Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Pandora | Amazon Music | YouTube.

This week, we explore flavors and techniques with two incredible guests. First, James Beard award-winning author Henrietta Lovell, aka the Tea Lady, takes us on her tea journey. From discovering the art of tea in China and countries beyond, to teaching us how to taste the nuanced flavor profiles and appreciate the craftsmanship. She left us with a recipe for Cold Brew Iced Teas that can be enjoyed like a fine wine. Henrietta is the author of Infused – Adventures in Tea and founder of the Rare Tea Company. Then, we talk to our favorite food scientist, Nik Sharma, about his latest video series, Flavor Forward with America’s Test Kitchen. He shares tips and tricks for the home cook on elevating your dinners. Like the Tandoori Salmon, Braised Lemon Chicken with Couscous, and Calabrian Chile White Beans with Almond Romesco. Nik Sharma is the author of Veg Table, and The Flavor Equation.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

January 30, 2026 (originally aired)

Subscribe to @TheSplendidTable on YouTube for full podcast episodes and full-length video interviews!

Generous listeners like you make The Splendid Table possible. Donate today to support the show.

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.

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)
• January 23, 2026 (rebroadcast)

Subscribe to @TheSplendidTable on YouTube for full podcast episodes and full-length video interviews!

Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Pandora | Amazon Music | YouTube

This week, it's the final show of our 30th anniversary celebration, recorded from the stage of The Fitzgerald Theater in St. Paul, MN, where it all began. Francis is joined onstage by some of the best chefs in Minnesota, including American Oglala Lakota Sioux chef, Sean Sherman, Somali-American chef, Jamal Hashi, Karyn Tomlinson of Myriel the winner of the 2025 James Beard Award for Best Chef: Midwest and 6-time James Beard Nominee, Diana Moua of Diane's Place to talk about their culinary journeys and the importance of community and culture in food. We’re then joined on stage by a very special guest, Lynne Rossetto Kasper.

Head to our YouTube channel and watch this extended cut of our Live Show. Subscribe so you don’t miss anything!

Broadcast dates for this episode:

January 16, 2026 (originally aired)

Subscribe to @TheSplendidTable on YouTube for full podcast episodes and full-length video interviews!

Generous listeners like you make The Splendid Table possible. Donate today to support the show.

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.