The Splendid Table

Listen on:  Apple Podcasts  |  Google Podcasts  |  Spotify  |  Pandora This week, we're exploring the history of women and beermaking. First, Theresa McCulla, curator of The Smithsonian's American Brewing History Initiative, explains why beer is a great lens to examine American history and shares the story of Patsy Young, an early American brewer and fugitive from slavery. Then, Atinuke Akintola D...

This week, we dive into the world of apples and agave. First, we talk with apple historian Diane Flynt, author of Wild, Tamed, Lost, Revived: The Surprising Story of Apples in the South, about what makes apples so magical and the connection apples have to people. She also teaches us the history of apples in the South and tips on what makes a good cider. Then, we turn to the world of Agave spirits...

This week, we hear from three papa bears who take on the challenge of making mealtime just right. J. Kenji López-Alt of The Food Lab answers your questions about getting kids excited about food and clues us in on techniques and the research behind them. His new book is  Every Night is Pizza Night. Then Momofuku chef and Ugly Delicious star, David Chang and writer Chris Ying join Francis to share t...

Thanks to the farmers and gardeners who are keeping us well-fed this summer. This week, we talk to farmer/activist Leah Penniman of Soul Fire Farm, and chef/farmer Abra Berens.

This week we have stories centered around food, love, and legacy. First, we talk with author Michaele Weissman about meeting her husband's family for the first time, tasting his mother's bread, and later learning its significance and how it represented her husband's life. Her latest book is The Rye Bread Marriage: How I Found Happiness with a Partner I'll Never Understand. Then, we sit with Barkha...

This week, we’re talking to award-winning Chef Vishwesh Bhatt author of I Am From Here: Stories and Recipes from a Southern Chef. He talks about how he creates dishes with both the flavors of India and those of the American South. He leaves us with his unusual and delicious recipe for Whole Grilled Okra . Then, we sit down with professional chefs’ go-to person when they want to get serious about t...

This week, we take a close look into what makes a national cuisine. Anya von Bremzen talks about her most recent book, National Dish: Around the World in Search of Food, History, and the Meaning of Home. We get into the history, culture, and theories behind the popularization of dishes, from researching the “correct” way to make pot-au-feu in France to looking at the “pizza effect” and the role of...

Subscribe Free:  Apple Podcasts  |  Spotify  |  Google Podcasts  |  Amazon Music  |  RSS  |  iHeartRadio  |  TuneIn We’re dropping a bonus episode in our feed this week from our Sister Podcast, The One Recipe. Join Host, Jesse Sparks, for an episode all about fun, food, and family summer celebrations. First, we raise a glass to summer with the bar consultant and author Natasha David and talk about...

This week we’re joined by some unusual thinkers on the art of the cookout. First, we get a lesson on barbecue etiquette (who knew) with our favorite duo, Nick Leighton and Leah Bonnema, Hosts of the podcast Were You Raised by Wolves?  We get all kinds of tips, from the right way to ask for a family recipe to taking a house tour only if offered by your host. Then, Chefs Sarit Packer and Itamar Srul...

This week we have everything you need for summer. First up, it’s Stacey Mei Yan Fong with her new book, 50 Pies, 50 States. Stacey decided to commemorate all 50 states in the most American way she could imagine-through their pies! Everything from fruity to savory to salty pies, and she left us with her take on the Minnesota state pie, a Corn Dog-Hotdish Pie with Savory Funnel-Cake Topping . Then w...

We took the show on the road and recorded a live event with KUOW about Seattle’s legendary culinary scene. We met up with some of the people who make the city a vibrant place to eat and cook. We spoke to KUOW’s reporter Ruby DeLuna and bestselling cookbook author Kenji Lopez Alt about where to eat. Kara Martin, Program Director of the Food Innovation Network talks to us about Spice Bridge, a food...

We took the show on the road for Food & Wine's Classic in Aspen, CO at the Wheeler Opera House. First, we welcomed Restaurant Editor Khushbu Shah to talk about restaurant industry trends starting with chefs reclaiming their craft by building systems that allow them to run a restaurant on their schedules and practice "unapologetic cooking." Then Associate Food Editorial Director Chandra Ram joi...

