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.

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.

"Carême," the French speaking drama on Apple TV+, serves up a delectable blend of culinary artistry, political intrigue, and steamy romance. The show is centred on Antonin Carême, the world's first celebrity chef.

Benjamin Voisin shines as the charismatic, flirtatious Carême, whose pastry prowess and herbal knowledge propel him from Paris bake shops to the courts of Napoleon's elite.

The show, loosely based on Ian Kelly's "Cooking terminology for Kings," trades historical accuracy for a spry, modern vibe, evoking the fizz of "Downton Abbey" and the kitchen intensity of "The Bear."

Carême's dishes become tools of espionage and seduction, navigating a web of power plays orchestrated by the cunning Talleyrand (Jérémie Renier). While the high-stakes plot-saving Europe through puff pastry-teeters on cartoonish, the lush visuals, copper-pot-laden kitchens, and strong performances, keep it engaging.

First two episodes - seem like an overstuffed mix of spy thriller, erotic drama, and culinary showcase - feels bloated. Some predictable twists dilute its female characters' depth, even if it fills the revisionist history bowl to its brim!

Considering having to read sub-titles, "Carême" comes off as a compulsively watchable romp, incredibly good visual splendour and lusty energy. Most viewers will forgive its historical liberties/revisionist history, and settle for its sumptuous feast, if slightly uneven, feast.

Rating: 5.5/10.

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...

At the heart of Carême is Benjamin Voisin's captivating performance as Antonin Carême, an orphaned pastry prodigy whose culinary genius propels him from the slums of Paris to the opulent courts of Europe. Voisin masterfully captures Carême's fiery ambition and complex moral compass as he navigates a world where every dish can be a political statement and every alliance a potential betrayal. His portrayal brings depth to a character torn between the pursuit of gastronomic perfection and the seductive lures of power and fame.

The series intricately weaves Carême's culinary journey with his reluctant entanglement in espionage, orchestrated by the cunning diplomat Charles-Maurice de Talleyrand-Périgord, played with sly sophistication by Jérémie Renier. Their dynamic adds a layer of tension and intrigue, highlighting the precarious balance between art and politics in a time of upheaval.