In this episode of “Eat Like a Local”, it’s all about the crunch. Host Chris Shepherd went on the hunt for the perfect fried bites in Houston. Whether it’s a chicken wing, a piece of fish, shrimp straight from the Gulf, or a perfectly fried crab finger, great fried food doesn’t have to be fancy, it just needs have the right technique.
In this episode of “Eat Like a Local”, host Chris Shepherd heads off the beaten path to find some of Houston’s best dishes tucked inside gas stations, strip plazas and places you’ve passed by a dozen times without stopping. So slow down and take a look as Chris uncovers some of the best bites hidden in plain sight. This episode took us across Houston for three very different experiences — a deeply comforting Turkish feast, expertly crafted hand-made dumplings, and a bakery blending Yemeni and Mexican flavors into something uniquely Houston.
In this episode of “Eat Like a Local”, Chris Shepherd’s premise is simple: no theme, no rules—just the Houston-area places he’s excited to eat right now (plus a couple of “you’ve gotta try this” recommendations). Here are all the restaurants/food stops he visits in the episode, in order, with what to get and why they made the cut.
In this episode of “Eat Like a Local”, host Chris Shepherd shares his picks for hanging out with friends - no agenda, just good food, great drinks, and plenty of laughs.
In this episode of “Eat Like a Local”, host Chris Shepherd heads to one of Houston’s most dynamic dining destinations: the Heights. Known for its blend of historic charm and ever-evolving food scene, the neighborhood delivers everything from casual comfort food to chef-driven experiences—all within a few blocks.
Dining out in Houston is becoming noticeably more expensive, with restaurant prices rising about 4.6% over the past year — a rate that’s outpacing several other major U.S. cities.
Tanji Patton, “Goodtaste with Tanji” host, joins “Houston Life” with spring menu picks from TRIBUTE at The Houstonian, Kenny & Ziggy's New York Delicatessen, and Pearl & Vine, and a fun “hummus garden” appetizer idea.
The best thing about a great plate lunch is all the choices. You step up, scan the steam table, and make a decision that feels equal parts strategic and emotional: one protein, three sides, maybe cornbread if you’re doing it right. Two of the best to do it in Houston are Esther's Cajun Cafe & Soul food and Zydeco Louisiana Diner.
Houston’s coffee culture reflects the people and traditions that shape the city itself. In this episode of “Eat Like a Local”, host Chris Shepherd explores the city’s coffee scene, where every shop tells a story far deeper than what’s in your cup. From expertly dialed-in espresso to matcha drinks you'll come back for -- these creations are rooted in cultural heritage.
It’s one of the biggest celebrations of Texas culture and food -- the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. In this episode of “Eat Like a Local”, we spent a day roaming the midway to find the bites worth taking a break from the rides and games to enjoy. We found a few famous friends along the way!
If you’re a home chef or a backyard griller, you know the best meals come from having the best cuts of meat. This week on “Eat Like a Local”, host Chris Shepherd visits two meat markets that have been taking care of Houston-area customers for decades.
Spring means mudbugs — and Tanji Patton of "Goodtaste with Tanji" is here to help Houstonians make the most of crawfish season. From big-family boils to a crunchy, cheesy crawfish bread demo, Tanji showcases two local favorites plus wine pours that pair perfectly with Cajun heat.
It’s time for the big game and this week on “Eat Like a Local”, we’re showing you how to win the hosting game. From crispy wings to stacked sandwiches and drinks for a crowd, host Chris Shepherd shares his chef’s tips and recipes for the perfect game day spread. Here’s what to order and what to make, so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time watching the game with your people.
In this episode of “Eat Like a Local”, host Chris Shepherd checks out local barbecue spots that started as passion projects and have grown into staples of Houston’s barbecue community. First, Chris heads to Old Town Spring to visit CorkScrew BBQ, a family-run barbecue joint that began as a hobby for owner Will Buckman.
it’s a celebration of Houston’s burger culture! Host Chris Shepherd checks out a buzzy newcomer and a beloved classic that’s been flipping patties for decades. He heads to Boo's Burgers and Tookie's in this episode of “Eat Like a Local”.
