The Splendid Table: Conversations & Recipes For Curious Cooks & Eaters

We're getting an international take on the grill from the unstoppable Steve Raichlen author of Planet Barbecue, Jane and Michael Stern are at a Seattle classic, 13 Coins, and we learn which beers stole the show with Robin Goldstein author of The Beer Trials.Broadcast dates for this episode:June 26, 2010 (originally aired)June 18, 2011 (rebroadcast)

This week, Lynne guides us through the world of food styling with one of the masters, Delores Custer, author of Food Styling: The Art of Preparing Food for the Camera. Jane and Michael Stern are eating Polish Boys in Cleveland, Food & Wine magazine's Ray Isle has some wine suggestions for summer sipping, Susan Loomis tells us about "pistachio music," Sheila Bowman tells us which seafood to avoid, and as always, Lynne answers your kitchen questions.Broadcast dates for this episode:June 5, 2010 (originally aired)June 4, 2011 (rebroadcast)

This week historian John T Edge tells us about his on-going reporting for the New York Times called United Tastes, Jane and Michael Stern have found the ultimate hangover cure in New Orleans, a dish called Ya-Ka Mein. We meet a PHD candidate studying "coziness" and we get a take on the 5 Stages of Grief—"pea" grief that it is, from Emily Franklin, author of Too Many Cooks.Broadcast dates for this episode:May 14, 2011

This week, we're talking tradition with one of the last remaining limburger cheese producers; and how to keep Asian culinary traditions at home as well as in the restaurants. Interior designer and author of American Modern, Thomas O'Brien walks us through his vision of what a kitchen should be. Also on the show, The Dinner Party Download guys bring back the ice breaker, The Sterns go back to Milwaukee for some hoppel poppel, and we'll check in with Daniel Delaney, who is discovering the world's best street food, one bite at a time.Broadcast dates for this episode:May 1, 2010 (originally aired)April 30, 2011 (rebroadcast)

We're looking at the advent of Chinese food in America with Andrew Coe, author of Chop Suey, A Cultural History of Chinese Food in the United States. Jane and Michael Stern are in North Charleston, South Carolina for low country soul food at Bertha's Kitchen, and Sally Schneider, creator of The Improvised Life website teaches us to improvise with miso.Broadcast dates for this episode:April 10, 2010 (originally aired)April 16, 2011 (rebroadcast)

We're pondering the food supply of the future with Raj Patel author of The Value of Nothing, Jane and Michael Stern are at The White Hut in Springfield, MA, and we ask the question – why are there no famous female chefs?Broadcast dates for this episode:April 24, 2010 (originally aired)April 2, 2011 (rebroadcast)

We're looking at Mexican–Jewish food traditions with Chef Patricia Jinich, of PBS's Pati's Mexican Table, New York Time's columnist Melissa Clark introduces us to her very suave and very easy recipe for Shrimp Bisque, Jane and Michael Stern are at Cupcake Royale in Seattle, WA and Steve Almond, author of Candyfreak: A Journey Through the Chocolate Underbelly of America wants us to consider endangered candy!Broadcast dates for this episode:March 27, 2010 (originally aired)March 19, 2011 (rebroadcast)

Chef Scott Peacock joins us this week with his series The Alabama Project, conversations with some of Alabama's oldest residents. Jane and Michael Stern are at Du-par's in Los Angeles, Fred Plotkin reports on the 150th anniversary of the Republic of Italy and we get a quick primer on sugaring from Tim Herd, author of Maple Sugar from Sap to Syrup.Broadcast dates for this episode:March 12, 2011

This week we're getting advice for lubricating the family dinner conversation from Daniel Menaker author of A Good Talk; The Story and Skill of Conversation. Jane and Michael Stern have found Orson Welles sized pies at Royer's Round Top in Texas and we look at the up and coming cheesemakers with James Norton author of The Master Cheesemakers of Wisconsin.Broadcast dates for this episode:March 6, 2010 (originally aired)March 5, 2011 (rebroadcast)

We get a clear-eyed view of the wine world this week with Dara Moskowitz Grumdahl author of Drink This: Wine Made Simple. Chef Patrice Olivon introduces us to the gentle art of the soufflé, and Indian food authority Monica Bhide, author of Modern Spice explains the Indian art of spice blends.Broadcast dates for this episode:January 9, 2010 (originally aired)February 12, 2011 (rebroadcast)

