Steel Pioneer Fire Cooking Fundamentals

Steel Pioneer Fire Fundamentals : Learn to cook on the wood fire – A hands-on introduction to cooking with live fire. Guests learn how to build, manage, and cook over a wood fire while preparing a complete meal. ” – 3hr class, including 30 minutes of eating time.

Steel Pioneer Fire Cooking is the creation of award-winning UK chef David Hussey, now based in the scenic hills of Dade County, Georgia, just 25 minutes from downtown Chattanooga. With more than 30 years of culinary experience, Chef David creates immersive, hands-on cooking classes and elevated dining experiences centered around the timeless art of live-fire cooking.
Typically hosted in his custom-built indoor/outdoor teaching kitchen, Steel Pioneer is bringing the experience to Audubon Acres, making it possible for more communities to enjoy the excitement of cooking over an open flame.
Each class celebrates seasonality, sustainability, and community. Ingredients are carefully sourced from local farms and regional producers, ensuring every meal showcases the freshest flavors our area has to offer. Guests don’t just learn recipes; they gain practical cooking techniques, fire management skills, and a deeper appreciation for the connection between food, nature, and craftsmanship.

1. Meet the Fire ( 20 minutes)

Guests learn:
The basics of cooking with wood fire
Choosing the right wood
Building a cooking fire
Flame vs. embers
Creating hot and cool cooking zones
How chefs control heat without a temperature dial

Guests participate in preparing the fire and learn how to safely manage it.

2. Fire Preparation & Chimichurri Workshop (30 minutes)
Guests prepare the components for their meal.
Make Steel Pioneer Chimichurri

Learn:
How acid balances rich grilled foods
How fresh herbs create flavor
Why sauces are an important part of fire cooking

The chimichurri rests while guests cook.

3. Fire Cooking Challenge (70 minutes)
Guests prepare their meal using the live fire.
Fire-Grilled Protein
Each guest cooks:
Flank steak or marinated chicken thigh (choose at time of booking)
Fire-Roasted Vegetables

4. Build Dinner & Eat Together (30 minutes)

Guests plate their meal:
Fire-grilled protein
Charred seasonal vegetables
Steel Pioneer chimichurri
Rustic bread ( I will provide)
Iced water dispenser (I will bring)

Then everyone sits together around the fire to enjoy the meal.

During dinner:
Share fire cooking tips
Discuss techniques learned
Answer questions about cooking at home
Group photo.
Guests will take home a printed guide on basic fire cooking techniques.