erica cheng 鄭伊澄
@ericacheng.bsky.social
news and city life editor at Houstonia Magazine // aspiring "woke leftist skank" // words previously at @chron
Pinned
erica cheng 鄭伊澄
@ericacheng.bsky.social
· Jul 10
RIP, Graffiti Park: The Life and Death of a Houston icon
Walls of brightly colored murals at Houston's street art haven were turned into dust after over a decade in existence.
www.houstoniamag.com
NEW: for my first piece at Houstonia, i penned an obituary to EaDo's Graffiti Park, which was recently demolished in favor of I-45's expansion. Artists that built the park called it a "loss that speaks volumes" and are wondering where the community will go next.
www.houstoniamag.com/news-and-cit...
www.houstoniamag.com/news-and-cit...
NEW: It's been 20 years since Hurricane Katrina tore through Louisiana, driving over 200,000 evacuees towards Houston. One of the most memorable sounds in the Astrodome was a cowbell. For volunteer Janice Jucker, the cowbell was a signal of reunification. more:
www.houstoniamag.com/news-and-cit...
www.houstoniamag.com/news-and-cit...
The Cowbell That Reunited Katrina Survivors in Houston
One sound meant family found.
www.houstoniamag.com
August 29, 2025 at 7:15 PM
NEW: It's been 20 years since Hurricane Katrina tore through Louisiana, driving over 200,000 evacuees towards Houston. One of the most memorable sounds in the Astrodome was a cowbell. For volunteer Janice Jucker, the cowbell was a signal of reunification. more:
www.houstoniamag.com/news-and-cit...
www.houstoniamag.com/news-and-cit...
NEW: Your favorite HEB sushi is being hit by Trump's tariffs. Houston's restauranteurs and caterers (like HEB supplier, Tokyo Gardens Catering) are really feeling the squeeze. Prices for local businesses have soared, while owners look for creative solutions.
www.houstoniamag.com/news-and-cit...
www.houstoniamag.com/news-and-cit...
Tariffs Are Driving Up Houston’s Food Prices
Tariffs on imports are forcing local spots to raise prices—or get creative.
www.houstoniamag.com
August 14, 2025 at 3:36 PM
NEW: Your favorite HEB sushi is being hit by Trump's tariffs. Houston's restauranteurs and caterers (like HEB supplier, Tokyo Gardens Catering) are really feeling the squeeze. Prices for local businesses have soared, while owners look for creative solutions.
www.houstoniamag.com/news-and-cit...
www.houstoniamag.com/news-and-cit...
NEW for Houstonia Magazine: It's been exactly one month since flash flooding devastated Central Texas. For the families of over 100 victims, everything has changed. Except policy.
www.houstoniamag.com/news-and-cit...
www.houstoniamag.com/news-and-cit...
One Month After the Kerrville Floods, Texas Still Has Few Answers
Local organizations have spearheaded volunteer efforts, while governments examine infrastructure.
www.houstoniamag.com
August 4, 2025 at 3:07 PM
NEW for Houstonia Magazine: It's been exactly one month since flash flooding devastated Central Texas. For the families of over 100 victims, everything has changed. Except policy.
www.houstoniamag.com/news-and-cit...
www.houstoniamag.com/news-and-cit...
NEW for Houstonia: Is Houston's club scene becoming the new policy battleground? From councilman Pollard's new dress code ordinance, to Mayor Whitmire's ongoing "tough on crime" initiatives, nightlife has definitely changed in the city.
www.houstoniamag.com/news-and-cit...
www.houstoniamag.com/news-and-cit...
Has Houston’s Nightlife Scene Become a New Policy Battleground?
Between Councilman Edward Pollard and Mayor John Whitmire, the club is a new policy arena.
www.houstoniamag.com
July 31, 2025 at 4:09 PM
NEW for Houstonia: Is Houston's club scene becoming the new policy battleground? From councilman Pollard's new dress code ordinance, to Mayor Whitmire's ongoing "tough on crime" initiatives, nightlife has definitely changed in the city.
www.houstoniamag.com/news-and-cit...
www.houstoniamag.com/news-and-cit...
NEW: for my first piece at Houstonia, i penned an obituary to EaDo's Graffiti Park, which was recently demolished in favor of I-45's expansion. Artists that built the park called it a "loss that speaks volumes" and are wondering where the community will go next.
www.houstoniamag.com/news-and-cit...
www.houstoniamag.com/news-and-cit...
