Fascinating Topics but Hit or Miss
There are a lot of fascinating topics brought up in this podcast. In the past few days I’ve really enjoyed some older episodes like Eat Your Words (about the linguistic and historical changes that some of our food names in English have undergone), the one about Mark Twain’s favorite American foods, and the one about the Libyan Jewish cuisine in Rome. I’ve learned fun and interesting facts and usually have my browser open to read further into some of the facts brought up. With that said, I have to agree with some other commenters in a few points. Some guests seem out of their element, particularly up and coming authors. I’m sure the book about beans, for example, was interesting—but the author doesn’t seem like she’s done any sort of podcast or public speaking. I’ve come across several other episodes like this as well. I’m not sure what the solution to this would be, but some episodes are hard to listen. It unfortunately also does tend to come off as very Western-centric. Especially in a place like New York, one would expect to find authors and cooks from all over the world, yet the guests are more often than not white Americans. As a white American who is fascinated by the Middle Eastern cultures, languages, and cuisines and has lived in Israel/Palestine and Jordan, I had been hoping to hear more from the people who actually grew up in that region and were steeped in the culture and cuisines—rather than other Westerners who are interested in these topics but only know about them by proxy. Add some diversity, not for diversity’s sake alone but to make the podcasts richer and deeper. I personally don’t mind Linda’s delivery—but it’s clear when she’s interested in a topic and when she’s bored. The latter point is something to consider working on, but I actually really like the episodes where she jokes with the guests and is actively engaged in the conversation. Overall I enjoy this podcast a lot, but I’d like to see more diversity in guests and fewer unprepared guests. Thank you for making this show!
hjaski via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 04/28/20
More reviews of A Taste of the Past
My favorite podcast about food history. A great listening while cooking and learning from the Heritage Radio Network. Thanks a milliion for this program.
Paula Sarreira via Apple Podcasts · Portugal · 10/26/18
I just listened to the Pimm’s Cup episode. The host was rambling, seemed to trail off, cut off the knowledgeable guest, went on random tangents that the guest hadn’t prepared for, and seemed to forget they hadn’t ever actually covered what is in a Pimm’s Cup. It seemed like she had never done an...Read full review »
philsphan13 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 07/20/21
Why do so many of the ethnic cuisine deep dives involve white “experts” on a particular subject rather then native practitioners? (Eg Chinese street food). They speak English and don’t need outsiders to bring the light. Linda loves to hear herself speak.
mariel1112 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 02/04/19
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