From Royals to the Stage: The Curious Origins of Crêpe Suzette

In this episode of Fabulously Delicious, The French Food Podcast, we set the table for one of France’s most theatrical desserts: the Crêpe Suzette. A delicate pancake bathed in a luscious, citrusy, and buttery sauce, then flambéed with flair—this dessert is as much a visual performance as it is a culinary delight. But beyond the flame and flavor lies a mystery: who really invented it? Was it a young apprentice serving royalty, a Parisian actress with stage presence to spare, or a romantic royal rendezvous?

Host Andrew Prior takes listeners on a journey through the tangled, tantalizing tales of Crêpe Suzette’s origin. From Henri Charpentier’s alleged kitchen mishap for the Prince of Wales, to the stage antics of actress Suzette Reichenberg and the culinary refinement of legendary chef Auguste Escoffier, this episode dives deep into competing claims, cultural context, and delightful drama. Even Larousse Gastronomique chimes in with its own skeptical take on the more romanticized versions.

As always, Andrew spices up the storytelling with fascinating historical detail, a dash of wit, and plenty of gastronomic insight. Alongside the main origin stories, he shares how Crêpe Suzette evolved through time with creative variations across France—like the whisky-flambéed Micheline Crêpe from Bordeaux, or the fruity Laurette pancakes served with Bar-le-Duc jam. It's a delicious reminder that French cuisine is always reinventing itself while honoring tradition.

Whether you’re a fan of flambé, a French food lover, or just here for the stories behind the classics, this episode is your perfect serving of dessert history with a side of showbiz. So, pour yourself a glass of something bubbly and enjoy the magic behind one of France’s most iconic sweets. Bon appétit!

Looking to deepen your culinary journey beyond the podcast? Andrew's latest book, Paris: A Fabulous Food Guide to the World’s Most Delicious City, is your passport to gastronomic delights in the City of Lights. Packed with recommendations for boulangeries, patisseries, wine bars, and more, this guide ensures you savor the best of Parisian cuisine.

Find Andrew's book Paris: A Fabulous Food Guide to the World’s Most Delicious City and explore more at ⁠⁠www.andrewpriorfabulously.com⁠⁠. For a signed and gift-packaged copy

Support the show

Looking to deepen your culinary journey beyond the podcast? Andrew's latest book, Paris: A Fabulous Food Guide to the World’s Most Delicious City, is your passport to gastronomic delights in the City of Lights. Packed with recommendations for boulangeries, patisseries, wine bars, and more, this guide ensures you savor the best of Parisian cuisine.

Find Andrew's book Paris: A Fabulous Food Guide to the World’s Most Delicious City and explore more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.andrewpriorfabulously.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. For a signed and gift-packaged copy of the book, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Support the show

If you are planning a trip to France then why not come join me for a cooking experience in Montmorillon or a small group food tour in Lyon and/or Cote D’Azur. Don’t want to do a tour or class but want a fabulous holiday here in France, Paris, Nice, Lyon or so many other places then I can help you plan it. Click the link below to book your call now. https://www.buymeacoffee.com/andrewprior/e/123498

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