Although we at the Best of Barbecue office work very closely with Steven Raichlen on his lines of barbecue tools, accessories, foods, and fuels, there’s one thing that separates us: about 3,000 miles!

With our offices in Berkeley, California, and Steven’s primary residence in Miami, Florida, a face-to-face meeting is a rare treat. But last week, Steven made the trek out here for a series of planning meetings on upcoming projects. Together, we planned some amazing stuff for the year ahead — and had time for a few other activities as well!

We wanted to get a few new pictures with Steven, so we held a small photo shoot in our office’s beautiful atrium. Steven donned his Ultimate Suede Grilling Gloves and got the barbecue started with charcoal in his Chimney Starter.

Sarah helped the grilling along, cooking up some veggies to use in the shoot — and of course, to eat later! Photo shoots at the office can be a lot of work, but at the end, there’s always something to eat!

Grilled pizza has been a growing trend, and Steven’s been right on top of it. After tossing some dough, he threw on some grilled veggies…

… slid the pie onto a hot stone already on the grill…

… and when it was done, he sliced and served it. (While posing pretty for the camera!)

All in all, it was a great, productive few days, with lots of brainstorming and planning, but fun and socializing as well. Of course, when Steven’s around, there’s always great food to be had!

Niki Gross

Niki is the Marketing Communications Manager for The Companion Group. She is responsible for marketing and communications strategies, from advertising to websites. She is a wife, mother, yogi, and lover of cheeseburgers, proper grammar and a strong work ethic!