Apple TV+ French Drama 'Careme' to Tell the Story of Nineteenth Century Celebrity Chef
Streamer Apple TV+ isn't particularly known for its period-set offerings, which are basically limited to offbeat comedy Dickinson and the star-studded adaptation of The Essex Serpent. But, that may not be the case for much longer. A lavish remake of Edith Wharton's The Buccaneers is in the works and the streamer has also nabbed Ridley Scott's upcoming historical epic — and likely awards bait — Napoleon. It's also greenlit a new French eight-part drama about the life of the man who became the world's first celebrity chef.
Called Careme, the series follows the story of Antonin Careme, a man who rose from humble beginnings to achieve the height of culinary fame in Naopleon's Europe. Initially known for his ambitious patisserie skills — he was famous for his large pièces montées, or elaborate table decorations sculpted in sugar — he eventually expanded his knowledge to cover all aspects of cooking, and helped codify much of what we consider classic French cooking today. (If you love a good Bechamel, thank this man.)
His most notable patrons included French foreign minister Charles-Maurice de Talleyrand-Périgord, Napoleon Bonaparte, Tsar Alexander I of Russia, and the British Prince Regent. It is also said that Careme also worked as a spy for Talleyrand, ferrying back information heard at dinner tables throughout Europe, and it is this idea that the new Apple TV+ series appears to be aiming to explore.