Houston’s restaurant scene is famously diverse making it sometimes hard to define our local cuisine. In this episode of “Eat Like a Local”, host Chris Shepherd checks out two restaurants that have captured the essence of Houston food - one through a refined, cultural lens, the other inspired by coastal culture and sourcing.
In this episode of 'Eat Like a Local", host Chris Shepherd explores the diverse snacks and street foods of Houston's Asiatown, highlighting family-run shops along Bellaire Boulevard. Key stops include Linda's Tropical Fruits for fresh smoothies and acai bowls, One Dragon for Shanghai shumai, Don's Cafe for banh mi, Bodard Bistro for Nem Nướng, and Hong Kong City Mall for bao and other snacks, showcasing the vibrant culinary scene and cultural heritage of the area.
Houston’s restaurant world never stops moving — and that’s exactly why we love exploring it each week on ”Eat Like a Local” with Chris Shepherd. In this episode, two spots putting their own stamp on familiar flavors while honoring the traditions that shaped them.
In this episode of “Eat Like a Local”, host Chris Shepherd learns the history behind two long standing Houston restaurants that offer a delicious reminder of the Greek immigrant influence on Houston’s culinary roots.
Explore how these Houston restaurants are offering diners a fresh take on healthy cuisine with customizable options and bold, exciting flavors.
The team at Brennan’s recently did a little remodeling, and y’all… the new Courtyard Bar is absolutely stunning. It’s got energy, it’s got life, and it’s got some seriously good drinks. We’re talking killer cocktails, a sharp wine list, and a bar menu that’s next level.
Hotels are turning meals into memories — chef pop-ups, immersive bars, elevated room service and rooftop dining. Travel expert Jeanenne Tornatore shares what’s on the menu with Marriott Bonvoy on Houston Life. Learn what to book for your 2026 escape.
From woodfired Napoletana pies that cook in 90 seconds to thick Detroit-style and cracker-thin tavern pizzas, in this episode of “Eat Like a Local” host Chris Shepherd dishes on some of the best versions of all types of pizza in Houston.
In this episode of “Eat Like a Local”, Lone Star Oyster Company owners Blake and Stephanie Branson take host Chris Shepherd and chef Lucas McKinney of Josephine’s Gulf Coast Tradition out to their floating oyster farm in West Bay. Just the sixth such farm in Texas, the Bransons are part of a new crop of oyster farms committed to raising sustainable oyster crops that not only produce superior oysters but also improve the water where they're raised.
Houston’s food scene is nothing without the people behind it — the families, the stories, the recipes passed down from generation to generation. In this episode of “Eat Like a Local”, host Chris Shepherd takes a tour of some of the city’s long-standing, family-run Mexican-American restaurants. From classic tacos to homemade paletas and new school concha breakfast sandwiches, these are the spots that have been turning out consistently great dishes for decades.
If you’re looking for a Halloween plan that mixes elegance with edge—this is your cue to grab a mask, dress the part, and prepare for a night where everyone’s a suspect.
In this episode of “Eat Like a Local”, Chris Shepherd goes all in on Houston’s regional Chinese food —and it’s way more than traditional takeout. From the numbing heat of Sichuan peppercorns to the intriguing dishes of Korean-Chinese cuisine, this episode is a takes a trip through the intricacies of Chinese food.
In this episode of “Eat Like a Local”, Chris Shepherd goes all in on Houston’s regional Chinese food —and it’s way more than traditional takeout. From the numbing heat of Sichuan peppercorns to the intriguing dishes of Korean-Chinese cuisine, this episode is a takes a trip through the intricacies of Chinese food.
Make your holiday season unforgettable with Del Frisco’s! Executive Chef Trevor White shares signature dishes from the upscale Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steakhouse and the lively Del Frisco's Grille.