Award winning author Su-Mei Yu introduces us to the ancient Thai tradition of looking at "food as medicine". Her new book is, The Elements of Life, A Contemporary Guide to Thai Recipes and Traditions for Healthier Living. Jane and Michael Stern are in Tucson at the Tucson Tamale Company and National Geographic's Keith Bellows brings us their list of "food journeys of a lifetime".Broadcast dates for this episode:January 16, 2010 (originally aired)January 22, 2011 (rebroadcast)

We have some advice for the home cook from chef Thomas Keller—his new book is Ad Hoc at Home. We get advice for throwing a party Southern style from Matt and Ted Lee, authors of Simple, Fresh Southern. Master baker Rose Levy Beranbaum gives us a primer on keeping cakes—her newest book is Rose's Heavenly Cakes. Jane and Michael Stern are at Pico de Gallo in Tucson, AZ.Broadcast dates for this episode:December 11, 2009 (originally aired)December 31, 2010 (rebroadcast)

Chef Douglas Rodriguez joins us with a Cuban take on the Christmas feast. The legendary Paula Wolfert joins us with her book Mediterranean Clay Pot Cooking. And we have a tale of a childhood gingerbread house gone mad from Augusten Burroughs, author of You'd Better Not Cry: Stories for Christmas. Emeril Lagasse brings us holiday recipes inspired by his mother.Broadcast dates for this episode:December 18, 2009 (originally aired)December 25, 2010 (rebroadcast)

This week Nigella Lawson is stopping by with her new book, Nigella Kitchen, Recipes From the Heart of Home. Food & Wine Magazine's Anthony Giglio introduces us to the bubbly wines of Italy. Sally Schneider, creator of The Improvisational Cook is back with her annual list of homemade food gifts and the Sterns are at Garcia's Kitchen in Albuquerque, NM.Broadcast dates for this episode:December 18, 2010

This week it's a show of American iconoclasts starting with winemaker Randall Grahm of Boony Doon Vineyard. His latest book is Been Doon So Long, A Randall Grahm Vinthology. We then meet the true originator of the no-knead bread technique, Jim Lehey of New York City's famed Sullivan Street Bakery. His book is My Bread, The Revolutionary No-Work, No-Knead Method.Broadcast dates for this episode:November 7, 2009 (originally aired)November 27, 2010 (rebroadcast)

This week we'll get you ready for the Thanksgiving feast with chef Eric Ripert, author of Avec Eric. Grace Young brings us the very American story of Chinese immigrants in the Mississippi Delta. Her latest book is Stir-Frying To the Sky's Edge. And we get stuffing strategy from the New York Time's Melissa Clark, author of In the Kitchen with a Good Appetite.Broadcast dates for this episode:November 20, 2010

We discuss the cuisine of Portugal with David Leite author of The New Portuguese Table. Jane and Michael Stern have found stellar Creamed Chipped Beef at The Breakfast Shoppe in Severna Park, MD, plus we check in with the Hungry Scientist society, and we'll get a few tips for traveling on the cheap from the frugal traveler.Broadcast dates for this episode:October 10, 2009 (originally aired)October 30, 2010 (rebroadcast)

This week we have a look at school lunch programs, from a lunch lady's eyes. Our guest is Jean Ronnei of the St. Paul, MN public schools. Mario Batali addresses the issue of family meals, and the Sterns are eating soul food in the Arizona desert at Mrs. White's Golden Rule. Plus, we get a guide to making simple cured meats at home from Karen Solomon author of Jam It, Pickle It, Cure It and Other Cooking Projects.Broadcast dates for this episode:October 3, 2009 (originally aired)October 9, 2010 (rebroadcast)

What makes man, man and an ape an ape? According to Richard Wrangham it is not one's ability to fashion tool, but rather the ability to cook. He is the author of Catching Fire, How Cooking Made Us Human. The Sterns are in LA eating a French Dip at its origin, Philippe's French Dip Restaurant, and there is a new movement sweeping across America — group canning sessions.Broadcast dates for this episode:September 26, 2009 (originally aired)September 11, 2010 (rebroadcast)

We're looking at the art of the Asian pickle with Alex Hozven creator of the Cultured Pickle Shop in Berkely, CA, the Sterns are visiting Moonlight BBQ in Owensboro, KY, Fred Plotkin teaches us how to take an eaters vacation without a rental car, and Amy Stewart author of Wicked Plants: A Book of Botanical Atrocities introduces us to the darker side of Mother Nature.Broadcast dates for this episode:September 12, 2009 (originally aired)September 4, 2010 (rebroadcast)