We’re celebrating 4th of July with stellar cookbook author, Andy Baraghani to talk about fresh and light recipes that will have you spending time with guests and not stuck at the grill. He leaves us with his  Juicy Tomato w/ Italian Chile Crisp & Glossy Barbecued Eggplant w/Peanut Salad recipes and sticks around to answer your cooking questions. Then, we sit with Samantha Seneviratne, author o...

This week, we're talking about summer cooking and how to stay cool in the heat. Carla Lalli Music joins us to talk about her favorite indoor cooking tips for ribs and takes your cooking questions. Carla is the host of Carla's Cooking Show on Patreon, and her most recent book is Where Cooking Begins. Then, we check in with Khushbu Shah, Food & Wine's restaurant editor, about the refreshers you...

We’re celebrating Father’s Day with Kitty and Al Tait, the dad-and-daughter duo behind Britain’s Orange Bakery and the authors of Breadsong. They talk to Francis about how learning to bake together changed their lives and what inspires them to create their own recipes. They left us with their delicious  Fika Buns recipe . Then, we hear the story behind how Kevin Pang, host of the podcast Proof, di...

This week, we talk to two award-winning food writers about how to make the most of your vegetables and leftovers this summer. First up, award-winning vegetarian writer Hetty Lui McKinnon joins us to talk about her latest book Tenderheart, A Cookbook About Vegetables and Unbreakable Family Bonds. She talks to us about her father’s influence on her early life and how it inspired her vegetarian cooki...

This week, it’s party season with food writer Nicole A. Taylor, bartender Natasha David, and Laundry Evangelist, Patric Richardson

This week, we're joined by two comedians to talk about their connection to food. First, Ivy Le, host of the podcast  Fear of Going Outside . We quote, "Most nature shows are hosted by reckless white men, but avid indoors woman Ivy Le is an Asian mom with severe allergies. Last season, Ivy conquered camping. She's back, braving the outdoors to go hunting- or die trying!" Then, comedian Dan Ahdoot,...

This week, it's home cooking with the authors of Food IQ: 100 Questions, Answers, and Recipes to Raise Your Cooking Smarts. Daniel Holzman and Matt Rodbard bust food myths about cooking with frozen meat, and extoll the beauty of letting butter brown in the pan. Then, we visit J. Kenji López-Alt’s home where he gives us a lesson on cooking his favorite childhood dish, a super quick Japanese take on...

This week, we are celebrating the spring cookbooks of 2023! First, we talk with Chef Lara Lee about her approach to flavorful meals using iconic Asian ingredients from her pantry, including recipes for her stellar Tom Yum Bloody Mary and Sambal Patatas Bravas - crispy potatoes topped with a sambal spiced tomato mixture and a bit of mayo! Addictive! Her latest book is A Splash of Soy. Then, we get...

This week, we spend the hour with the pioneering food radio personality, Evan Kleiman. We talk about her life and all the places food has taken her. She tells us about her travels across Europe fresh out of high school, learning to cook alongside her Italian host family, and falling in love with the cuisine. She went on to open one of the most respected Italian restaurants in the country, Angeli C...

This week, we talk about different umami-packed sauces that belong in every cook's kitchen. First, we sit with René Redzepi of Copenhagen's Noma to talk about the delicious ancient sauce, garum. Originally it's a fermented fish sauce, but his fermentation lab team has developed modern versions, including vegan ones. We chat with Diep Tran, coauthor of the Red Boat Fish Sauce cookbook, to talk abou...

This week, we promise you will get your recommended dose of fruits and vegetables! Award-winning author Abra Berens takes us on a sweet and savory journey with fruit. From best cooking methods to subtle and exotic pickling methods- think  Brined Cherries + Salty Snacks , to advice on picking the best fruit to throw on the grill. She’s the author of three books, Grist, A Practical Guide to Cooking...

This week, we’re celebrating the cookbooks of Spring 2022! We talk with British chef Asma Khan about her latest book, Ammu. The book is an homage to her mother and she walks us through her childhood eating, imagine the aroma of pakoras (onion fritters) frying during monsoon season in India! Then, we chat with Rick Martinez about his latest book, Mi Cocina and his decision to move to Mexico City to...

We’re all about baking today, from New York to Mexico to London by way of India. First, Pastry Chef Natasha Pickowicz talks to us about her favorite recipes and her baking process. Then, she shares her baking techniques, from bringing egg whites back to life to saving overbaked cakes by soaking them in delicious liquid. She is the author of More Than Cake: 100 Baking Recipes for Pleasure and Commu...