Second, the recipes cover the most simple (The Great American Hamburger) to some truly exotic dishes from the many cultures of the Pacific rim, to the spice of Latin America, to the classic tastes of Europe.

Third, it is easy to use. Categorized by course (starters, salads, entrees) and by protein type (or vegetable), the book is easily navigable.

I received this book as gift nearly two years ago. It remains one of my most frequently used cookbooks and has provided many, many crowd pleasing meals.


In response   August 16, 2001
 18 out of 19 found this review helpful

I can't believe some of the criticism this book has provoked. Too many ingredients per recipe? Has 'no direction'? Skips the basics? Bah! It's best to keep in mind what Raichlen is aiming for: an accurate description of different grilling techniques the world over. He draws his recipes from virtually every reach of the earth, including Africa, Asia, South America, and the Middle East -- obscure recipes that otherwise may not have been available without this wonderful, all-inclusive compendium. I find it hard to believe that 'all the recipes taste the same', when a Guadeloupean Crayfish in a Curry Beure Blanche is about as similar to an Iranian Saffron and Lemon Chicken as, well, fish is to fowl. (Both, by the way, are delicious...)

As far as covering the basics, he goes into concise and complete detail on all manner of technique -- everything from how to cook your basic hamburger, to how to properly segment a chicken, to how to arrange the coals in your grill. At the beginning of every major chapter, he describes how different foods should be cooked. If you look at each individual recipe that includes chicken breast, it will not include a description on how to cook chicken breast: it was covered earlier! Read the book!

In short, this book comprises an eclectic range of tasty grill recipes, all explained in detail. There is also a great deal of food history included, as well as some very helpful glossaries. This is an essential book for any griller, whether you want to learn how to get your steaks just right, or want to branch out into less familiar territory.


"The Joy of Cooking" for the grill   June 22, 1999
 13 out of 13 found this review helpful

This book includes not only some of the most interesting methods of cooking and preparing food for the grill, but also a thorough introduction to preparing the grill, the methods of cooking the dish, and in some cases a description of how to make the side dish. I have given this book as a gift to several others, and recommend it highly. The Beer Can Chicken is a sure conversation starter -- at least until everyone starts eating it and they all shut up cause the Meat is the best you have ever tasted. The best thing is that Steve gets us beyond the typical American grilled fare -- and tells us how to create exotic dishes cooked over an open flame (the Balinese chicken stands ou here)


Our favorite cookbook!   April 24, 2000
 10 out of 10 found this review helpful

My boyfriend and I have had The Barbecue! Bible for a year...and soon we may have to buy another, since it's so spattered with chili seeds and barbecue sauce! Hands down the best cookbook we have -- so many great recipes! Jamaican Jerk Chicken, Brazilian Garlic Marinade, Memphis Ribs -- just a few of our favorites. And if you like spicy -- I mean SPICY -- food, you won't be disappointed, as there are lots of recipes calling for scotch bonnet chiles.


Barbecue 101 - this book covers it all   July 20, 2000
 10 out of 10 found this review helpful

This book is the best. I was a grilling idiot before I got this book - I could do a steak pretty well, but that was it. This book breaks down basic grilling techniques in easy-to-understand steps, and will provide you with a solid foundation in barbecue 101. Charcoal or gas, direct or indirect cooking, wood chips or wood fires, the book covers it all. Oh, and it has lots of really great tasting receipes and sauces.