‘Steven Raichlen’s Project Fire’ Returns For Season 3 On Public Television

Popular public television series Steven Raichlen’s Project Fire is back this spring with 13 new episodes just in time for the summer grilling season.

Steven Raichlen’s Project Fire comes from the same production team that brought viewers Steven Raichlen’s Project Smoke and Primal Grill. The series is a co-production of Maryland Public Television, Barbacoa Inc. and Resolution Pictures.

Steven Raichlen returns to his roots — Baltimore — where he grew up. From the Pearlstone Center, located in the rolling countryside outside of the city, Steven salutes the delicacies of his hometown with an episode titled “Charm City ‘Que,” built around Chesapeake Bay rockfish, a triple-decker pit beef sandwich, and a Project Fire first: Charm City S’mores.

The new season also highlights the twin themes of health and sustainability. In the first episode, “BBQ Health Food,” Steven explores barbecue from around the world that not only tastes great but is good for you, including Vietnamese Beef and Rice Noodle Salad and Grilled Vegetable Paella from Spain. “The Killer BBQ — Hold the Meat” episode explores the revolution in grilling vegetables, including recipes for Nashville Hot Cauliflower and Smoke-Roasted Acorn Squash with Creamy Parmesan Flan.

Later in the season, the episode “Sustainable Seafood” focuses on sea fare that can be grilled and eaten with an eco-clean conscience, including Grilled Oysters with Prosciutto and Parmigiano. And, of course, Steven’s hometown trip features blue crabs from the Chesapeake Bay — steamed over a wood-burning fire.

New this season is the “Ask Steven” segment, in which fans pose their grilling questions and Steven responds with an in-show grilling demonstration. Also new to Project Fire this year is a Mystery Box Challenge, during which field chef Chris Lynch and food stylist Nora Singley present Steven with a box of surprise ingredients. Viewers get to experience Steven’s creativity at work as he creates a new dish (or even several) spontaneously and in real time.