Culinary Science: A Journey to Absolute Zero

The chef Raymond Blanc nominates his mentor and friend, the physicist Professor Nicholas Kurti. Kurti was born in Hungary but fled to Oxford when Hitler came to power. Pushing the frontiers of low-temperature physics during his career, he went on to create‘molecular gastronomy’ in retirement. Raymond Blanc approached Kurti after a lecture the professor gave in his 80s. Blanc asked to help him understand the science behind his trials with leaky puff pastry and souffles that wouldn’t rise. Kurti agreed and so began a friendship of fun and great respect.

As Raymond Blanc says; “Imagine! Two complete geniuses!”

Raymond Blanc also promises to give Matthew “The best steak of your life”.

Presented by Matthew Parris and produced by Ellie Richold in Bristol for BBC Studios Audio