Host Francis Lam wins multiple 2017 James Beard Media Awards

The behind-the-scenes team at Splendid Table extends the most heartfelt of congratulations to our host Francis Lam for his multiple honors at this week's 2017 James Beard Foundation Media Awards. Francis won two James Beard Foundation Journalism Awards. The first, for Best Column for his "Eat" column at The New York Times Magazine. Included in the award were "A Haitian Grandmother's Home-Cooked Porridge," "Kimchi Fried Rice, Korean Comfort Food," and "Casa Calamari." Francis also won Best Humor for "Recipes with Roots: The True Meaning of Turkey" in Cooking Light.

To top it all off, Francis was also editor on the double James Beard Foundation Book Award winner for Best American Book and Book of the Year, Victuals: An Appalachian Journey by Ronni Lundy, from Clarkson Potter of Crown Publishing Group. No small feat. Listen to The Splendid Table contributor Von Diaz interview Ronni Lundy, author of Victuals, on the importance of Appalachian salt, and enjoy Lundy's recipe for Ginger Bean Chowchow from the book. See the full list of 2017 James Beard Media Awards winners here.

"Winning the James Beard award for my column in The New York Times Magazine on home cooking with immigrant families was a true honor," said Francis Lam. "As the son of immigrants, I know the cultural and personal sacrifices my parents have made--never complaining--to make a life for themselves and to raise a family in a strange place where they've never felt totally at home. But also I know how much they and so many others like them have contributed to their communities and our country, and of course they made my life as an American possible. So to receive an honor for this column was gratifying, but also deeply humbling, knowing that I would have no stories to tell were it not for the lives of hard work and sacrifice others have lived. I was also honored to win an award in the Humor category, for a story about Thanksgiving in our home when I was a kid, and for which I have to thank my mother for being slightly ridiculous. "

Francis Lam, host of The Splendid Table Photo: Nate Ryan/MPR

Francis had previously recieved these James Beard Foundation Journalism Awards honors:

2016

• Winner, Food Focused Column “Eat” Published in The New York Times Magazine

• Finalist, Profile “Edna Lewis and the Black Roots of American Cooking,” Published in The New York Times Magazine

2014

• Winner, Profile “A Day on Long Island with Alex Lee” Published in Lucky Peach

• Finalist, MFK Fisher Distinguished Writing Award “Better with Age” Published in Bon Appétit

2010

• Finalist, Magazine Feature Writing about Restaurants or Chefs “The Last Chinese BBQ” Published in Gourmet

Francis is also highly regarded editor of food books/cookbooks including:

• Alex Stupak / Jordana Rothman Tacos: Recipes and Provocations

• Justin Smillie / Kitty Greenwald Slow Fires: Mastering New Ways to Braise, Roast, and Grill

• Deuki Hong / Matt Rodbard Koreatown: A Cookbook

• Chrissy Teigen / Adeena Sussman Cravings: Recipes for All the Food You Want to Eat

• Questlove / Ben Greenman somethingtofoodabout: Exploring Creativity with Innovative Chefs

• Tyler Kord A Super Upsetting Cookbook about Sandwiches

• Ronni Lundy Victuals: An Appalachian Journey, with Recipes