Advertise on podcast: The Splendid Table: Conversations & Recipes For Curious Cooks & Eaters

This week, we’re bringing you a show we recorded with LAist in Orange County, CA, one of the richest food scenes in the US. We talk to award-winning journalist Gustavo Arellano about the evolution of OC’s culinary scene, the immigrant influences, and how its diverse foodways continue to be embraced by the different generations. Gustavo is the Los Angeles Times columnist and author of Taco USA: How Mexican Food Conquered America and his latest, A People’s Guide to Orange County; then, Chefs Brenda and Daniel Castillo of Heritage Barbecue join the stage to talk about making Texas barbecue in CA and making it their own and then, Kenneth Nguyen, host of The Vietnamese Podcast and Patricia Huang, former general manager of the famous Asian 626 Night Market, talk about Orange County's Asian street food culture.  Broadcast dates for this episode: February 23, 2024 (originally aired) Donate to The Splendid Table today and we will show our appreciation with a special thank-you gift.

This week, we talk about home cooking with Minneapolis chef Gavin Kaysen. He tells us how he finds a balance between cooking at home and cooking at a restaurant and writing his latest cookbook, aptly titled, At Home. He shares tips for making the cooking process less stressful and how to think about it as an enjoyment versus a task. He leaves us with one of his family's favorite recipes: Spatchcock Chicken with North African Spices, Sweet Potato Hash, and Broccolini. Plus, he sticks around to answer your cooking questions.  Broadcast dates for this episode: February 17, 2023 (originally aired) February 2016, (rebroadcast)

This week, we talk to two award-winning authors about their latest work. First, The New York Times cooking columnist Melissa Clark talks to us about her deep dive into the world of salt. From exploring salt harvesting in France to the history and revival of artisanal salts, she walks us through different types of salt and their uses in cooking. She sticks around to answer your cooking questions. Melissa Clark's latest book is Dinner in One, and for a taste of her style, check out her recipe for Roasted Cauliflower & Potatoes with Harissa, Yogurt & Toasted Almonds. Then, award-winning author Crystal Wilkinson talks to us about her new memoir, honoring her maternal ancestors, her kitchen ghosts. She talks about feeling them deeply while cooking and realizing their presence in her life. Crystal's memoir is Praisesong for the Kitchen Ghosts: Stories and Recipes from Five Generations of Black Country Cooks, and she leaves us with her recipe for Indian Creek Skillet Cornbread.  Broadcast dates for this episode: February 9, 2024 (originally aired) Your support is a special ingredient in helping to make The Splendid Table. Donate today.

We took the show on the road for a live event at the Hawaii Theatre Center in Honolulu. First, we spoke to Hawaii Public Radio’s Culture and Arts reporter Jayna Omaye and Chef Sheldon Simeon of Tin Roof Maui about Hawaiian cuisine’s unique mix of cultures. Then, James Beard award-winning chef Robynne Maii of Fête in Chinatown, Honolulu, and chef-owner of Mud Hen Water, Ed Kenney, explained how native Hawaiian traditions influence their cooking. And then, we talked to three legacy business owners about the importance of beloved local institutions in the food scene: Chris Kanemura, co-owner of Fujiya Hawai’i, Emma Bello, goat and dairy farmer at Sweet Land Farm, and Kevin Yim of Zippy’s.  The live event at Hawaii Theatre was co-presented by Hawai‘i Public Radio and the Culinary Institute of the Pacific at Kapi‘olani Community College and sponsored by Hawaiian Airlines, Alohilani Resorts, and FarmLovers Markets. Broadcast dates for this episode: February 3, 2023 (originally aired) February 2, 2024 (rebroadcast)

This week, we welcome the cold with delicious soup! Food Stylist Mariana Velásquez Villegas, author of Colombiana: A Rediscovery of Recipes and Rituals from the Soul of Colombia talks us through Colombia's biodiversity and regional identity and the unique foods it inspires like Sancocho. This hearty stew brings people together in a communal dining experience. Be sure to listen to her playlist while preparing it! Then, we talk about Haitian cuisine with award-winning chef Gregory Gourdet as he shares his childhood memories of growing up, commemorating Haitian Independence Day with Soup Joumou, a hearty squash-based soup typically served on New Year's Day. Gregory Gourdet is the chef-owner of Kann in Portland, Oregon, and the author of Everyone's Table. Then, chili sauce entrepreneur Jing Gao, author of The Book of Sichuan Chili Crisp, talks about Hot Pot, a zingy broth served in a large metal pot that gets tastier as you feast. Broadcast dates for this episode: January 26, 2024 (originally aired) Celebrate kitchen companionship with a gift to The Splendid Table today.

This week it’s a look at the different Lunar New Year celebrations in China, Vietnam, and Korea. First, Sarah and Kaitlin Leung talk about their Chinese New Year traditions and the symbolism behind the dishes they serve at their new year table. Sarah and Kaitlin, along with their parents, Judy and Bill, are the family behind The Woks of Life blog and cookbook, and they shared their family recipe for Poached “White Cut” Chicken. Then, Andrea Nguyen, author of Vietnamese Food Any Day, talks about celebrating Tet, the Vietnamese new year tradition that focuses on simple foods like rice, meat, beans, and vegetables. Her forthcoming book is, Ever Green Vietnamese, and she left us with her Braised Pork Ribs in Caramel Sauce (SUON KHO) recipe. Then Chef Hooni Kim, author of My Korea; Traditional Flavors, Modern Recipes remembers Lunar New Year celebrations spent with his family and leaves us a recipe for a classic accompaniment, Simple Zucchini Jeon, a delicious pan-fried fritter with your choice of meats or vegetables. Broadcast dates for this episode: January 20, 2023 (originally aired) January 19, 2024 (rebroadcast) When you shop using our links, we earn a small commission. It’s a great way to support public media at no extra cost to you!

