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.

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.

Houston’s vibrant culinary scene is captured beautifully in five cookbooks by some of the city’s most celebrated chefs and restaurateurs. These cookbooks offer a delicious way to bring Houston’s diverse flavors into your kitchen, whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out. (KPRC 2 is part of the Amazon Associates program and receives a commission on qualified purchases made through our links.)

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.

Celebrate the holidays Houston-style with Eat Like a Local’s ultimate guide to cocktails, charcuterie boards, wine selections, and hosting advice.

There's something special about a family-owned Texas ranch with five generations behind it. We're getting a closer look at what makes 44 Farms' beef stand out and why it's trusted by home cooks and top restaurants. Plus, more on their meat bundles that make gifting super easy. Use code 'HoustonLife' for 20% off your first order.

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.

If carving your Thanksgiving turkey feels a bit intimidating, you’re not alone. Award-winning chef and host of “Eat Like a Local” Chris Shepherd is here to help. Here are his tips for how to carve your turkey like a pro.

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.

KPRC 2's popular food show "Eat Like a Local" won its second Lone Star Emmy for exploring the Pakistani food scene. Derrick Shore chats with chef and host Chris Shepherd about the episode that brought home the golden hardware.

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.

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.

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.

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.

For the second year in a row, KPRC 2 proudly partnered with the Southern Smoke Foundation to livestream the Yeti Culinary Stage at Southern Smoke Festival.

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.

The premier of season 3 of Eat Like a Local is just over a week away and we'll all excited! Houston Life took over Saint Arnold Brewing Company for a preview of what's in store for Season 3.

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 families across the Texas Hill Country continue to recover from the devastating floods that swept through the region over the Fourth of July weekend, a Houston-based nonprofit is stepping in to help a community that often serves others first: food and beverage workers.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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 sits down with Johnny Carrabba for a fun chat about his food, his family, and how they became such an important part of Houston's food scene.

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.

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.

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..

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.

Host Chris Shepherd caught up with Chef Luis Roger the day after BCN nabbed a coveted Michelin Star at Texas’ first-ever Michelin ceremony.

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.

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.

In this episode of “Eat Like a Local”, chef Chris Shepherd visits one of Houston’s quiet icons, Mandola’s Deli.

Chris Shepherd recently stopped by Houston Life to chat about the return of his popular ‘Table to Stage’ chef series with a new guest and a new venue.

Chris enlists the help of chef/owner Ope Amosu of ChòpnBlọk to help educate him on this growing culinary movement in Houston.

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.

In this episode of "Eat Like a Local", savory and sweet Indian cuisine -- the history behind some of the best restaurants in Houston.

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.

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.

Can’t make it to the festival? The YETI Culinary Stage cooking demos will be livestreamed on KPRC 2+ starting at 4:30 p.m. The demonstrations will be hosted by chef, YouTube personality, and New York Times bestselling author Brad Leone.

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.

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.

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.

Schedule of events

I had never thought about working in TV, but after sitting with the team at KPRC 2 and talking about this show, I knew it was for me. Talking with the people that make our city’s restaurants so amazing, showing viewers what makes our city the best food city in the country, highlighting these places and helping tell their stories is what I have always wanted to do. Sharing stories of these great people for all to see -- It is my dream!

He's a James Beard award-winning chef and one of our favorite TV hosts; Chris Shepherd is in the host seat. We caught up with him as he gets set to premiere season 2 of 'Eat Like a Local' this Saturday.While you may be used to seeing him right here on KPRC, it's what he does behind the scenes to support Houston food and beverage workers that's even more impressive. His Southern Smoke Foundation is expanding to help those in crisis across the nation. We found out exactly how it's helping on an SSF takeover of Houston Life.

As one of Houston’s most well-renowned and loved chefs, Chris Shepherd takes great care when planning for some of his most popular events – all of which benefit restaurant workers everywhere.

We found making a TV show with Chris Shepherd is fun, spontaneous, and frequently unplanned. Despite this producer’s efforts to keep us on point, we frequently end up at what we over time have dubbed “pit stops”. This is when Chris’ excitement to experience every kind of food in our city causes us to abruptly veer off-course. This bonus episode is all about the pit stops.

We're hopping on the mocktail trend with our friend Tanji Patton of Goodtaste TV. She's creating some iconic cocktails without the liquor. Plus a creamy and boozy martini dip to pair.

Chris Shepherd, a local renowned and award-winning chef, has dedicated his efforts to providing a means of support to food and beverage workers across the nation.

In this episode of “Eat Like a Local with Chris Shepherd”, Shepherd sits down with Jaisinghani, the chef & co-owner of Pondicheri, who he calls a “local legend,” “amazing human,” and “amazing chef.”

In this episode of “Eat Like a Local with Chris Shepherd”, Shepherd takes us to some of his favorite places for fresh shelled seafood like crawfish, crabs, and lobster.

