David Olson
David Olson is the chef and creator behind Live Fire Republic, sharing live-fire recipes, outdoor cooking adventures and meals that bring people together.
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Latest
David’s happenings, collected from public sources, plus his backstory and Starbook, where fans write.
Known for
PBS
Overview
- Known as
- Chef David W. Olson of Live Fire Republic
- Home base
- Near Lake Michigan
- Started with
- The blog A Bachelor and His Grill
- Work
- Chef, recipe creator, culinary storyteller and founder of Ember Craft
Mini bio
How it started.
David began with A Bachelor and His Grill, a blog built around his love of outdoor cooking and travel. In his Dalstrong interview, he recalled gaining a following within about six months. A reader who worked as a chief marketing officer helped open doors to travel, television and cooking alongside other chefs.
Around the fire.
Live Fire Republic brings together his recipes, outdoor events and culinary storytelling. Based near Lake Michigan, David has cooked, filmed and hosted events across six continents. His ventures also include Ember Craft sauces and spirits, and Ember Craft Studios, which produces commercial and narrative work.
On screen and at the table.
He joined Steven Raichlen on Project Fire for the 2022 episode Wagyu Demystified. His own work ranges from detailed barbecue recipes to shared outdoor meals, with community running through both.
Creditschronological, newest first
Television and audio
- 2026The Tennessee Farm Table: Cooking over an open fireFeatured chef
- 2022Steven Raichlen’s Project Fire: Wagyu DemystifiedGuest chef
Recipes and writing
- 2025Fathers Day Memories and Recipes from Our Favorite Barbecue InfluencersContributor
- 2023Live Fire Republic’s Field Guide to Perfect Pork Shoulder BBQRecipe creator
Awards
Quotes
I have always had a passion for outdoor cooking, for live fire cooking, for travel, and for adventure.David Olson, Dalstrong Elite Spotlight
Reflecting on the interests that led him to start his cooking blog.
Trivia
- He told Dalstrong that his grandfather would be his first choice of dinner guest, past or present.
- He grew up near Bell’s Brewery and named its Lager of the Lakes as a summer favorite in his Dalstrong interview.
- His father made Friday-night pizzas, according to David’s Father’s Day contribution to BarbecueBible.
Find David
Follow David for recipes, fire cooking and the next adventure.
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