Carême

Carême" may be the most Gallic show ever made. Not because the Apple TV+ drama features enough torrid affairs to make Carrie Bradshaw blush; not even because the action unfolds in the political heart of Napoleonic Paris, enlisting such real-life figures as foreign minister Charles-Maurice de Talleyrand (Jérémie Renier), police chief Joseph Fouché (Micha Lescot) and Empress Josephine (Maud Wyler) as major characters. No, what makes this French-language show about French history so extra, incredibly French is the namesake protagonist: a dashing, seductive, single-earring-wearing spy who also happens to be a founding father of haute cuisine.

Careme is "glossy" and melodramatic and frequently risque telling of an enjoyably wild this series is a garlanded with glamour, royalty and vast historical panoramas...not a documentary".

The serous shows the characters talent in deepth and astounding ways of doing things.

I didn't expect to like this original series from Apple+. I thought it was going to be like one of those cheesy erotic cooking videos on Tik-Tok, and Apple+ has a terrible track record when it comes to its original programming.

But, Mon Dieu, I was, how you say? Surprised.

The series is well written, and a feast for the eyes; with great period detail. They put money into this project.

Lead actor, Benjamin Voisin has bags of personality and appeal and is quite a good actor.

On another level, the French intrigue makes this a spy story, as well as, an historical one.

And the culinary aspect is very appealing.

Carême is an exceptional and stylish series that follows the rise of Marie-Antoine Carême, a young chef whose culinary talent propels him into the upper echelons of early 19th-century French society. Blending a compelling coming-of-age journey with political intrigue, the story features the likes of Talleyrand and is set against the larger historical canvas of Bonaparte's France. While gastronomy plays a central role, it is woven naturally into the plot, showcasing Carême's ambition and creative flair without overwhelming the narrative.

The series doesn't shy away from sensuality either-it's steamy in more ways than one. Romantic tension and physical passion simmer just beneath the surface, adding depth and intensity to character relationships. Benjamin Voisin delivers a standout performance in the lead role, commanding attention with charisma and emotional range.

Visually, Carême is a treat. The cinematography is elegant, the set designs are lush, and the costumes bring a modern edge to the period setting. Combined with a striking score and opening sequence, the series offers a well-rounded and immersive viewing experience that is both entertaining and richly layered.

I am a sucker for a dramatic show about cooking that isn't reality TV, so I was hooked from the trailer. Still, many shows can disappoint and distract from the food, which, in honesty, this did on numerous occasions. However... it is still a great series. There is a lot of romance, deception, politics, drama, etc., but at the centre of it all is still food. Carême is the father of French cuisine, and his contributions to the culinary arts have made their way into every professional kitchen worldwide, regardless of the cuisine. I absolutely loved seeing his life displayed on screen, regardless of the accuracy. I know a lot of the drama is amped up and likely not entirely factual, but I do know the history of the culinary advancements and achievements shown in the series are verifiably true. That is enough for me to want to see encore encore encore!!!

The aftermath of the early period in the French revolution, as Napoléon Bonaparte proves to be no different than the previous royal dictators who continued with corruption to suppress the people with poverty. In the thick of it was the legendary chef, Antonin Carême (the superb Benjamin Voisin), who was forced to participate in the dirty political games in order to survive and save his step-father. The amazing food that Carême creates to appease the powers-that-be looks amazing, as does the production values in this fascinating thriller during a historical time of political upheaval and social unrest, where believe it or not some of France's culinary delights were born...