Anthony Bourdain will never forget his first barbecue love

• Franklin Barbecue
• You will be tempted by other brisket. You’re only human.

I see you there, Anthony. At the corner table with that other brisket. The one from Texas. The one that everybody has been dancing with lately. And I know that it tastes sweet. New is often thought to be better. It’s exciting. It’s a bit dangerous. And you’re thrilled because you don’t know what the next bite is going to be like.

I want you to know that I’m not angry. I’m not charred. I’m not bitter. In fact, I’m glad that you’ve found someone else. We were never going to be exclusive. I’m a barbecue of the people. I could never be reserved for one person. But that doesn’t mean I won’t forget our time together and what you’ve meant to me. I know you feel the same. You told The Birmingham News that very thing.