Beloved Houston restaurant Kim Son has announced it will close its longtime downtown location on Jefferson Street later this month due to the I-45 expansion project.
In this episode of “Eat Like a Local”, host Chris Shepherd takes an international food tour in an unlikely place! Chris heads to Baytown where he enlists the help of Mayor Charles Johnson to find the top spots to grab a bite.
Tanji Patton of Goodtaste TV joins Houston Life with easy weeknight dinner ideas, family to go specials and quick one pan recipes. Watch for restaurant deals and recipe details.
This episode is all about craft breweries, and you can’t talk about craft beer in Houston without a stop at Saint Arnold Brewing Company. It’s an icon of Houston’s craft beer scene for good reason. The brewery, which got its start in the 1990s, helped pave the way for other local breweries while also shaping how craft beer is sold and distributed in Texas.
First stop: Spring, Texas. We roll in to see Chef Thomas Billie running the kitchen like a boss and his wife Elizabeth who is keeping the dining room humming — which is important, because the place is packed. Why? Well, maybe because Chef Thomas just snagged the 2025 James Beard Award for Best Chef: Texas.
We have one month left of summer (says the calendar, but probably not the weather) and that means 30 days to enjoy the best summer desserts Houston has to offer. From ice cream floats to gourmet banana splits and paletas made with real fruit, here’s our summer dessert bucket list.
As the producer and mom on the Eat Like a Local crew, I’ve visited more than 150 restaurants across Houston with our host, James Beard Award-winning chef Chris Shepherd. Now, I’m sharing the casual spots I take my family when the cameras are off.
If you’ve ever wanted to sip rosé under the sun, taste the best BBQ in town, and casually chat with a James Beard finalist, all while supporting the Houston Food Bank, you’re in for a delicious treat.
Tucked in the upscale heart of River Oaks, Botonica isn’t just a bar, it’s a cultural journey through Latin America told in the language of spirits, flavors, and stories.
Host of "Eat Like a Local," Chris Shepherd, is behind the nonprofit Southern Smoke Foundation, which is committing $150,000 toward the Hill Country Relief Fund application to assist food and beverage workers impacted by the devastating flood.
If you’ve been looking for a dinner spot that feels like a beach escape but keeps the Houston roots intact, TAGO might be your next move. The grand opening is Friday!
You may have seen calls for boycotts against McDonald’s online and across social media, but while the calls to do so are real, the question remains whether an economic blackout will have an impact.
“Texas restaurants are more than businesses. They are employers, economic engines, and cultural anchors for every community,” Emily Williams Knight, Ed.D., president and CEO of the Texas Restaurant Association, said.
In this episode of “Eat Like a Local”, the crew returns to Galveston to learn how fresh caught Gulf seafood makes it from the dock to your plate. Host Chris Shepherd’s first stop is at Katie’s Seafood Market where he meets local fisherman Buddy Guindon who owns the market and Katie’s Seafood House right next door.
Galveston is known for its laid-back coastal vibe, rich history, and, of course, seafood. However, despite its proximity to the water, not all Galveston restaurants are sourcing fresh Gulf seafood. Host Chris Shepherd set out to sort out the local spots that are sourcing locally and serving up some of the best dishes in town.
With Mother's Day around the corner, a Houston chef who has cut his teeth at some of the biggest fine dining restaurants in the city, has never forgotten his biggest supporter and the one who first introduced him to his love of food.
In this episode - a showcase of Eat Like a Local's favorite desserts, plus Chris Shepherd samples some new sweet treats that joined the most loved list!
Whether you're looking to hang out with friends or lay low at the bar, "The Kid," is sure to be your next go-to spot as it blends choice craft beers from Flying Saucer and top-notch burgers from Rodeo Goat.
Chris Shepherd's pursuit of the finest chicken fried steak plates around first takes him out I-10 to Sealy, where Wolf Pack Woodfired Tavern has teamed up with another local favorite, Bellville Meat Market, to create one of the most tender chicken fried steaks around.
