You can't be a culinary star and come to Houston to film a popular television show and not expect to draw a crowd.

Food personality Anthony Bourdain and his crew of CNN's "Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown" should have expected the lunchtime crowd at Burns Original BBQ, 8307 De Priest, to swell a little on Friday.

It did.

Bourdain spent about an hour and a half taping a conversation on the patio at the family barbecue joint in the Acres Homes area on the northwest side of town. The table was set with barbecue, naturally: brisket, ribs, links and Friday's loaded baked potato special.

But the conversation was not of the culinary kind. His guests – all participating in the "Parts Unknown" taping – were Houston rapper Slim Thug, David Stunts and Roderick Dearborne. While their conversation topics included Houston flooding, diversity and the oil slump the majority of talk centered around cars – primarily the city's Slab Culture of customized cars.

During the taping the lunchtime crowd grew as neighbors and friends, tipped off about Bourdain and his crew, descended on Burns to catch a peek.

Cory Crawford, co-owner of Burns, said he was happy to host the "Parts Unknown" taping. In 2004 Bourdain filmed a segment at Burns for Food Network. At that time Burns' grandfather, founder Roy Burns Sr., was still alive.

"It's good he came back to see a second and third generation. It's exciting for us and for the people."

Crawford said Bourdain was interested in talking about Houston culture, particularly its cars, its music and Southern hospitality. "He wanted to get deeper enriched with the culture," Crawford said.

After the taping Bourdain and his crew left for another location shoot. They declined to say where they were going or what other Houston spots or restaurants they'd be visiting. Earlier in the week Bourdain was spotted at Himalaya Restaurant on the Southwest Freeway, Keemat Grocers on Hillcroft, La Grange in Montrose and Plant It Forward at the University of St. Thomas.