Project Griddle: The Versatile Art of Grilling on a Flattop with Steven Raichlen

Barbecue legend, James Beard Award–winning author, and host of PBS’s Project Fire, global grilling authority Steven Raichlen kicks off the CulinaryArts@SPAC fall season with a sizzling celebration of the griddle. In conversation with WAMC host Joe Donahue, Raichlen will share the inspiration behind his newest book, Project Griddle—an essential guide to griddles, planchas, and flat-tops packed with practical cooking techniques, chef’s shortcuts, and nearly 80 irresistible recipes.

Prized for their accessibility, versatility, and sheer fun, griddles are having a moment—and Raichlen traces their history from the teppan of Japan to the plancha of Spain to champa grilling in South America. Guests will enjoy tastings from Project Griddle including Tapas Bar Shrimp, Griddled Figs and Halloumi Cheese, Bacon-Seared Dates, Vietnamese Pork Meatballs and Manchego Crisps with Greens—alongside wine, beer, and non-alcoholic beverages. A book signing will follow.

The conversation will be recorded for future broadcast on WAMC’s The Roundtable.

Attendees will have the opportunity to purchase a copy of Project Griddle: The Versatile Art of Grilling on a Flattop and have it signed by the author.

Steven Raichlen is a multi-award winning, New York Times bestselling author and television host. His 30+ books  have won 5 James Beard Awards and 3 IACP Awards and have sold more than 5 million copies. They have been translated into 17 languages. His books have been bestsellers in four languages. He has been inducted into the Barbecue Hall of Fame and the Taste Awards Hall of Fame.  His other books include the international blockbusters The Barbecue Bible, How To Grill, Project Smoke, and the New York Times bestselling Planet Barbecue. His novel, The Hermit of Chappaquiddick, tells a story of love, loss, redemption and really good food set on Martha’s Vineyard. Steven hosts popular TV shows in three languages: Project Smoke and Project Fire on PBS; Steven Raichlen Grills Italy in Italy (he speaks fluent Italian!); and Le Maitre du Grill in Quebec (he speaks fluent French!).  He previously hosted TV shows called Planet Barbecue and Primal Grill. He lives and writes in Coconut Grove, Florida, and on Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts, with his wife, Barbara. His websites are stevenraichlen.com and barbecuebible.com

Excerpted from Project Griddle by Steven Raichlen (Workman Publishing). Copyright © 2025. Photographs by Randazzo & Blau.

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Culinary Arts@SPAC is produced by Culinary Consultants Pam Abrams and Kevin London.