Experience live cooking demos, interactive games, and dishes from 40+ culinary talents raising funds for No Kid Hungry.
A string of burglaries targeting bars and restaurants across Harris County and surrounding areas have left business owners frustrated, fearful, and desperate for answers.
Both restaurants—just miles away from one another— were broken into overnight on Wednesday.
In this episode of “Eat Like a Local”, host Chris Shepherd sits down with four-time James Beard Award nominee and mastermind behind some of Houston’s top Japanese restaurants, Chef Manabu “Hori” Horiuchi. Together, they dive into all things sushi, wagyu, and sake.
Houston’s vibrant food scene showcases a rich tapestry of cultures, and this week, neighbors have a really good reason to explore African American, African, and Caribbean cuisines during Black Restaurant Week. In 2025, the event celebrates its 10th anniversary.
Whether you’re celebrating Passover or Easter with the family, Tanji Patton of Goodtaste TV offers menu inspiration from some local Houston restaurants. Plus, she shares a recipe for pistachio chocolate cupcakes using the trendy Dubai chocolate, that is all the rage on social media.
Maven Coffee + Cocktails, located at Sawyer Yards, has quickly become a beloved spot for locals. What began as a simple coffee stand for Houston Astros fans has grown into a vibrant dining destination, thanks in part to the vision of Astros pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. and his partner, Juan Carlos de Aldecoa.
Treat yourself to the stories behind some of Houston's tastiest, creamiest, and most delightful ice cream shops by watching the 50th episode of "Eat Like a Local with Chris Shepherd"!
Host Chris Shepherd is diving into the delicious world of RodeoHouston, helping you find the best bites from the 120+ food vendors serving up everything from fried cheesecake to barbecue and bacon-wrapped, well, everything.
Certain childhood memories are just unforgettable and with dozens of Dairy Queen locations closing in Texas, some of those thoughts came flooding back for several members of our KPRC 2 team.
From critically acclaimed to up-and-coming, we’re introducing you to the young chefs who are reshaping Mexican food in Houston.
Bacon and eggs are great, but breakfast can be so much more! This week on “Eat Like a Local”, host Chris Shepherd is on a mission to find unforgettable early morning dishes.
Mark your calendars, set your alarms, and maybe even camp out (hey, free breakfast for a year is worth it). Bojangles is here, Houston—and they’re bringing the flavor.
We’ve covered farm to table on “Eat Like a Local”, so now in this episode we’re talking boat to table! Host Chris Shepherd headed to the coast to learn how blue crabs make it from our local waterways to our local restaurants..
One lucky KPRC 2 Insider will win $200 in Landry’s Restaurants gift cards which can used at Vic & Anthony’s or any of the company’s well-known brands. Enter below daily until 10 a.m. on Feb. 7. The winner will be announced that day on “Houston Life” which airs weekdays at 1 p.m. on KPRC 2.
In this episode of “Eat Like a Local”, we’re taking a new look at barbecue. In Texas, barbecue means meat smoked low and slow, but as host Chris Shepherd explains internationally barbecue takes on a different interpretation with meat cooked fast over fire or charcoal.
No matter the time of day or your mood, there’s a sandwich sure to satisfy your cravings. In this episode of “Eat Like a Local”, Chris Shepherd hits the road to find everything from a savory breakfast sandwich to a satisfying Philly cheesesteak. Hoagies, subs, clubs, Cubans, they’re all fair game.
From sky high sandwiches to house-made corned beef and old-world favorites like kugel and matzoh ball soup, Ziggy Gruber sit downs with Chris Shepherd to explain how he brought his family's Jewish heritage and their deli legacy to Houston through food.
Pies for the holidays and all year round! “Eat Like a Local” chef Chris Shepherd visits some of Houston's busiest and most renowned spots for whole pies and slices!
From breakfast to dessert, “Eat Like a Local” chef Chris Shepherd samples some of the best Pakistani food in the Houston area. Joining him for this episode is Burger Bodega chef and friend Abbas Dhanani.