What does a chef consider the most important tool in the kitchen? Chef and writer Daniel Patterson has a surprising answer for all of those who love to cook. He is the author of Aroma. Jane and Michael Stern are looking at the phenomenon of the "slider" and Elizabeth Karmel author of Soaked, Slathered and Seasonings, fills us in on the latest developments in outdoor grilling.Broadcast dates for this episode:August 15, 2009 (originally aired)August 14, 2010 (rebroadcast)

This week we have lessons in greening your kitchen with Kate Heyhoe, author of Cooking Green: Reducing Your Carbon Footprint in the Kitchen. New York Times columnist Melissa Clark gives us a lesson in blended summer soups, and cheesemonger Steve Jenkins explains the real cost of artisan cheeses. The Sterns are dining at (probably) the best delicatessen in America, and Lynne answers your calls.Broadcast dates for this episode:August 1, 2009 (originally aired)August 7, 2010 (rebroadcast)

We're in Lynne's kitchen to learn about one of our most elusive immigrant cuisines, that of the Hmong people of Southeast Asia. Our guides are the authors of Cooking From the Heart: the Hmong Kitchen in America. Jane and Michael Stern are eating pancakes near the fountain of youth at the Old Spanish Sugar Mill in De Leon Springs, FL, and we get the perfect summer sauce from Michael Ruhlman, author of Ratio: The Simple Codes Behiond the Craft of Everyday Cooking.Broadcast dates for this episode:July 11, 2009 (originally aired)July 10, 2010 (rebroadcast)

We're talking to food activist Michael Pollan, author of In Defense of Food about the intersection between sustainable foods, and our real life pocketbooks. Jane and Michael Stern have been researching the green chile cheeseburger in New Mexico and we look at the origins of the American potato chip with Dirk Burhans author of Crunch, A History of the Great American Potato Chip.Broadcast dates for this episode:July 18, 2009 (originally aired)July 3, 2010 (rebroadcast)

Lynne guides us on a tour of resourcefulness of all kinds. British food writer Tamasin Day-Lewis, author of Supper for a Song, shares her rather militant stand on how and why to cook at home, an adoring newlywed finds a cheaper alternative for his bride's breakfast, and we hear the story Remembering Smell —how Bonnie Blodgett's loss of smell changed everything she knew about food and taste. Also on the show, a roundup of indoor composters, the trivia challenge, and Lynne's expert advice on your kitchen conundrums.Broadcast dates for this episode:June 19, 2010

The Mayo Clinic's Dr. James Levine is convinced that we are moving animals, not sitting animals and that is the key to keeping our weight in check, He is the author of Move A Little, Lose A Lot. The Sterns have met the happy cows behind the divine ice cream at Woodside Farm in Delaware, and we learn the art of the grown-up popsicle from Karen Solomon author of Jam It, Pickle It, Cure It.Broadcast dates for this episode:June 13, 2009 (originally aired)June 12, 2010 (rebroadcast)

This week, Lynne talks with Ethnobiologist, conservationist and farmer Gary Nabhan about the story of a profound visionary who set out to end famine, and the price he paid. Gary's latest book is Where Our Food Comes From: Retracing Nikolay Vavilov's Quest to End Famine. James Villas, the southern gentleman of the food world, stops by to talk about his new book, Pig: King of the Southern Table, Ian Cheney talks about truck farming, the Sterns tell us about Sacramento's Squeeze Inn, and Lynne answers your kitchen questions.Broadcast dates for this episode:May 29, 2010

Lynne takes us deep into the issues facing independent cheese producers with Gordon Edgar, author of Cheesemonger, A Life on the Wedge. She also discusses local dairies and small-scale farming with Tracey Ryder. Also on the show, the Sterns have found first-rate seafood at Sting Ray's in Cape Charles, VA, Sally Schneider re-uses her kitchen cabinets, and Scott Hule tells us why it's not so bad to break a wineglass. And of course, a healthy dose of Lynne's expert advice on your kitchen questions.Broadcast dates for this episode:May 22, 2010

This week we've a modern wine mystery with Benjamin Wallace author of The Billionaire's Vinegar: The Mystery of the World's Most Expensive Bottle of Wine. Jane and Michael Stern are noshing donuts at Round Rock Donuts in Round Rock, TX, Sally Schneider author of The Improvised Life website introduces us to the allure of Orange Flower Water, and David Rosengarten, the man behind the opinionated Rosengarten Report talks about how gazpacho is made on its home turf of Spain.Broadcast dates for this episode:August 30, 2008 (originally aired)May 15, 2010 (rebroadcast)

