Carême, chef de reyes

Napoleon's years in power were a mix of revolution and novelty. This show takes the comedy angle and the taste of cuisine to take us to French capital Paris. Napoleon, Josephine, the king Louis, all the ambience of the royal figures and the details. Napoleon threw away monarchy and set Europe nobles into flames, but then he crowned himself emperor - what about that? We can picture the attack by the Jacobins, the nobles having fun, and mostly the palaces and the food like we never saw before: with art conecting food to life. Would you doubt if someone told you that Napoleon would only eat a few plates? Can you see a pattern? Please don't miss this series. It is a great miracle.

"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.

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!

After the Napoleonic Wars, the victorious powers of Europe were eager to dismantle France. Every monarch wanted a piece of it. But Talleyrand, a master of diplomacy, managed to preserve the nation's territorial integrity and ensured that France remained a power to be reckoned with. He used every diplomatic tactic at his disposal-none more effective than soft power. Lavish banquets and exquisite hospitality became tools of persuasion, orchestrated by his legendary personal chef, Marie-Antoine Carême. It is said-though likely apocryphal-that before meeting the angry kings of Europe, Carême declared: "Don't give me soldiers; give me 100 cooks, and I will rule the world."

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.