June 25 is the birthday of the American chef, author, and travel documentarian, Anthony Bourdain. Famed for his travels around the world, where he immersed himself in local cuisine, culture, and traditions, Bourdain was a beloved figure in the food world as well as the life world who is sorely missed. In honor of the late chef, we’re highlighting a couple of his televised stops in Houston, where he visited numerous Houston establishments including the Burns Original BBQ, where he called the barbecue joint one of the tastiest American secrets.
Before “No Reservations” and “Parts Unknown”, Bourdain’s first show was called “A Cook’s Tour”. Following the success of his book, “Kitchen Confidential”, Bourdain led the short-lived culinary program on Food Network for two seasons between 2002 and 2003. In Season 2, Episode 7, Bourdain explored “The BBQ Triangle” in the United States – as described in the episode – three U.S. regions competing over the best barbecue: Kansas City, North Carolina, and Texas.
For his Texas visit, Bourdain met with renowned pitmaker David Klose, who took him to Burns Original BBQ in Acres Homes, Houston. At the time, the late founder, Roy Burns Sr., was still heading the pit. Famed for his barbecue rub and sauce, Burns told Bourdain that his true secret to the taste was in the slow burning oak fuel. Bourdain ordered two sample platters, which included: brisket, ribs, potato salad. The venue is also renowned for its signature rib sandwich and loaded baked potato – which would impress Bourdain on a later episode.
“Roy Burns has mastered the golden rule: make good food,” Bourdain said. “So if you’re on a quiet rural road in Houston and you see a huge line, get in it – you may just try one of the tastiest secrets in America“.
Bourdain would return to Burns Original BBQ in Season 8, Episode 5, of “Parts Unknown” with Houston rap artist, Slim Thug.
“I first came here 15 years ago on some long lost travel program on a network far, far away,” Bourdain said in the 2016 episode. “Founder Roy Burns has passed on the great open pit in the sky since last I was here. But his son and his grandchildren carry on the tradition of making some of the best East Texas-style barbecue you can find around here.”
Burns Original BBQ was established in 1973 and is still running strong today. While the restaurant now has four locations in Houston including Katy, Pearland, and Summerwod, the original as seen on both series is located at 8307 Priest St.