Learn to Grill at Barbecue University with Steven Raichlen

By Libby Platus
Published on April 7, 2010
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A panoramic view of Colorado awaits attendees of Steven Raichlen’s Barbecue University.
A panoramic view of Colorado awaits attendees of Steven Raichlen’s Barbecue University.
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Raichlen and a class member talk while basting.
Raichlen and a class member talk while basting.
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Steven Raichlen demonstrates his favorite “Cave-Man” style of grilling during a session of his Barbecue University.
Steven Raichlen demonstrates his favorite “Cave-Man” style of grilling during a session of his Barbecue University.

COLORADO SPRINGS, COLORADO – Barbecuers find their way to the historic Broadmoor Hotel each June for a special event: Steven Raichlen’s Barbecue University.

Raichlen, the award-winning author of The Barbecue! Bible and Barbecue USA, has gained a following who hungrily watch his PBS television programs, buy his DVDs and his grilling gadgets, and then faithfully try his creative recipes.

As one of 50 people making a pilgrimage to Colorado Springs for the intensive three-day grilling event, I was in the company of other backyard barbecuers, chefs and restaurant owners; Olympic gold medalist Peggy Fleming and her husband, vitner Greg Jenkins; an Australian pilot with Emirates Airlines; and an Army food and beverage director.

As each day begins, Steven Raichlen calls for volunteers: “If there’s something you’ve always wanted to do or had trouble with, that’s the dish to volunteer for.” Volunteers prepare for grilling during Raichlen’s talk. Later, outside, they grill, plate the dish and tidy up.

Raichlen demonstrates eight recipes a day while students sit riveted, taking notes on the printed recipes provided.

As Raichlen explains it, barbecue is when food is exposed to fire. The class covers all five methods of fire cooking:

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