Ep 20. The Birth of French Haute Cuisine

In season 1 episode 20 of Food: A Cultural Culinary History, viewers will learn about the birth of French haute cuisine. Haute cuisine or "high cuisine" refers to the elaborate and complicated cooking techniques that originated in France during the 17th century. This episode will explore how French haute cuisine came to be and how it was influenced by the social and political climate of France at the time.

To start, the episode will delve into the history of French cuisine. Viewers will be taken back to the reign of Louis XIV, when France was emerging as a major European power. This era was marked by an increase in wealth and luxury, and the French aristocracy began to demand more sophisticated and refined cuisine.

Viewers will then learn about Francois Vatel, a master chef who is credited with creating many of the dishes and culinary techniques that are still used in French haute cuisine today. Vatel was hired by Louis XIV to prepare a grand feast for the king's guests, and he wowed everyone with his intricate and exquisite dishes.

The episode will also explore the influence of French philosophers, such as Jean-Jacques Rousseau, on the development of French cuisine. Rousseau believed that food should be simple and natural, and his ideas helped to shape the way that French chefs approached cooking.

Throughout the episode, viewers will see how French haute cuisine became intertwined with French politics and culture. For example, during the French Revolution, chefs were forced to simplify their cooking techniques and use more common ingredients, as the French people began to reject the extravagance and opulence of the aristocracy.

Finally, the episode will examine the legacy of French haute cuisine. Viewers will see how this style of cooking has spread throughout the world and influenced the way that people cook and eat today. From classic French dishes like coq au vin to modern cuisine like molecular gastronomy, French haute cuisine has left an indelible mark on the culinary world.

Overall, season 1 episode 20 of Food: A Cultural Culinary History offers an engaging and informative look at the birth of French haute cuisine. Viewers will come away with a deeper understanding of the history and culture that shaped this iconic style of cooking, as well as an appreciation for the chefs and philosophers who helped bring it to life.