he covers the myriad faces of the restaurant community and what he finds interesting and newsworthy. Eric feels that COVID changed our relationship with restaurants and underscored the importance and necessity of providing meals via delivery and takeaway service. He views current industry challenges as balancing convenience with offering quality full-service experiences that guests seek after two years of social distancing.

"We are social people, and we seek communal experiences," says Eric. Despite increasing cost, labor and supply-chain challenges, Eric believes the industry will continue to expand. Diners are increasingly adventurous, creating demand for ethnic and other concepts that break the mold of typical fare. Learn more about Eric on his podcast "What’s Eric Eating".

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Eric Sandler is the Houston metro food editor for CultureMap, a digital media company that covers food, wine, entertainment, fashion, and sports. As part of his job, Eric stays current on trends and consumer preferences. “I have always been passionate about food, interested in dining and curious about food service," says Eric. "My job allows me to experience all areas of the restaurant industry and see things from the guest's point of view.”