The Splendid Table
Published by: American Public Media
Reactions
Reviews for The Splendid Table
No longer a fan
I unsubscribed today after years; I like Francis Lam just fine, but the content has shifted from food and cooking to people and cookbooks. These days, when I hear Francis introducing the topic of the day’s show, I tend to utter an audible “ugh, no thanks.” I don’t need another entry in the wokesphere, so I’ll look elsewhere for my foodtalk fix... maybe even the disgustingly named Milk Street, or that shrill pie-fest KCRW Good Food.
Reviewed on Apple PodcastsHe had to go political...
I want to hear about food and cooking on this podcast not a passive aggressive political statement about the Statue of Liberty. Using his kid’s Halloween costume as the way to deliver his message made it even worse. Unsubscribed.
Reviewed on Apple PodcastsSo much happiness in this show!
Growing up with Splendid Table on Sunday afternoons with Lynne introduced me to the food world like nothing else, and kept me going as I nurtured dreams of food becoming my career - I am happy to say that now my dreams are coming true! Francis Lam is the absolute PERFECT replacement for her, he is warm, enthusiastic, so curious and just genuinely loves doing what he does. His laugh is everything to me 💖 love splendid table, love you Lynne and love you Francis!!!
Reviewed on Apple PodcastsLove this podcast!
Francis Lam has such a warm, gentle voice, and the most bubbly, genuine laugh. I love his insightful and respectful approach to interviewing all his guests.
Reviewed on Apple PodcastsGiving up
The Splendid Table was my favorite NPR show and podcast for years. At first I was excited for Francis Lam to be the host (though sad to lose LRK). I just can’t listen any longer. It has turned into a series of extended infomercials about chefs and their cookbooks. I no longer hear anything that I can put to use in my own kitchen as practical information or inspiration. America’s Test Kitchen gone? Listener call-ins gone? Now I’m gone.
Reviewed on Apple PodcastsNot a cook
I am not much of a cook, but this show is very interesting and inspires me to try to cook more. I learn so much from each episode.
Reviewed on Apple PodcastsThat Laugh -- Please just stop
I never thought I would have to complain about someone's laughter, and it makes me feel like such a hater, but Francis Lam's laugh is akin to fingernails scraping a chalk board -- cringe-worthy. I wish there were bleeps for his laughs the way there are bleeps for curse words on the radio.
Loved the past and love the present
I always appreciated Lynn for what she did well and now I appreciate Francis for what he brings. It’s not going to be exactly the same - that would be boring, wouldn’t it? With both, I learn new things about food and about people who are passionate about food. That’s what I’m interested in and The Splendid Table continues to deliver it.
Reviewed on Apple PodcastsToo much Lam and not enough beef.
Not the splendid podcast it used to be. First, it is very difficult to listen to Francis Lam speak — like you know tee hee hee? Second, I don’t necessarily object to the topics, but the focus now seems to be mainly on the creator, not the creation. Yes, I want to learn about how redzepi came to be interested in fermentation but I’d also like to know more about the fermented products and how they got that way. More about the cooked and less about the cooker please!
Reviewed on Apple PodcastsStop the giggle
No, really. Let Francis direct and mold the pod, but delete his voice.
Reviewed on Apple PodcastsNot the same or as good
This podcast is just not enjoyable with Lam. I tried but it’s not working.
Reviewed on Apple PodcastsLoved Lynne...
I’ve tried hard to like Francis, but his wandering, unfocused comments and annoying giggle have defeated me. I’ve resorted to going to the website and listening to the vintage episodes with Lynne.
Reviewed on Apple PodcastsVery enjoyable
I listen to this program every week. It is always interesting and culturally challenging! I love it. Thanks
Reviewed on Apple PodcastsGreat to listen to while cooking!
Love the interviewer, love the guests, love the everything about the production. Keep up the good work!
Reviewed on Apple PodcastsJust can’t anymore...
I used to absolutely love this show, and I admit I was disappointed when LRK retired, but I’ve tried to give Francis a fair shot and it’s just not working for me. The show used to be about food and cooking. Now it’s all human interest stories and some weird insider world for chefs, not the home cook. No recipes, no food talk, no tips, no food culture... And Lam just isn’t that entertaining. I’m actively seeking other podcasts to fill the void.
Reviewed on Apple PodcastsFrancis isn’t Lynn and that is okay, even great
I was super disappointed when Lynn moved on because she was so familiar, but I now really enjoy the angle Francis offers. It feels fresh and more meaningful to our current reality. I am not into the short bits with Melissa though. I find the sound recording annoying but maybe what she is sharing has appeal to someone else. I am vegan but like to hear about the cultural, worldview implications of food and diets, and I also enjoy the alchemy parts of cooking too. The storytelling is most interesting to me, not the quick tips for how to make dinner fast drivel.
Reviewed on Apple PodcastsFrancis Lam is simply amazing
I’ve read a ton of bad reviews on here of Francis Lam you have to listen for yourself to see but I love the show.
Reviewed on Apple PodcastsLess giggles and let Melissa Clark
Less giggling more food and no more melissa Clark she is way too anxious
Reviewed on Apple PodcastsMore food focus
Please, please stick to food stories!!!
Reviewed on Apple PodcastsIt’s good but repetitive
I do listen every single week and I have learned some great tips and cooking and life ideas. I would appreciate if there was a warning about repeat segments on supposedly ‘new’ podcast content. It is annoying to hear the same interviews and content secretly put into new stuff. But, maybe I’m crazy and that’s not what’s happening.
Reviewed on Apple Podcasts