You're Dead to Me Alexis Soyer
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Aug 16, 2024 Join historian Dr. Annie Gray and comedian Ed Gamble as they unwrap the flamboyant life of Alexis Soyer, a 19th-century culinary pioneer. They delve into his journey from humble beginnings in France to fame in Britain, spotlighting his innovations like the portable stove and vibrant soup kitchen during the Crimean War. With humor, they discuss Soyer's extravagant dishes and the quirky nature of 19th-century dining. Plus, they explore how he helped shape food branding, turning kitchen creations into a spectacle and leaving a lasting culinary legacy.
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Expelled from Seminary
- Alexis Soyer, a culinary prodigy, was expelled from seminary for a prank.
- He climbed the cathedral tower, rang the Armageddon bell, and summoned the fire brigade.
The Banker's Ball
- In Paris, Soyer's partying led to an incident at a banker's ball involving missing trousers and expensive china.
- The police eventually located both items, resolving the embarrassing situation.
Escape from France
- Soyer's escape from France involved a quick costume change and a rousing rendition of La Marseillaise during a revolution.
- This act branded him a royalist sympathizer, forcing him to seek refuge in England.