RIP, Graffiti Park: The Life and Death of a Houston icon
Walls of brightly colored murals at Houston's street art haven were turned into dust after over a decade in existence.
www.houstoniamag.com
July 10, 2025 at 5:39 PM
NEW: for my first piece at Houstonia, i penned an obituary to EaDo's Graffiti Park, which was recently demolished in favor of I-45's expansion. Artists that built the park called it a "loss that speaks volumes" and are wondering where the community will go next.
www.houstoniamag.com/news-and-cit...
www.houstoniamag.com/news-and-cit...
NEW @chron.com: Houston has a new James Beard Award winning chef. Minutes ago, Spring chef Thomas Bille took home the James Beard medallion for Best Chef: Texas. Bille heads the highly lauded restaurant, Belly of the Beast.
www.chron.com/food/article...
www.chron.com/food/article...
Houston-area chef wins 2025 James Beard award for Texas' best chef
A major award for the Bayou City establishment.
www.chron.com
June 17, 2025 at 1:01 AM
NEW @chron.com: Houston has a new James Beard Award winning chef. Minutes ago, Spring chef Thomas Bille took home the James Beard medallion for Best Chef: Texas. Bille heads the highly lauded restaurant, Belly of the Beast.
www.chron.com/food/article...
www.chron.com/food/article...
NEW: Last year, longtime Montrose bar Cecil's Pub closed its beloved West Gray location. Now, nearly 6 months after, the pub is back with a vengeance. Owner Jonas Herd hopes the bar will open ASAP, which could be as soon as this weekend. more @chron.com
www.chron.com/food/article...
www.chron.com/food/article...
One of Houston's most beloved pubs is plotting a comeback
Rumors surrounding Cecil's Pub's return have been circulating for months. It will be taking over the former Elro Pizza and Crudo space in Montrose/Midtown area.
www.chron.com
May 22, 2025 at 4:01 PM
NEW: Last year, longtime Montrose bar Cecil's Pub closed its beloved West Gray location. Now, nearly 6 months after, the pub is back with a vengeance. Owner Jonas Herd hopes the bar will open ASAP, which could be as soon as this weekend. more @chron.com
www.chron.com/food/article...
www.chron.com/food/article...
NEW: Details have emerged in the FBI-led arrest of ex-Turkey Leg Hut frontman Lynn Price. Price allegedly paid collaborators $1400 for the arsons; the restauraunter also took to social media to provide a statement on his arrest.
www.chron.com/food/article...
www.chron.com/food/article...
Locked-up Houston restaurateur speaks out while in federal custody
Lynndell "Lynn" Price, the embattled Houston restaurateur, took to social media to assuage fans that he'll be back at it in no time. But the jury is still out.
www.chron.com
May 2, 2025 at 1:55 AM
NEW: Details have emerged in the FBI-led arrest of ex-Turkey Leg Hut frontman Lynn Price. Price allegedly paid collaborators $1400 for the arsons; the restauraunter also took to social media to provide a statement on his arrest.
www.chron.com/food/article...
www.chron.com/food/article...
impact update: apparently, a couple of Houston bakeries/dessert shops are DMing each other about the crazy prices they're seeing after reading this. It's a more widespread problem than we think!
NEW: Trump's tariffs are coming for your fav dessert. Staples like chocolate and vanilla are just a few staples affected by price hikes, according to two Houston dessert shops. Chocolate is subject to 20% tariffs, while Madagascar vanilla faces a 47% tariff. @chron.com
www.chron.com/food/article...
www.chron.com/food/article...
Houston's best dessert shops are seeing big problems on horizon
Pudgy's Fine Cookies and Underground Creamery in the Heights are reporting price increases in a few key supply lines, including chocolate and, in turn, oreos.
www.chron.com
April 28, 2025 at 10:12 PM
impact update: apparently, a couple of Houston bakeries/dessert shops are DMing each other about the crazy prices they're seeing after reading this. It's a more widespread problem than we think!
Reposted by erica cheng 鄭伊澄
"Globally, chocolate prices have skyrocketed and are projected to continue climbing this year. Similar issues have also plagued the coffee and matcha trades. Ongoing shortages, combined with the tariffs, have raised prices even higher."
NEW: Trump's tariffs are coming for your fav dessert. Staples like chocolate and vanilla are just a few staples affected by price hikes, according to two Houston dessert shops. Chocolate is subject to 20% tariffs, while Madagascar vanilla faces a 47% tariff. @chron.com
www.chron.com/food/article...
www.chron.com/food/article...
Houston's best dessert shops are seeing big problems on horizon
Pudgy's Fine Cookies and Underground Creamery in the Heights are reporting price increases in a few key supply lines, including chocolate and, in turn, oreos.
www.chron.com
April 28, 2025 at 7:57 PM
"Globally, chocolate prices have skyrocketed and are projected to continue climbing this year. Similar issues have also plagued the coffee and matcha trades. Ongoing shortages, combined with the tariffs, have raised prices even higher."
