The Steve Raichlen Fan club

drunkmunk · Joined: 15 Dec 2006 Posts: 8 Location: Augusta, Georgia

Hi y'all. I just got a quick question on why every one likes to beat up on old steve here on these forums. I've got one of his books (how to grill) and actually find it to be a pretty useful book. now if i'm missing some thing i'd like to get let in on the secret ie he's a d*ck head in person or something of that nature

then again i guess there is quite a bit to laugh at

wnkt · Posted: Feb 12 2007 Post subject:

Ive got nothing against him at all.....I even have his BBQ USA book. He is very knowledgeable in a lot of areas, mostly grilling.
He is not a "good old boy-low and slow-only use a smoker for anything I cook" kinda guy. Even though he DOES mention smoking and covers it quite well for people who can't or wont plop down $1,000 or more for a dedicated smoker, he mostly uses gas grills and Weber lettle charcoal grills for all his recipes on the tv show. WHich is what most people use. His methods are for using grills to indirectly cook meat while adding smoke.
His TV show on the public television has full blown smokers chugging along in the background, but he never has pulled one up and shown how its used( that I have seen so far anyway).
His show is pretty much the reason I wanted to get into grilling and smoking as much as I have.
_________________
Electricity can be dangerous. My nephew tried to stick a penny into a plug. Whoever said a penny doesn't go far didn't see him shoot across that floor. I told him he was grounded. - Tim Allen

Alien BBQ · Posted: Feb 12 2007 Post subject:

That�s about the size of it. Steve is a griller and seldom ventures into the smoking realm. He does some BBQing and calls it smoking but while his grilling info is great, his smoking info is more wives tales and misinformation.
_________________
https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaeloberry

Mike Lawry · Posted: Feb 12 2007 Post subject:

Actually I disagree with the Alien dude on this one somewhat.

The grillin guy has some excellent matierial on smoked food in his FAQ at his web site.

I think his Rib, Butt , Brisket , FAQ advice is excellent.

http://www.barbecuebible.com/board/viewforum.php?f=5&sid=737165ecbab0ff85a627f5399a2fc05f

Mike Lawry

Alien BBQ · Posted: Feb 12 2007 Post subject:

Well I must admit that I have not read his FAQ�s at the web site. I base my opinion strictly on his book and TV show (of which I have copies of both.) Who knows, maybe he logged on here and got the correct info and has changed his opinions. Ya never know!
_________________
https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaeloberry

Mike Lawry · Posted: Feb 12 2007 Post subject:

Click the link above + read his Brisket FAQ.

Tell us what you think Alien, ? Seems good to me.

At least a good starting point.

Mike Lawry

Char · BBQ Fan Joined: 02 Sep 2006 Posts: 142

I have never seen or heard of him before, I must live under a rock.
_________________
Smokin' it's not just a guy thing!

Alien BBQ · Posted: Feb 12 2007 Post subject:

Having read many of Steve�s books, I would say that the FAQ was written by someone on his staff. The writing styles are different but the information is dead on.
_________________
https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaeloberry

SmokeyBear · BBQ Fan Joined: 01 Jan 2007 Posts: 122

I bought How to Grill this week and have found it to be a very good book. I like the pics showing how to prep/cut the meats.

He's definately not a good 'ol boy, and some of his comments can seem snide depending on the context in which you read them. Plus, it seems at times that the style trumps the food, but I will use the info mainly for thr prep and technique info.

gizmofish · Posted: Feb 12 2007 Post subject:

allsmokenofire · Posted: Feb 12 2007 Post subject:

Hoochie-Que · Posted: Feb 12 2007 Post subject:

Well, he is definitely more of a "griller"... But if I am not mistaken, he began using a BDS smoker in some of his classes to smoke with this past year...
_________________
Dr. Mike
Hoochie-Que BBQ Team / KCBS CBJ

"Jesus Loved Barbeque, Too" - Kinky Friedman

BBQMAN · Posted: Feb 12 2007 Post subject:

skybob · Posted: Feb 13 2007 Post subject:

I've got one of his books and can't say that I was really impressed with it. Every recipe is the same except for a different ingredient. Of course, that's what different recipes do, but he surely wastes a lot of paper that way.
I just read his brisket FAQ and it does a very good job explaining the 165 plateau.

adolpho · Posted: Feb 13 2007 Post subject:

Steve's OK. I've watched his TV show and have BBQ USA. I've learned a few things from these sources and I've questioned trying some of the things he does, but I do that with the advice given on this forum too. Do I tell other posters you're not a good cook because I don't agree with what they're talking about? Nope, and for the same reason, it's just something I don't want to try and that's that.

Of course since he has a TV show and books out, it opens him up for public criticism. Also, everyone is entitled to an opinion, and some can like or dislike a celebrity cook.

BTW...The FAQs was impressive. I'm with some of the others and think someone else wrote that out since it doesn't follow the normal tone of how Steve writes. But I'm sure he approved it before it went public.
_________________
"Tag line? We don't need no stinkin' tag line!"

loomis1228 · Posted: Feb 13 2007 Post subject:

I enjoy his website (mostly to look at pics people posted) and his books but I DO NOT understand why everyone treats him like some icon. Go to his website and people will post things like, "I met Steve and I will never wash my hand ever again!"--well that's an exageration but not too awfully far off.
_________________
Jesse Gabbard
--------------------------------------------------------
"Layla"--customized towable pit
"The Bone Barrel"--Weber Smoky Mountain
Hasty Bake Surburban
Weber Performer
Weber Gas

RockPirate · Joined: 21 Jan 2007 Posts: 9

My wife brought this up to me as to why she does not like him and it is something I never noticed.

He pretty much wears the same shirt every single episode. Not sure why that is?

Bryan

Alien BBQ · Posted: Feb 13 2007 Post subject:

I think this explains a lot.............................

"In 1975, Raichlen received a Thomas J. Watson Foundation Fellowship to study medieval cooking in Europe. He trained at the Cordon Bleu and La Varenne cooking schools in Paris and was La Varenne's first program coordinator in North America. Raichlen was born in Japan, raised in Baltimore, Maryland, and educated at Reed College in Portland, Oregon, where he graduated Phi Beta Kappa with a degree in French literature. He currently lives in Coconut Grove, Florida, with his wife, publicist Barbara Seldin. His hobbies include biking and sailing. "
_________________
https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaeloberry

adolpho · Posted: Feb 14 2007 Post subject:

Alien BBQ · Posted: Feb 14 2007 Post subject:

I went to Ebay and bought some traditional black BBQ Chefs coats /shirts that are great for cooking in. Lots of room and easy to clean and only $12 a piece which is less than some of my shirts.
_________________
https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaeloberry