HOUSTON – Anthony Bourdain’s death at the age of 61 has shocked the world, including the Bayou City, which was, in recent years, a destination for his CNN travel series “Parts Unknown.”
The promo for his October 2016 show featuring H-Town highlighted his misconceptions about the city, and particularly this part of the country.
"Intolerant, prejudiced, close-minded -- I'm talking about me, not Texas, because Houston anyway is completely different than I kind of thought, and maybe you kind of thought," Bourdain said.
He shared what he found here, and it's what many natives to this area treasure: a friendly fusion of people that translates into, among many other things, a stunning selection of cuisine.
Bourdain's 2016 visit to Houston highlighted a variety of people, cultures, and programs, including Plant it Forward, an organization which helps refugee farmers plant and sell their produce in Houston.
"It meant a lot for Plant it Forward. We're a tiny organization and for him and his crew to bring this spotlight to our organization brought us so much awareness," said Daniella Lewis, operations manager for Plant it Forward.
From a Congolese dinner table, hosted by Plant it Forward, to a raucous dance party at an Indian grocery store and tricked-out cars, Bourdain celebrated all things Houston and seemed to grasp many things at the core of Houston life. He savored our city's diversity, acceptance and amazing food.
Take a look back at one of the episode's highlights -- the dance party inside an Indian grocery:
On Friday, Andre and Steve Burns talked about Bourdain over brisket, as Bourdain would have wanted.
"When he came back the second time, there were a bunch of different people mixed together. There was so much different than the first time he came," Andre Burns said.
Even in death, Houstonians said, the legacy he highlighted will live on through the food and people who make us, us.
"I also thought it was growth for this family business. I thought it was growth for the Burger Shack. I thought it was growth for Acres Home, the city of Houston," Andre Burns said.