301929 Tue Apr 25 21:58:50 -0700 2006 1 27 General Chowhounding Topics 0 1686721 The current issue of Gourmet has a small item about bincho tan, a fabulously expensive Japanese charcoal that supposedly burns very hot, very clean, very slow. It's roughly $10/lb (a price that the Kingsford folks must fantasize about), which is almost certainly too rich for my blood. But I confess to being intrigued -- anyone ever cook with this stuff? -- Paul Tue Apr 25 21:58:50 -0700 2006 0 Paul Lukas 1 1686796 My brother just described an incredible experience at a Japanese friend's home - a very specialized type of roryu that involved a special grill and a special charcoal. This site describes both pretty well. Also gives other uised for thie $10/lb stuff - like deodorizing your fridge and putting in your frying oil to crisp your food and keep the oil from going rancid as quick. Link: http://www.murayoshi.com/en/manufacture.html Wed Apr 26 18:10:45 -0700 2006 1686721 0 applehome