# Lava-Charred Steaks The Syracuse University Lava Project Experiments by Cooking Steak with Lava By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2015-05-23 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cooking-steak References: [designtaxi](http://designtaxi.com/news/376084/Watch-Using-Lava-To-Cook-Steak-Salmon-Hot-Dogs/) & [lava-dev.syr.edu](http://lava-dev.syr.edu/) The Syracuse University Lava Project explores the use of molten rock through art and education, as well as a few unconventional experiments—such as [cooking steak](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-huntsman-kettle-kamado) and other meats at extremely high temperatures. Led by sculptor Bob Wysocki and geologist Jeff Karson, this unusual cooking experiment takes the concept of [flames on an open grill](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/thaan-grill) to new levels. The experiment required an outdoor kitchen and a trough for the lava to flow underneath thick pieces of steak, salmon and hot dogs, which as you might expect, cooked extremely quickly. In place of a fabric apron and oven mitts, extreme heat-resistant wear was required since lava has a temperature that's into the thousands of degrees Fahrenheit. As dangerous as it sounds, some restaurants would probably love the idea of being able to [put on a show](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-teppanyaki) and serve food fast. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.7/10 - Popularity: 97% | Activity: 96% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Food](https://www.trendhunter.com/food) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Extreme Heat Cooking:** Opportunity for restaurants to showcase unique cooking methods - **Lava-based Art and Education:** Potential for creating unique art and educational experiences around lava - **Experiential Dining:** Opportunity to create immersive dining experiences with unconventional cooking methods ### Where This Applies - **Hospitality:** Restaurants can incorporate extreme heat cooking methods to create unique dining experiences - **Art and Education:** Lava-based art and educational experiences can be offered in museums and educational institutions - **Entertainment:** Experiential dining concepts can be developed for entertainment venues such as theme parks and experiential museums ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Indoor High-Heat Steak Grills](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/electric-steakhouse-grill.md) - [Wintery Char-Grilled Steaks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chargrilled-sirloin-steak.md) - [Volcanic Stone Lighting](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/foscarini-lava-lamps.md) - [Cheesy Volcano-Inspired Pizzas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cheese-volcano-pizza.md) - [Brick-Style Cooking Vessels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bricknic-cooking-brick.md) - [Peruvian Sirloin Steak Dishes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sizzling-sirloin.md) - [Premium Sous Vide Colllectons](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sear-serve.md) - [AI-Powered Grilling Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/grill-x.md) - [Versatile Ceramic Griddles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ceramic-griddle.md)