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The University of Houston's Conrad N. Hilton College of Global Hotel Leadership has recently undergone a significant transformation with the renovation of Eric's Restaurant, a longstanding favorite among students, alumni, and visitors.
Dean Dennis Reynolds explained the motivation behind the makeover, stating, “We wanted to up our food and atmosphere game as well, and this was the perfect time to do it.” The refresh aims to align Eric's with the college's commitment to providing top-notch hospitality education and experiences.
Under the guidance of Head Chef Curtis Taylor and Sous Chef Brandon Reid Presley, Eric's unveiled a new menu featuring a variety of signature dishes, including Apple Cider Marinated Double Pork Chop, Blackened Salmon, Braised Short Rib, Cajun Seafood Pasta, and Pan Seared Houston Strip Steak. Chef Taylor expressed his excitement about the menu, designed to cater to Houston's diverse culinary preferences.
In addition to the revamped menu, guests can now enjoy a new outdoor dining area to savor their meals in Houston's spring weather. Eric's also introduced a selection of craft cocktails, including cougar-themed beverages and specialty drinks crafted by assistant restaurant manager Zhihong (Andrea) Lin.
Lin shared her inspiration behind the colorful and flavorful cocktails, saying, “When I first created these drinks...I was just trying to make something colorful and good tasting to attract more customers of younger generations.”
The restaurant, known for its role in providing hands-on experience to hospitality students, operates with 70 percent of its staff comprising students from Hilton College. Graduate student Lin highlighted the valuable learning opportunities provided by working within the restaurant and hotel environment.
Eric's Restaurant now welcomes guests for dining throughout the week, offering a range of culinary delights and specialty cocktails. Reservations can be made by phone or online, with walk-ins also accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.