Celebrity chef Guy Fieri’s 2011 Food Tour, sponsored by the National Pork Board, combines his culinary inspiration for pork in a live cooking show with the adrenaline rush of a rock concert.

“America’s pork producers are proud to partner once again with Guy Fieri, a self-proclaimed ‘Pal of Pork,’” says Traci Rodemeyer, director of pork information for the Pork Checkoff. The tour kicked off Tuesday in North Charleston, SC. “Our target market really connects with Guy, and he does a fantastic job of showing how pork is the ideal catalyst to inspire great meals.”

Fieri and his Kulinary Krew will take center stage with an unscripted, entertaining performance – complete with interactive cooking stations, behind-the-scenes stories from the road and recipes from his latest cookbook: “Guy Fieri Food: Cookin It, Livin It, Lovin It!”

In preparation for his 16-city tour across the Midwest and South, Fieri fired up his grill and talked up his recipe for Pork Blade Steak Piccata, one of more than 150 recipes featured in his new cookbook. Fieri’s pork passion and fiery personality shined through during interviews over the airwaves, says Rodemeyer, who notes that the Guy Fieri Food Tour is creating exciting opportunities for state pork associations and pork producers to get involved.

“Through partnering with Guy Fieri on these exciting promotions, we’re getting recognition and added value beyond traditional media,” Rodemeyer says. The Pork Be Inspired logo is included on all advertising and other promotions for the Guy Fieri Food Tour.

Fieri’s unique culinary style and passion for pork will carry to venues across the country during the food tour which runs through early June. The popular TV personality, best-selling author and restaurateur has also signed on as the Pork Checkoff’s spokesperson for the 2011 grilling season.

“We’ve been fortunate to work with guy on multiple projects over the past five years, and he’s a perfect partner for us because of his genuine love and passion for pork,” Rodemeyer says. “Not only does his high-energy style resonate with a wide audience, but he inspires home cooks who already love pork to enjoy this versatile more often.”