This week historian John T. Edge tells the story of Seattle’s obsession with all things teriyaki, Jane and Michael Stern have found the ultimate hangover cure in New Orleans — a dish called Ya-Ka Mein — and we get a take on the 5 Stages of Grief, "pea" grief that it is, from Emily Franklin, author of Too Many Cooks.Broadcast dates for this episode:May 8, 2010

This week it's Bryant Terry, author of Vegan Soul Kitchen, Jane and Michael Stern are at M & M Cigar Store in Butte, MT, Michael Ruhlman explains the culinary codes behind every successful recipe. He is the author of Ratio: The Simple Codes Behind the Craft of Everyday Cooking, and we hear a story of grieving and revival at the farmer's market with Suzanne Pirret, author of The Pleasure is All Mine.Broadcast dates for this episode:May 2, 2009 (originally aired)April 17, 2010 (rebroadcast)

This week we're meeting up with one of the world's master blade smiths, Bob Kramer, the Sterns are at Pizzeria Lauretano in Bethel, CT, and we look at the new world of edible landscapes with Rosalind Creasy, author of Rosalind Creasy's Recipes from the Garden.Broadcast dates for this episode:April 25, 2009 (originally aired)April 3, 2010 (rebroadcast)

It's a look at America's soul food with Frederick Opie, author of Hog and Hominy, Jane and Michael Stern are getting a two-for-one deal on corned beef at McBob's in Milwaukee, WI, and Food & Wine Magazine's Ray Isle tells us where to look for the best global wine values.Broadcast dates for this episode:April 11, 2009 (originally aired)March 20, 2010 (rebroadcast)

We're exploring the mind and ethics of the hunter with Steve Rinella, author of American Buffalo, In Search of a Lost Icon, we get advice on kitchen cleanup music with Tom Moon, author of 1,000 Recordings To Hear Before You Die and we meet bean-obsessed Steve Sando, author of Heirloom Beans.Broadcast dates for this episode:March 28, 2009 (originally aired)March 13, 2010 (rebroadcast)

We're taking you on an eating trip to Mexico City this week. Lynne and our managing producer, Sally Swift, recently returned from a week of total culinary immersion. We have it all: the tastes, the sounds and the generosity of local experts, including a lesson in authenticity from Diana Kennedy as she opens her Mexican eco house to us. It's an hour you won't want to miss!Broadcast dates for this episode:February 28, 2009 (originally aired)February 27, 2010 (rebroadcast)

How do restaurateurs get us to eat what they want us eat? We'll find out with William Poundstone author of Pricesless: The Myth of Fair Value (and How to Take Advantage of it). We'll check-in with the Sterns, who are at The Cove in Crisfield, MD; and we look at the lure of ice fishing with Greg Breining author of A Hard Water World: Ice-Fishing and Why We Do It.Broadcast dates for this episode:February 20, 2010

This week we're being introduced to the lush foods of Senegal with Pierre Thiam, author of Yolele: Recipes from the Heart of Senegal. Jane and Michael Stern are at Sahagún in Portland, OR, and we learn the art of cooking on your car engine with Bill Sheller, author of Manifold Destiny.Broadcast dates for this episode:February 14, 2009 (originally aired)February 13, 2010 (rebroadcast)

This week we're looking at how other countries deal with their obesity issues with Barry Popkin author of The World is Fat. Jane and Michael Stern are at B & W Bakery in Hackensack, NJ, and we learn about the link between a Korean soap opera and the rise of Korean court food in Asia with Debra Samuels, author of The Korean Table.Broadcast dates for this episode:February 7, 2009 (originally aired)February 6, 2010 (rebroadcast)

We're looking at the country cooking of Ireland with award-winning writer Colman Andrews. And this week, the Sterns are introducing us to the cousin of the Po'Boy in New Orleans.Broadcast dates for this episode:January 30, 2010

This week we learn the art of cupping with Portland's legendary Stumptown Coffee; Joshua Wesson introduces us to the world's iconic grapes, and we play a round of "Stump the Cook" with Stumpmaster Christopher Kimball of Cook's Illustrated.Broadcast dates for this episode:January 24, 2009 (originally aired)January 23, 2010 (rebroadcast)