A night out in Houston Southeast is a whole lot of fun but with thousands of restaurants to choose from it is hard to know where to start!Southeast Management District board member, Sharone Mayberry of Mayberry Homes, took Houston Life's Melanie Camp on a night out on Almeda Road for a taste of the fun.
In this episode of “Eat Like a Local”, chef Chris Shepherd goes on a journey to explore different types of tamales from Mexican to Colombian and Cuban. He even finds a few surprises along the way.
The wait is finally over, Texas will finally have Michelin star restaurants! The Michelin Guide announced over the summer that its s anonymous inspectors would visit restaurants in Houston, along with other cities in Texas.
From sustainably sourced seafood to quality, tender steak-cuts, the culinary team behind McCormick & Schmick’s in Houston has curated a delicious new menu showcasing a taste for every table.
Tanji Patton, the host of "Goodtaste with Tanji, shares local restaurant recommendations for visiting relatives and friends this holiday season, cocktails and wine finds.
From pho to vermicelli to lo mein, in this episode of "Eat Like a Local", Chris Shepherd is on the hunt for the best noodles in town.
Whether you’re a fan of elaborate seafood towers, the finest, high-quality Kobe Beef and Tomahawk steaks, or even sushi rolls, the diverse menu at Mastro’s Steakhouse is perfect for any occasion.
In this episode of "Eat Like a Local", it’s a crispy, crunchy, southern classic – fried chicken! We can’t talk about fried chicken in this city without going to Frenchy’s Chicken.
Cheers to Goodtaste! Tanji Patton of Goodtaste TV stops by Houston Life to celebrate a big milestone, ten years of her series, “Goodtaste with Tanji.” She reflects on how the series got started and the different stories and people she has met and featured on the show over the years.
In this episode of “Eat Like a Local with Chris Shepherd” -- scratch that, this week, it’s Drink Like a Local! Chef Chris Shepherd checks out neighborhood watering holes and a luxe speakeasy as he searches Houston for the best cocktails in town.
From crispy and crunchy to thick and gooey, chef Chris Shepherd has scoured Houston for some of the best cookies in town. In this episode of “Eat Like a Local with Chris Shepherd”, he takes us to a few of his favorite spots for a sweet treat.
In October and November, elite chefs representing the Landry’s restaurant teams will be featured on “Houston Life”, and each week a new KPRC 2 Insider will be drawn to win $200 in Landry’s gift cards, which can be used at any of the company’s well-known brands.
Everyone knows Houston has one of the (if not absolute) best food scenes out there, yet WalletHub is about to make some enemies with its latest study on the best foodie cities in the U.S.
In this episode of “Eat Like a Local with Chris Shepherd”, we meet chefs who have set up shop inside local neighborhoods and share their signature dishes that keep people coming back.
Tanji Patton of Goodtaste TV stops by Houston Life with meal deals from Rainbow Lodge and Pacific Coast Tacos to help you save you money while dining out. Plus, a budget-friendly recipe for chicken lasagna the whole family will love. This recipe is inspired by The Bake Shoppe and Cafe in Cypress.
To kick off Season 2 of "Eat Like a Local", Chris Shepherd visits a local farm to see where Houston restaurants are getting the freshest and most flavorful produce.
Last week a brand-new restaurant opened at M-K-T Heights called Buttermilk Baby. Over the weekend, people lined up out the door for a chance to be among the first to get a taste of what is on the menu. Houston life reporter Melanie Camp took us inside Buttermilk Baby to show us what the hype is all about.
To kick off Season 2 of "Eat Like a Local", Chris Shepherd visits a local farm to see where Houston restaurants are getting the freshest and most flavorful produce.
CenterPoint Energy is expected to restore power to the area on Monday when KPRC 2's Rilwan Balogun was set to meet with a restaurant owner, however, neighboring business owners revealed the entire plaza has been without electricity.