This week, we explore some of the iconic dishes of the Midwest. First, we talked to chef Paul Fehribach about Midwestern cuisine and the history of its unique dishes as they evolved from generations of immigrants. From the evolution of Midwestern-style barbecue to Cincinnati chili, considered by Paul to be one of the oldest examples of fusion cooking. Paul Fehribach is the author of Midwestern Food, A Chef’s Guide to the Surprising History of a Great American Cuisine. Then, we take a field trip to New York City and visit Burger Scholar George Motz at his new restaurant, Hamburger America, to see what makes an epic hamburger. He walks us through some of the most iconic burgers he’s tasted, their histories, and their different cooking techniques. George Motz is a filmmaker and author. His latest book is The Great American Burger Book.

Have you ever wondered why things in the world have the smells that they do? Food science writer Harold McGee, long a fan of flavor, explored the world of smell to find out. He joins Francis to talk about his discoveries, explaining how he “listens” to smells, and what it can teach us about our lives. He’s one of the legends of food science writing and is the author of On Food and Cooking, the beloved, best-selling, game-changing culinary guide. His latest book is Nose Dive: A Field Guide to The Smells of the World.  Broadcast dates for this episode: December 4, 2020 (originally aired) December 10, 2021 (rebroadcast) January 5, 2024 (rebroadcast)

This week, we’re all about trying some new things in the kitchen. We’ve got unexpected ideas from our listeners and from pros like Milk Bar’s Christina Tosi. Food & Wine’s restaurant editor Khushbu Shah weighs in on the best way to cook rice and their wine editor Ray Isle turns to canned wine. Chef Pierre Thiam introduces us the African super grain fonio, and Ariel Dumas, adventurist cook and a head writer for The Late Show with Steven Colbert, accepts a ratatouille challenge from Francis. Broadcast dates for this episode: August 28, 2020 (originally aired) September 3, 2021 (rebroadcast) December 29, 2023 (rebroadcast) Generous listeners like you make The Splendid Table possible. Donate today to support the show

This week, we have just what you need to prepare for this holiday season. First, award-winning author and food scientist Nik Sharma shares his favorite holiday traditions and food pairings that will make your vegetables shine at the table. He is the author of Veg-Table, Recipes, Techniques and Plant Science for Big-Flavored, Vegetable-Focused Meals, and he left us with his recipe for Stuffed Cabbage Rolls. Then, the internet’s most beloved cooking star, Claire Saffitz, brings us her top holiday dessert ideas. She covers everything from citrus desserts, like her Souffleed Lemon Bread Pudding, to her holiday cookies, like the Chewy Molasses Spice Cookie, and what to make for New Year's. Her latest book is What’s for Dessert, Simple Recipes for Dessert People. Then, award-winning author Toni Tipton–Martin, talks about historical cocktail recipes and their modern interpretations. Her latest book is Juke Joints, Jazz Clubs and Juice: Cocktails From Two Centuries of African American Cookbooks. And she left us with her recipe for Pomegranate Demerara Rum Punch. Broadcast dates for this episode: December 22, 2023 (originally aired) Your support is a special ingredient in helping to make The Splendid Table. Donate today

We’re dropping a bonus episode in our feed this week from our Sister Podcast, The One Recipe. Join host Jesse Sparks for a holiday edition of The Splendid Table’s sister podcast, The One Recipe. In this hour-long episode, Jesse talks to culinary superstars about their family traditions and their “One,” the recipe that signals the holidays have officially begun! Our guests bring us their family food traditions from all over the globe. Chetna Makan, Britain’s queen of Indian home cooking, gives us a recipe for a seriously delicious nibble for cocktails, Chetna’s Cheesy Potato Balls, beloved Texan chef of Roots Chicken Shack in Dallas, Tiffany Derry, has amazing stories from her family’s truly enormous holiday feast and talks us through a recipe for her Mother’s Gumbo and Matt Adlard, influencer, author of the best-selling Bake it Better and the son of a Michelin starred chef, talks about his family’s sometimes competitive holiday cooking and leaves us with a perfect recipe for his Chocolate Yule Log. If you like our show, don’t forget to hit like and subscribe and leave us a review! Help support The One Recipe with a donation of any amount today.

We’ve got the most exciting cookbooks to gift this holiday season. Chef Chris Scott talks to us about his latest, Amish Soul Food and pays homage to the food of his Pennsylvanian German ancestors, and talks us through traditional recipes like chow chow, biscuits, and scrapple. He leaves us with his recipe for Okra Chow-Chow. Cynthia Shanmugalingam takes us on a deep dive into the seductive, cuisine of Sri Lanka. Her book is Rambutan: Recipes from Sri Lanka. Then, Ben Mervis, author of The British Cookbook, talks about the many food regions of Britain and the influences that have inspired them. His Yorkshire Parkin recipe is a must-try for this holiday season. Then, we get a lesson in home-made vinegar making with Pascal Baudar, author of Wildcrafted Vinegars. He leaves with a lot of inspiration and a recipe for Seaweed-Infused Vinegar. Broadcast dates for this episode: December 16, 2022 (originally aired) December 15, 2023 (rebroadcast) When you shop using our links, we earn a small commission. It’s a great way to support public media at no extra cost to you! Donate to The Splendid Table today and we will show our appreciation with a special thank-you gift.