What do you think are the actual trends in grilling and bbqing this year?
People are paying more attention to the food they put on their grills, and ultimately, their tables. Grass-fed versus corn-fed beef. Wild versus farmed salmon. Locally-raised seasonal vegetables versus produce from other states or countries.
There is renewed interest in grilling with wood: It has become the fuel of choice for many grillers, including myself. Of course, in Germany, you are great beech wood grilling enthusiasts on your Schwenkbratens.
Also, the “globalization” of grilling also seems to be underway, driven not only by curiosity about how other grilling cultures have evolved, but by the availability of imported vegetables, spices, condiments, etc. Planet Barbecue 24-7! (And my book is being translated in German, French, and Dutch this year.
It’s a very exciting time for practitioners of live-fire cooking.
Being so busy working, writing and filming, how often do you grill at home?
When I’m not traveling, I usually grill three to five times a week.
What devices/grills do you own and use at home?
Between my winter and summer homes and my Barbecue University school, I own roughly 60 grills—charcoal and gas grills, of course. But also smokers, a kamado-style ceramic cooker, a wood-burning grill/oven, and tabletop grills. Recently, I added an Indian-style tandoor to my collection.
Do you prefer wood, charcoal or charcoal briquettes for grilling?
I prefer wood, followed by natural lump charcoal. That being said, briquettes are a dependable fuel and are popular among competition cooks. And I even own and use gas grills for quick weeknight meals.
What is the main aspect a newbie should consider for bbq?
Don’t be intimidated: Learn how to control the fir, not have it control you. Remember not to overcrowd the grill. (Leave 30 percent of the grate food free as a safety zone. It’s also important to learn several techniques for determining when food is done. Finally, remember, there’s a difference between grilling and burning!
What is your advice for a very quick meal from the grill?
Here’s a menu from my book, Planet Barbecue (Workman, 2010): shrimp sprayed with olive oil and wine; garlic bread; Cambodian grilled corn; and for dessert, Brazilian rotisseried pineapple. The pineapple actually takes the longest, but you can shorten the time by grilling slices instead of the whole pineapple. In general, anything that can be direct grilled is quick—chicken breasts, pork tenderloin, steak, fish fillets, etc.
What's your favorite dish from the grill?
Like a parent asked to pick a favorite child, I cannot do it. However, I always look forward to what I call “Caveman T-bones”—thick steaks cooked directly in the embers and served with an incendiary combination of sliced jalapeno peppers, garlic, olive oil, and cilantro. In the summer at our house on Martha’s Vineyard (in the Northeastern United States on the Atlantic Ocean), my wife and I also enjoy local line-caught swordfish with capers and a simple tomato salad.
Is there any dish you really hate to make?
I can’t say I hate to make anything. I’ve run into some challenges, though.
In Azerbaijan, I encountered grilled ice cream and skewered and grilled mashed potatoes—what I like to call “knish on a stick”: It took several attempts to successfully replicate them at home.
Now finally, let's take a look into the future. What major plans do you have in the next years? Please tell us what we can expect from you.
I’m currently researching and writing a new book about cooking (and drinking) for men—our rituals, our recipes, the camaraderie and even competitions certain foods inspire. Perhaps German men have something that is uniquely theirs. I would welcome any suggesti