The scent of meat and smoke was unmistakable. I thought I might need google maps to help me find the restaurant, but I was wrong; all I needed was my nose. Just before noon, I caught the scent wafting along the streets of Deep Ellum, a neighborhood in Dallas, Texas. I was in Texas for work, but I had a bit of time to spare before my flight in the early evening, and I wanted to explore the neighborhood before going home. I knew beforehand that I wanted to take in some BBQ while I was in the area.

My research online pointed me toward the legendary Pecan Lodge, a barbeque restaurant in the Deep Ellum neighborhood of Dallas. By the time I had arrived, there was already a lineup of people looking to enjoy some North Texas smoked meat. We're talking about brisket, sausage, beef ribs, smoked turkey, pork Ribs, pulled pork, and maybe some vegetables. Once inside, I placed my order and waited somewhat impatiently for my food to be called out on a microphone, like I was at a cattle auction. I loved it!

I love barbeque for two main reasons. Number one, barbeque is accessible and doesn't require a ton of formality. All you need to be is hungry and thankful for those who do the work. In this case, a restaurant like this is a 24/7 operation. Having brisket ready for lunch requires one to start preparing before mid-night the previous day.

The second reason I love barbeque so much is that it brings everyone together to the table. While I was looking at the patrons inside the restaurant, it was encouraging to see every demographic you could think of around a table eating—women in suits and men in shorts and t-shirts. Many nationalities and dialects could be seen and heard inside the restaurant. Barbeque has a way of drawing everyone together. You can't come to the table for food like this, angry or uptight; you have to relax, and your only priority should be enjoying your food and the company.

What is heaven like? Well, friend, I think it's like an afternoon barbeque with everyone at the table. Experiences like this bring heaven to earth. The world would look so much better with open doors and full plates.

Friend, may you enjoy the summer, reconnect with old friends, make new friends and eat some great BBQ.