This week we meet the woman behind the wine guide considered by most to be the most comprehensive ever published. England's Jancis Robinson, author of The Oxford Companion to Wine. Jane and Michael Stern are visiting Dave's Carry-Out in Charleston, SC, and Gourmet Magazine's John Willoughby introduces us the restaurants of Istanbul.Broadcast dates for this episode:January 10, 2009 (originally aired)January 2, 2010 (rebroadcast)

What does a world-class chef cook for the family Christmas? This week we meet up with Grant Aschatz of Chicago's famed Alinea, Jane and Michael Stern are at the Silvermine Tavern in Norwalk, CT, Sally Schneider, author of The Improvisational Cook, teaches us the easy way to make homemade chocolates, Martha Holmberg, author of Puff introduces us to simplest of fancy ingredients, puff pastry, and mixologist Dale DeGroff, author of The Essential Cocktail joins us with his take on holiday imbibing.Broadcast dates for this episode:December 20, 2008 (originally aired)December 25, 2009 (rebroadcast)

This week we have British chef Heston Blumenthal author of Further Adventures in Search of Perfection. Jane and Michael Stern are at Singleton Seafood Shack in Mayport, Fl. We talk with Chef Vitaly Paley, author of The Paley's Place Cookbook, and Jenn Garbee, author of Secret Suppers: Rogue Chefs and Underground Restaurants in Warehouses, Townhouses, Open Fields and Everywhere in Between.Broadcast dates for this episode:November 15, 2008 (originally aired)November 28, 2009 (rebroadcast)

This week for Thanksgiving we meet up with Chef Marcus Samuelsson for a new take on the turkey. His latest book is New American Table. Historian Andy Smith reminds us of the real origin of Thanksgiving Day, and Lynne takes on the great feast ... vegetarian style.Broadcast dates for this episode:November 21, 2009

We talk to Paul Roberts author of The End of Food, about global food prices. Jane and Michael Stern authors of 500 Things To Eat Before It's Too Late, are at Famous Fourth Street Delicatessen in Philadelphia, PA, and Shirley Corriher, author of BakeWise, The Hows and Whys of Successful Baking, brings us some practical baking advice as we head into high baking season.Broadcast dates for this episode:November 8, 2008 (originally aired)November 14, 2009 (rebroadcast)

This week, we talk about feeding a bunch of guys with Lucinda Scala Quinn, author of Mad Hungry: Feeding Men and Boys; and we're learning about the relationship between food and gangster movies with Rebecca Epstein. Plus, Lynne talks with Andrea Nguyen, who shares her techniques for mastering Asian Dumplings. The Sterns are eating huge portions at Rocky & Carlo's Restaurant in Chalmette, LA. Plus your calls, our weekly trivia question, and a rousing edition of Stump the Cook!Broadcast dates for this episode:October 31, 2009

This week we go into the kitchen with Andy Ricker, the man behind Portland's legendary Thai restaurant Pok Pok. Jane and Michael Stern are noshing kolaches in West, Texas, and wine authority Josh Wesson suggests some smooth sips for rough times.Broadcast dates for this episode:November 1, 2008 (originally aired)October 24, 2009 (rebroadcast)

This week we're catching up with Italian food authorities Marcella and Victor Hazan. Marcella's latest project is her autobiography, Amarcord, Marcella Remembers. Jane and Michael Stern are eating Czech food at Belgrade Gardens outside of Akron, OH, and Harold McGee, author of the seminal On Food and Cooking explains the remarkable link between extra-virgin olive oil and ibuprofen.Broadcast dates for this episode:October 4, 2008 (originally aired)October 17, 2009 (rebroadcast)

This week we are meeting a winemaking legend, David Lett of Oregon's famed Eyrie Vineyard, Jane and Michael Stern are eating ice cream at Ici in Berkeley, CA and New York City food authority Mike Colameco introduces us to Izakayas, Japanese drinking places.Broadcast dates for this episode:September 20, 2008 (originally aired)September 19, 2009 (rebroadcast)

This week it's all things tomato with Amy Goldman author of The Heirloom Tomato: From Garden to Table, Jane and Michael Stern are at the Formica Brothers Bakery in Atlantic City, NJ, and writer David Leite, editor of the Web site Leite's Culinaria takes on the Toll House Cookie.Broadcast dates for this episode:September 13, 2008 (originally aired)September 5, 2009 (rebroadcast)