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.

Add this to my list of stellar foreign language series from Apple TV+. Careme really has everything you want in a great show - romance, intrigue, great acting, breathtaking cinematography, fantastic music, etc. PLUS mouthwatering food.

I can't speak to the historical accuracy of the show, but it's consistently entertaining from start to finish. Like all of Apple's foreign language series, I watched it with subtitles, as dubbed shows leave me very cold. Even though I understand very little French, I can't imagine watching this with any other voices than those of the original actors.

I rate Careme 8.8, putting it in my top 10 list of Apple's foreign language series. A great watch!

"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.

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!!!