The Splendid Table: Conversations & Recipes For Curious Cooks & Eaters - Podcast Rankings and reviews

This is a professional podcast, it has a nice structure and has great variety. There are well informed interviews with authors and has great call-in segments to answer listener questions. Also there are special returning guests that are super fun because they show up with a well thought out topic to address. I have even been able to leave a recording of a cooking tip that got played on the show! I love the show!!
Mike Dearing

Over the last year or two I've found time to add the show into my listening routine (particularly early Saturday mornings) and though I am like others who misses the previous host LRK I long felt it had excluded young people and new food perspecives. The show evolved yet is still warm and welcoming, with host Francis Lam who gently guides the listener through new lands and has that rare quality of taking care to listen well, allowing the guests time to 'flow' with responses and deep thoughts.

Even if I don't cook or eat some foods mentioned by the guests their personal storytelling is the draw and gives me insight to foods and history in a whole new way. Particularly memorable episodes were on the history of pizza, the history of Chinese food, fascinating bio of high energy unforgettable PBS food show chef host Martin Yan of Yan Can Cook who was hugely influential to many, and Sana Javeri Kadri who traveled home to India to source high quality fresh spices directly by partnering with local farmers, paying them well and creating her successful niche business. Many other guests gave me deeper insights into foods and cooking as well. I have a few minor criticisms too which other reviewers shared but want to highlight and focus on the good that they didn’t.

Food/cooking/eating builds bonds with people and places and shared memories.. just hearing all the guests share their food related life experiences and views is very enriching. Often gives me ideas to try something new. Food is edible art, and many want to share their gifts as this show reminds us in many ways. Keep eating and exploring!

I love how this podcast shines a light on culinary diversity through interviews with guests, discussions of various recipes, and storytelling. This podcast is so interesting to listen to while cooking!

I have been listening to The Splendid Table for almost 30 years, and it is still joy and comfort. The latest episode with Darinda Allen made me so happy. Being snowed in with Francis and Darinda was warmth and major inspiration for when I step back in the world! Soda bread, here I come!

My family used to love this show and binge listen on car rides. Now we are quick to change the channel when it airs on our local NPR station. Francis Lam’s radio speaking voice is nearly inaudible. Unsure if it’s his radio equipment, just his voice or both. The “new” show features up-and-coming chefs and trendy restaurants in big cities, which is fine. But there used to be a balance between the stories about professional chefs and the interests/betterment of the home chef.

Understanding that Lynne is irreplaceable, there is something missing from this show now. It feels like work to listen to.

Overall it’s still one of my favorites. I wish , wish they would mark when it’s a re-run or a re-mix. I don’t listen much anymore because I’ve heard them all. It’s not a new show if 50% or more of the content is old. Yes, it was that memorable the first time.