A new Apple TV+ series titled Carême delves into the life of Antonin Carême, often hailed as the "King of Chefs and the Chef of Kings." Born into poverty in pre-revolutionary Paris around 1784, Carême rose to prominence through his unparalleled culinary talents. Serving illustrious figures such as Napoleon, Charles Talleyrand, George IV, Tsar Alexander, and Baron de Rothschild, he revolutionized the culinary world with innovations like the tall chef's hat (Torque) and authored celebrated cookbooks. The series portrays Carême as a confident, brash figure akin to modern celebrity chefs, emphasizing his influence on contemporary gastronomy.
The narrative unfolds against the backdrop of post-revolutionary France, where Carême’s journey from an impoverished youth to a celebrated chef is dramatized. Benjamin Voisin, who plays Carême, brings a rock-star charisma to the role, capturing the chef's audacity and flair. Historically, Carême was instrumental in shaping kitchen routines, defining sauces, garnishes, and multi-course dining that characterized haute cuisine. His sugar sculptures, meticulously sketched by himself, were marvels of craftsmanship, depicting classical lyres and Venetian gondolas.
While some aspects of the series take creative liberties—such as portraying Carême as a spy—the essence of his contributions remains intact. Martin Bourboulon, the director, aimed to infuse the story with a modern sensibility, avoiding traditional period drama tropes. This approach includes linking food with sensuality, evident in scenes where the camera lingers over dishes and red fruit drips in the title sequence. Ian Kelly’s biography, which inspired the series, highlights Carême’s transformation from a child abandoned during the Reign of Terror to a chef apprenticed under Sylvain Bailly and later hired by Talleyrand.
Carême’s impact extends beyond his time. He bridged the gap between aristocratic patronage and the burgeoning restaurant culture post-French Revolution. Nathalie Cooke notes that this era saw skilled chefs adapting to economic turbulence, serving broader audiences rather than royalty alone. Auguste Escoffier, Carême’s successor, expanded French culinary influence internationally. Modern media has further amplified the celebrity chef phenomenon, with figures like Ferran Adrià and René Redzepi embodying creative genius in their craft.
Beyond the screen, the series hopes to reignite interest in Carême’s legacy. Despite his fame in France, director Martin Bourboulon believes his story deserves wider recognition. By intertwining themes of food, love, and politics, the show paints a vivid portrait of how this young man brought his talents to the tables of powerful leaders, leaving an indelible mark on culinary history. As viewers tune in starting April 30, 2025, they will embark on a journey celebrating the origins of culinary stardom.