Guy Fieri Fires Up Inspiration with Pork for Ultimate Grilling Season

DES MOINES, Iowa, May 2, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Grillers in search of big, bold and inspired pork dishes this summer can look to the "culinary rock star" himself, Guy Fieri.  With the launch of his off-the-hook cookbook, Guy Fieri Food: Cookin' It, Livin' It, Lovin' It, and a 16 city interactive culinary tour, Fieri fans can look forward to snagging tips from the master before putting them to good use on their own grills.  

"As a huge POP (Pal-of-Pork), I'm proud that the National Pork Board has signed on to sponsor my second nationwide tour," Fieri said. "Having the 'power of the pig' fueling this tour guarantees that it will be unlike anything fans have seen before!"

With a dose of Fieri inspiration, grillers can take their backyard gatherings to new heights this summer, using recipes such as Watermelon Pork Tacos and Pork Blade Steak Piccata from Guy Fieri Food: Cookin' It, Livin' It, Lovin' It. Be it ribs, chops or loin, with its great taste and ability to compliment any occasion or palate, you can't go wrong with pork on the grill.

On the Road, On the Page and On the Grill

Fieri's love of pork began as a kid when his family started raising pigs. As his culinary star has risen, Fieri's name has become almost synonymous with pork.  "We love to see how Guy's incredible creativity comes to life with pork – we couldn't ask for a more enthusiastic partner," said Traci Rodemeyer, director of pork Information for the National Pork Board. "America's pork producers are so excited to help Guy share this passion with the entire country this summer."

Between May 17 and June 7, the 'Guy Fieri Food Show,' sponsored by the National Pork Board, will feature an interactive culinary event where attendees will enjoy a live cooking demonstration. With Fieri's high-energy attitude amped up and the non-stop adrenaline rush of a rock concert, audiences will walk away armed with recipes, tools and tips and a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

If you're not able to catch Fieri in person, his new cookbook, Guy Fieri Food: Cookin' It, Livin' It, Lovin' It offers readers a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the man behind the food.  His one-of-a-kind style literally jumps off the page, as he takes meals from everyday to over-the-top. America knows Fieri has always been adventurous when it comes to food, and his cookbook is chock-full of new recipes, including over 20 inspired pork creations.  Among them:

• Summer Grilled Pork – Featuring boneless pork chops and bacon, it's "pork on pork," rolled and stuffed with big flavors and basted with a rockin' honey, beer and mustard glaze.
• Watermelon Pork Tacos – An unexpected pairing of juicy watermelon and lean pork tenderloin, these fresh summertime tacos come together in romaine lettuce "shells."
• Pork Blade Steak Piccata – With all the favorite flavors of its famous Italian namesake, Fieri shows off pork's versatility in this reinvented masterpiece for the grill.

For a complete tour schedule, book information and Fieri's off-the-hook pork recipes, visit  PorkBeInspired.com or "like" us at Facebook.com/PorkBeInspired.

About the National Pork Board

The National Pork Board has responsibility for Checkoff-funded research, promotion and consumer information projects and for communicating with pork producers and the public. Through a legislative national Pork Checkoff, pork producers invest $0.40 for each $100 value of hogs sold. The Pork Checkoff funds national and state programs in advertising, consumer information, retail and foodservice marketing, export market promotion, production improvement, technology, swine health, pork safety and environmental management.

About Guy Fieri

Known for his boldly flavorful food and even bolder personality, Guy Fieri is one of the biggest stars on the Food Network, where his shows include Guy's Big Bite, Tailgate Warriors, and Diners, Drive-ins & Dives. He is also host of NBC's hit game show Minute to Win It, entering its third season. Guy is the co-owner of West Coast restaurants Johnny Garlic's and Tex Wasabi's, and is slated to open a new restaurant in 2011. He is the author of the national bestseller Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives and its #1 New York Times bestselling sequel More Diners, Drive-ins & Dives. In 2010, Guy officially launched CWK (Cooking with Kids; www.cwkfoundation.org), a program that encourages kids to get involved in the kitchen. Guy lives in Northern California with his wife, Lori, and their sons, Hunter and Ryder.  For more information about Guy, visit GuyFieri.com.

SOURCE National Pork Board