Dare to listen to MPR's "The Splendid Table" on an empty stomach and you may find yourself sprinkling salt on the radio knobs and digging in. Kasper, who has won two James Beard Awards during the show's 18-year run, has a voice as delicious as the dishes she raves about. But Kasper is more than a foodie. She's a top-notch journalist, exploring trends and issues as meaty as anything on the dial. Garrison Keillor may be MPR's top dog, but we're more inclined to break bread with Kasper.

Runner-up: Dan Barreiro (KFAN)