Elizabeth Karmel

Elizabeth Karmel is a recognized authority on grilling, barbecue, and Southern cuisine, with more than 25 years of experience in the food industry. Karmel, often referred to as "Grill Girl," pioneered the girls grilling movement with the motto, "If you can eat it, you can grill it!" Early in her career, she worked with Weber Grills, which sparked her interest in grilling and barbecue. She gained knowledge from established figures on the barbecue circuit and developed expertise as a chef, food writer, recipe developer, cookbook author, marketer, publicist, spokesperson, teacher, product developer, and home cook.

Karmel is the founding executive chef of Hill Country Barbecue Market in New York City, Brooklyn, and Washington, DC, as well as Hill Country Chicken in New York City and Brooklyn. She developed the menus and flavor profiles for both restaurant concepts, including meats, sides, and desserts. The New York Times awarded Hill Country Barbecue Market New York City two stars, marking the first time a barbecue restaurant in the city received that distinction. Karmel also launched CarolinaCueToGo.com, an online barbecue business that ships hickory-wood smoked whole-hog barbecue seasoned with her signature North Carolina-style vinegar sauce nationwide.

Karmel is the author of four cookbooks: "Taming the Flame," "Soaked, Slathered & Seasoned," "Pizza on the Grill," and "Steak and Cake: America's Favorite Saturday Night Meal." She writes a bi-monthly column for the Associated Press called "The American Table." Karmel has been recognized by Saveur Magazine as one of the top 100 chefs and has been listed among "12 Pitmasters You Need to Know Around the U.S."

Karmel appears regularly on network morning shows and has served as a guest judge on "Chopped," "Beat Bobby Flay," and "Iron Chef." She has appeared on several Food Network programs and hosted a special on Cooking Channel. Karmel created Girls at the Grill to share her passion for outdoor cooking, and the platform has become a resource in the outdoor cooking community. As a chef, journalist, housewares product designer, marketing strategist, and entrepreneur, Karmel continues to contribute to the culinary industry through consulting, product design, and media, maintaining her role as a leading voice in American food culture, grilling, and barbecue.