NEW: Trump's tariffs are coming for your fav dessert. Staples like chocolate and vanilla are just a few staples affected by price hikes, according to two Houston dessert shops. Chocolate is subject to 20% tariffs, while Madagascar vanilla faces a 47% tariff. @chron.com
www.chron.com/food/article...
www.chron.com/food/article...
Houston's best dessert shops are seeing big problems on horizon
Pudgy's Fine Cookies and Underground Creamery in the Heights are reporting price increases in a few key supply lines, including chocolate and, in turn, oreos.
www.chron.com
April 28, 2025 at 6:42 PM
NEW: Trump's tariffs are coming for your fav dessert. Staples like chocolate and vanilla are just a few staples affected by price hikes, according to two Houston dessert shops. Chocolate is subject to 20% tariffs, while Madagascar vanilla faces a 47% tariff. @chron.com
www.chron.com/food/article...
www.chron.com/food/article...
BREAKING: The FBI announced today that Turkey Leg Hut frontman Lynn Price was arrested on multiple charges of arson. The restauranteur is accused of paying accomplices to set fire to Third Ward's Bar 5015 in 2020. @chron.com
www.chron.com/food/article...
www.chron.com/food/article...
Controversial Houston restaurateur arrested on arson charges
Oyster Hut owner Lyndell Price and two others are facing arson charges following a reported June 2020 explosion at Bar 5015 in Third Ward.
www.chron.com
April 25, 2025 at 10:00 PM
BREAKING: The FBI announced today that Turkey Leg Hut frontman Lynn Price was arrested on multiple charges of arson. The restauranteur is accused of paying accomplices to set fire to Third Ward's Bar 5015 in 2020. @chron.com
www.chron.com/food/article...
www.chron.com/food/article...
NEW: Beloved by culinary star Anthony Bourdain and a ton of celebs (Oprah, Mama Tina!!), Burns Original BBQ is an Acres Homes legend. For @chron.com, Marco and I went to the 44 to hear all about the restaurant's history.
www.chron.com/food/article...
www.chron.com/food/article...
Though loved by celebrities, Burns Original BBQ still gives zero Fs
Burns Original BBQ's half-century run in Acres Homes is long and a little hazy. But the family-owned business continues to stay true to itself despite the fame.
www.chron.com
April 18, 2025 at 6:51 PM
NEW: Beloved by culinary star Anthony Bourdain and a ton of celebs (Oprah, Mama Tina!!), Burns Original BBQ is an Acres Homes legend. For @chron.com, Marco and I went to the 44 to hear all about the restaurant's history.
www.chron.com/food/article...
www.chron.com/food/article...
NEW: The highly anticipated Heights Asian American diner, Agnes and Sherman, is opening tomorrow. Here's a first look from @chron.com
www.chron.com/food/article...
www.chron.com/food/article...
Former Momofuku, Underbelly chef debuts first restaurant in Houston
Known for his work in New York City and Houston's Underbelly Hospitality restaurants, chef Nick Wong is debuting Agnes and Sherman in mid-April.
www.chron.com
April 16, 2025 at 6:51 PM
NEW: The highly anticipated Heights Asian American diner, Agnes and Sherman, is opening tomorrow. Here's a first look from @chron.com
www.chron.com/food/article...
www.chron.com/food/article...
NEW: Taiwanese boba chain Chi Cha San Chen finally opened its Bellaire Blvd location. The chain already boasts an Austin and Dallas location, which boasted a 2 hr wait at one point. For @chron.com I went by and got a first look (and waxed poetic about our tea scene)
www.chron.com/food/article...
www.chron.com/food/article...
Boba fans queue up for award-winning chain's Houston debut
Popular Taiwanese tea chain Chicha San Chen hosted its soft opening on Bellaire Blvd., bringing high quality boba to Houston.
www.chron.com
March 26, 2025 at 3:24 PM
NEW: Taiwanese boba chain Chi Cha San Chen finally opened its Bellaire Blvd location. The chain already boasts an Austin and Dallas location, which boasted a 2 hr wait at one point. For @chron.com I went by and got a first look (and waxed poetic about our tea scene)
www.chron.com/food/article...
www.chron.com/food/article...
ICYMI: Houston's Talespin Pizza has been riding a viral wave, but are the influencer reviews legit? Yes, but I'm here to tell you that you should order the other stuff that isn't on socials. fun fact: owners schooled me on the 80s cartoon TaleSpin. @chron.com
www.chron.com/food/article...
www.chron.com/food/article...
