Event Announcement: BBQ U, a Literary Feast with PBS Chef & Author Steven Raichlen (Wed, April 20, 2011, San Antonio, TX)

What: BBQ U at Q, a Literary Feast Featuring PBS TV Star Chef & Author Steven Raichlen

When: Wednesday, April 20, 2011, 6:30pm

Where: Q restaurant, Hyatt Regency San Antonio

More info: Join the San Antonio Public Library Foundation and the Hyatt Regency for a delectable Literary Feast at Q, featuring author and TV host, Steven Raichen, of Primal Grill on PBS. A true renaissance man, Raichlen was born in Japan, raised in Baltimore, educated at Reed College (with a degree in French literature), and was the recipient of a Thomas J. Watson Foundation Fellowship to study medieval cooking in Europe. In the course of researching his latest book, the New York Times bestselling Planet Barbecue, Raichlen visited more than 50 countries on 6 continents, where he collected 309 of the tastiest, most tantalizing, easy-to-make, and guaranteed-to-wow recipes from every corner of the globe. Raichlen and Executive Chef David Wirebaugh of Q will offer guests a culinary journey through time and around the globe, as they sample an amazing variety of flavors of some of the world’s best barbecue—and all without leaving San Antonio.

The Foundation is grateful to Q, the newly redesigned World Barbecue restaurant at the Hyatt Regency, for hosting Mr. Raichlen and underwriting this contemporary culinary event. The evening will begin with a reception in Q Bar with passed appetizers and drinks, while Raichlen mingles with the crowd. The group will move into the restaurant where Raichlen and Executive Chef, David Wirebaugh will serve numerous world BBQ dishes while describing each course, which will be paired perfectly with selections from local brewery, Ranger Creek Brewing and Distilling. Not a beer fan, not to worry… Q will also offer perfectly paired wines from the various regions each dish represents. Video and screens will be set up throughout the restaurant so everyone is able to see and hear the the grill talk. Guests will also receive a complimentary copy of Steven’s full-color book, Planet Barbecue—the book guaranteed to take America’s passionate, fire-crazed, smoke-obsessed grill masters to the next level. Complementary valet parking will be available for those attending the event.

Seating is limited, with individual tickets selling for $100. Q is also offering special VIP seating for nine foodies at $150 per person. VIP guests will be seated in the private dining room with Raichlen and have the opportunity to hear about his travels and learn about his coveted techniques first hand. Q is located in the Hyatt Regency Hotel in downtown San Antonio at 123 Losoya. For more information or to purchase a ticket(s) please call the SAPLF at (210) 225-4728 ex. 11 or visit saplf.org.

Raichlen’s has written 29 books, many have won 5 James Beard awards. He was named “Cooking Teacher of the Year” by Bon Appetit Magazine and received an IACP Julia Child Award for his international blockbuster, The Barbecue Bible. (Raichlen’s books have been translated into 15 languages.) He’s also the creator and host of the popular PBS TV shows Primal Grill and Barbecue University. Raichlen battled—and defeated—Iron Chef Rokusaburo Michiba in a "Battle of the Barbecue Gods" on Japanese television. He has written for numerous publications, including The New York Times, National Geographic Traveler, Food and Wine, and has appeared on television programs including Good Morning America, The Today Show, CBS This Morning, Discovery Channel, Oprah, Regis & Kelly, The View and CNN.