The Story of Marie Antoine Caréme

Marie-Antoine Carême wasn’t just any chef—he was the chef des rois et le roi des chefs (the chef of kings and the king of chefs). In this episode of Fabulously Delicious: The French Food Podcast, we delve into the life of this trailblazing culinary artist who revolutionised French cuisine during a time of great upheaval, from the French Revolution to the fall of Napoleon. Known for his towering pièces montées and meticulous codification of French sauces, Carême helped lay the foundations for haute cuisine as we know it.

But Carême's talents weren’t confined to the kitchen. He cooked for the likes of Napoleon, the future George IV of England, and Russian Tsar Alexander I, and spent significant time in the service of the famously strategic Talleyrand. Could it be that Carême’s placement in such elite circles had more to do with politics than pastry? A new Apple TV series hints at a fascinating subplot: was Carême a spy?

In this episode, we unpack the facts and the fictions. Was Carême truly passing secrets along diplomatic corridors under the guise of preparing extravagant banquets? Or is this just a delicious layer of historical speculation? While the evidence is far from definitive, the possibility adds an irresistible flavour to the story of a man who cooked for the most powerful men in Europe.

Join us as we explore Carême’s early life as an abandoned child in Paris, his rise through the culinary world, his groundbreaking contributions to French gastronomy, and the tantalising rumours that swirl around his legacy. Whether he was simply a chef or something far more mysterious, one thing is certain: Carême changed the way the world eats—and maybe, just maybe, the way it thinks.

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

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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