In this episode of “Eat Like a Local with Chris Shepherd”, Shepherd shares some of his favorite places to pick up breakfast or even road trip treats, including one that got its start almost seven decades ago.

Pizza is not one slice fits all. We’re not just talking about customizing toppings. Several Houston restaurants are standing out for the techniques they use to craft the perfect cheesy pies.

In this episode of “Eat Like a Local with Chris Shepherd”, Shepherd heads east to meet Billy Link of Link Rice and Crawfish Farms who explains what it takes to supply Houston with the best crawfish. Shepherd then visits Crawfish Shack in Crosby where they boil up more crawfish each year than just about anybody.

In this episode of “Eat Like a Local with Chris Shepherd”, Shepherd spends a day sampling desserts, entrees, and drinks at one of Houston’s biggest annual events.

Purchase your tickets with an exclusive Insider discount.

A flavorful journey through the Houston rodeo with chef Chris Shepherd as your guide.

In this episode of “Eat Like a Local with Chris Shepherd”, Shepherd sits down with Williams to hear the stories of Lucille’s, his nonprofit organization Lucille’s 1913, Eldorado Ballroom and Rado Market which sit next to Houston’s Emancipation Park, and Williams’ most recent endeavor Late August.

You’ll never grocery shop hungry again if you visit a Houston market that got its start 40 years ago. Phoenicia Specialty Foods has ready to eat food, plus an expansive store with filled with meats, cheeses, olives, wines, spices and so much more -- including a bakery and famous conveyer belt of fresh bread.

While you’ve likely heard much about Chris Shepherd before, what you might not know is how hard he works on a daily basis to bring everything he’s got to the people of the city, while still pouring into his home life with his wife, Lindsey Brown.

Chris Shepherd and friends in the restaurant business share where they go for cocktails and dinner

Chris Shepherd visits Monument Inn and BB's Tex-Orleans in this episode of "Eat Like a Local"

Chris Shepherd visits HK Dim Sum and Fung's Kitchen in this episode of "Eat Like a Local"

Chris Shepherd visits Bludorn and Nobie's in this episode of "Eat Like a Local"

You’ll find Donna Vallone most days at the restaurant. Also there, executive chef and partner Kate McLean, who worked and trained under Tony Vallone for several years. She returned to Tony’s in 2022 where she has brought her own flair to the kitchen.

KPRC 2 is partnering with James Beard Award-winning chef Chris Shepherd to spotlight the Greater Houston area’s diverse food culture, culinary hotspots, and hidden gems that make our city unique.

In this episode of “Eat Like a Local with Chris Shepherd”, Shepherd introduces us to two women who've been making a big impact on the Houston food scene for decades. Hear the stories behind how Irma's Original and China Garden Restaurant came to be and why they're still going strong.

In this episode of “Eat Like a Local with Chris Shepherd”, Shepherd takes us to a Mediterranean food truck he recently tried with his wife and decided had to be on the show.

From the meats to the sauces to the fresh and perfectly made tortillas, you’ll want to put Dichos Taqueria and El Hildalguense on your list of places to dine.

A fine dining experience and fundraising event will precede the college football playoff at NRG Stadium on Jan. 8.

From a restaurant where Shepherd learned to cook Thai food to the dining destination owned by Houston's most recent James Beard award-winning chef, this episode of "Eat Like a Local with Chris Shepherd" is filled with flavor and heat! 🔥

Phat Eatery and Dim Sum Box are among the many choices for people looking to dine or grab dessert in this Houston suburb.

Chef Shepherd and his friends from ‘Eat Like a Local’ help you plan the perfect Thanksgiving!

Blood Bros. BBQ and Feges BBQ are two of the spots in Houston shaking up the traditional barbecue seasonings.

From oysters and redfish to custom-made caviar, these Houston restaurants are perfect for a special occasion. Chris Shepherd takes us to LIttle's Oyster Bar and Josephine's in this episode of "Eat Like a Local"

Where does a James Beard award-winning chef like to eat on his days off? Chris Shepherd takes us to two of his favorites on "Eat Like a Local"

Southern Smoke holds a festival each year that hosts some of the industry’s most talented chefs and personalities, with the help from plenty of local chefs and establishments.

Rosie Cannonball and Candente are two Houston restaurants using fire to make their recipes sizzle.

Enjoy Taco Tuesday? Why limit yourself to just one day when there are so many great places to dine from breakfast to dinner any day of the week.In this episode of “Eat Like a Local with Chris Shepherd”, the chef explores tacos for just about every taste.

Enter here to win an exclusive tour of Karbach Brewing Company!

Gather around the table for the best of the best Vietnamese food. Whether you’re in the mood for something quick or looking for a place to sit and enjoy food and quality time with loved ones, this episode has you covered.