Oui, chef! ‘Carême’ introduces world’s first (sexy) celebrity chef, a Napoleonic-era kitchen god
In the new Apple TV+ drama 'Carême,' the life of Antonin Carême, the first celebrity chef, is brought to life, highlighting his rise from a poor kitchen boy to a culinary icon during the Napoleonic era. The series, featuring Benjamin Voisin as Carême, intertwines themes of food, sex, and politics, as it explores Carême's culinary innovations and his involvement in political intrigue under diplomat Talleyrand. The show is set against the backdrop of post-revolutionary Paris, with lush production design that includes grand banquets and period costumes. Voisin and his co-star Alice Da Luz underwent extensive culinary training to accurately portray the dynamic kitchen environment and Carême's inventive cooking style. The series culminates in a spectacular outdoor coronation banquet, symbolizing Carême's ascent to fame and the birth of modern French cuisine.
Benjamin Voisin stars as Antonin Carême in the series, embodying a rock 'n' roll attitude reminiscent of Mick Jagger, with a focus on Carême's charisma and culinary genius.
The show delves into Carême's life, highlighting his journey from humble beginnings to becoming the standard-bearer of French cuisine, and his role as a political pawn for Talleyrand.
Production elements include elaborate sets, period-inspired costumes, and a meticulously designed kitchen to authentically depict the era and Carême's culinary world.
The series emphasizes Carême's culinary creativity, showcasing his iconic inventions like the croquembouche and vol-au-vent, and portrays the challenges he faced in mastering the art of cooking.
Voisin and Da Luz underwent intensive culinary training, learning authentic French techniques to convincingly portray the high-pressure environment of Carême's kitchen.
The narrative intertwines themes of ambition and desire, posing questions about the lengths people will go to achieve their dreams, set against the political backdrop of Napoleonic France.
The season finale features an extravagant coronation banquet, symbolizing Carême's crowning achievement and solidifying his status as a culinary legend, with grandiose food displays befitting an emperor.