Episode 233 - Niki Vongthong of Hidden Omakase

Today on the podcast Eric is joined by Matt Harris to discuss the latest from the Houston bar and restaurant scene including a recap of the latest episode of Top Chef, the James Beard Foundation's finalist announcement, and pastry chef Jordi Roca is set to open his gelato shop in Houston soon. In the Restaurants of the Week portion Flora is featured. In the Guest of the Week section Eric is joined by Niki Vongthong of Hidden Omakase. Niki speaks with Eric about her family's time running a grocery store, switching the family business from a grocery store to a restaurant, what set her upon her culinary journey, Niki's transition into professional cooking, her time in Spain & Thailand, what she learned while at Uchi, her first time leading a kitchen, why she loves the omakase style, the approach to building courses with omakase, her incorporation of Thai elements, how she's gotten more comfortable with leading, celebrating special occasions at Hidden Omakase, and much more!Follow Eric on Instagram and Twitter, plus check out some of his latest articles at Culturemap.com, such as: Top Chef Recap: Local Asian Food Stars Shine in a Consummately Houston Episode 7 Houston Chefs, Restaurants, and Bars Named James Beard Award Finalists 'World's Best Pastry Chef' Scoops Up Prime Uptown Space for New Gelato Shop Houston's 9 Best Neighborhood Restaurants Reflect Our City's Diverse Dining Favorite Austin Burrito Joint Unwraps 3 New Houston Locations This Summer New Modern Steakhouse Serves Up Rare Experience on Washington Avenue