Houston 'Neo-Texan' pizza joint sells out after review goes viral
Following a shoutout from Houston food influencer Shawn Singh, Devan and Eddie Gernert can't keep up with the demand for their Napoletana pies.
www.chron.com
March 19, 2025 at 3:44 PM
ICYMI: Houston's Talespin Pizza has been riding a viral wave, but are the influencer reviews legit? Yes, but I'm here to tell you that you should order the other stuff that isn't on socials. fun fact: owners schooled me on the 80s cartoon TaleSpin. @chron.com
www.chron.com/food/article...
www.chron.com/food/article...
thinking about how uniqlo killed harajuku fashion
March 17, 2025 at 11:17 PM
thinking about how uniqlo killed harajuku fashion
ICYMI: Texas Lt. Gov Dan Patrick tweeted this week about a "historic" Texas Strip menu change at Bob's Steak & Chop House. Restaurant reps told @chron.com that the name change was actually from a customizable menu at a private party.
www.chron.com/food/article...
www.chron.com/food/article...
Dallas steakhouse goes all-in on controversial 'Texas strip'
Bob's Steak & Chop House went all-in on Patrick's controversial New York strip proposal, including a cheeky Gulf of America reference to President Trump.
www.chron.com
March 14, 2025 at 7:54 PM
ICYMI: Texas Lt. Gov Dan Patrick tweeted this week about a "historic" Texas Strip menu change at Bob's Steak & Chop House. Restaurant reps told @chron.com that the name change was actually from a customizable menu at a private party.
www.chron.com/food/article...
www.chron.com/food/article...
Reposted by erica cheng 鄭伊澄
"It is who it is and it doesn't apologize": Hidden under a tangle of Houston highways, Bubba's Texas Burger shack still wows after all these years:
www.chron.com/food/article...
www.chron.com/food/article...
Hole-in-the-freeway burger joint is one of Houston's hidden gems
The hole-in-the-freeway institution is decades removed from when its trailer was a key shop along Westheimer Road.
www.chron.com
March 14, 2025 at 2:49 PM
"It is who it is and it doesn't apologize": Hidden under a tangle of Houston highways, Bubba's Texas Burger shack still wows after all these years:
www.chron.com/food/article...
www.chron.com/food/article...
NEW: "We don't want it to be a secret anymore." This week, I profiled the accomplished John Henry's Food Products, a historic Black-owned business behind some of your fav Houston restaurants. 10 year old Erica first met him at a Career Day event! @chron.com
www.chron.com/food/article...
www.chron.com/food/article...
You’ve been eating this Houston spice master’s creations without knowing it
For decades, the city has been enjoying the culinary prowess of John Henry Abercrombie without even knowing it.
www.chron.com
February 28, 2025 at 9:03 PM
NEW: "We don't want it to be a secret anymore." This week, I profiled the accomplished John Henry's Food Products, a historic Black-owned business behind some of your fav Houston restaurants. 10 year old Erica first met him at a Career Day event! @chron.com
www.chron.com/food/article...
www.chron.com/food/article...
I speak Spanish like if Peggy Hill was competent
February 26, 2025 at 11:30 PM
I speak Spanish like if Peggy Hill was competent
I have this theory that Southeast Asian artists are going to dominate in the next few years, which is going to do numbers for soft power in Thailand/Vietnam/the Philippines. And a lot of the genesis of all this goes back to #Nichkhun from 2PM
LISA makes her acting debut in ‘THE WHITE LOTUS’ Season 3.
Episode 1 now streaming on Max.
Episode 1 now streaming on Max.
February 25, 2025 at 12:03 AM
I have this theory that Southeast Asian artists are going to dominate in the next few years, which is going to do numbers for soft power in Thailand/Vietnam/the Philippines. And a lot of the genesis of all this goes back to #Nichkhun from 2PM
didn't realize how thirsty I was for new music til this dropped everyone say thank you rico
February 25, 2025 at 12:00 AM
didn't realize how thirsty I was for new music til this dropped everyone say thank you rico
Reposted by erica cheng 鄭伊澄
wrote about the scourge of non-English-language propaganda and misinformation across the U.S., and why any serious effort to reestablish a durable liberal-media apparatus *has* to be multilingual in nature: slate.com/technology/2...
There’s a Big Reason Why Nonwhite Voters Swung Right—and You Don’t Hear About It
Foreign-language propaganda is thriving. Democrats are struggling to fight it.
slate.com
February 24, 2025 at 9:54 PM
wrote about the scourge of non-English-language propaganda and misinformation across the U.S., and why any serious effort to reestablish a durable liberal-media apparatus *has* to be multilingual in nature: slate.com/technology/2...