Ep 1. Heston's Victorian Feast

Heston's Feasts season 1 episode 1, entitled "Heston's Victorian Feast," takes viewers on a culinary journey back in time to 19th century England. Hosted by Michelin-starred chef Heston Blumenthal, the show revolves around Heston's unique approach to cooking and his ability to create extraordinary and elaborate dishes.

In this episode, Heston is preparing a feast fit for a queen - literally. The challenge is to recreate the opulent and extravagant menus that were served at Queen Victoria's banquets during the 1800s. Heston sets out to recreate some of the iconic dishes that graced the tables of the Victoria era, from turtle soup to quail pie and boar's head.

With the help of a team of historians, Heston explores the origins and history of each dish, uncovering the quirky and sometimes bizarre customs that shaped the culinary world of the 19th century. From the significance of silver plates to the origins of the salt cellar, every detail of the Victorian feast is meticulously researched and recreated.

The main challenge for Heston and his team is to source the authentic ingredients needed to create the dishes. Many of the ingredients used in the 19th century are no longer commonly used, and some are not even available anymore. Heston must search far and wide to find the right ingredients and create the flavors that are true to the era.

As the show progresses, viewers get an insight into Heston's creative process as he experiments with different flavors and techniques to bring the dishes to life. From infusing mushrooms with pineapple to creating a savory custard, Heston's inventive approach is always on display.

Beyond the cooking itself, the show also explores the social and cultural context of the Victorian era. From the strict dining etiquette to the gender roles and class divisions that shaped society, Heston's feast is as much a history lesson as it is a culinary journey.

Overall, Heston's Feasts season 1 episode 1 is a captivating exploration of the history and culture of Victorian England, as seen through the lens of its food and dining customs. With his trademark wit and ingenuity, Heston creates a feast that is both authentic and innovative, reminding viewers of the enduring power of food to tell stories and bring people together.