Join Dr. Annie Gray, a renowned food historian, and comedian Ed Gamble as they dive into the life of Alexis Soyer, the pioneering 19th-century chef. Discover how Soyer's innovative portable stove revolutionized kitchens and how he blended cooking with celebrity culture. Explore his heartwarming yet tragic love story that inspired culinary creativity, plus his philanthropic efforts during the Irish Potato Famine. This lively discussion uncovers the forgotten legacy of a man who shaped modern cuisine in extraordinary ways.
Alexis Soyer revolutionized kitchen technology with innovations like gas cooking and temperature-controlled ovens, advancing modern culinary practices.
His charitable initiatives during the Irish Potato Famine and the Crimean War showcased a blend of culinary skill and humanitarian commitment.
Deep dives
The Life and Early Career of Alexis Soyer
Alexis Soyer was born in 1810 in Meaux, France, which is famous for its cheese and mustard. His early life was marked by his initial training for the priesthood, which he abandoned after a rebellious act that culminated in his expulsion. Following this, he moved to Paris to live with his brother Philippe, who was a chef, and Soyer quickly immersed himself in the culinary scene. He rose to prominence during a tumultuous period in France, famously escaping a revolutionary mob by singing the national anthem, which solidified his reputation as a patriot and chef.
Innovations in the Kitchen
Soyer was not only a talented chef but also a pioneer in kitchen technology during his time. He installed innovative kitchen designs at the Reform Club, including steam tables and temperature-controlled ovens, significantly improving cooking methods. His advocacy for gas cooking and other kitchen gadgets, such as sliding cutting boards, transformed culinary environments, making them more efficient and practical. Soyer's efforts in popularizing these inventions positioned him as an influential figure in the development of modern culinary practices.
Culinary Pioneer and Author
Alexis Soyer is recognized for writing influential cookbooks, including Shilling Cookery for the People and The Gastronomic Regenerator, which made cooking more accessible to the general public. His cookbooks often blended recipes with social commentary, reflecting Victorian society's tastes and challenges. In addition to publishing, he ventured into brand partnerships, becoming an early influencer by marketing sauces and kitchen gadgets, essentially laying the groundwork for food branding and marketing strategies. His approach to culinary publishing not only showcased his talents but also made cooking more approachable and relatable for the average home cook.
Charity Work During Crisis
During the Irish Potato Famine, Soyer established a soup kitchen that implemented factory-style feeding principles, allowing for the efficient distribution of meals to thousands. While his intentions were noble, the methods he employed faced criticism for their impersonal approach to charity and nutrition. Later, he traveled to Scutari during the Crimean War to improve the dire conditions facing British soldiers, utilizing his culinary expertise to elevate the food quality and hygiene standards in hospitals. Despite suffering from illness upon his return, Soyer’s contributions to humanitarian efforts highlighted his commitment to using his skills for the benefit of those in need.
Greg Jenner is joined in the 19th century by Dr Annie Gray and comedian Ed Gamble to learn all about French celebrity chef Alexis Soyer.
Despite being well-known during his lifetime, Soyer is virtually unknown today. His primary legacy was a portable stove, used by the British army until the Falklands War. But Soyer was a prototypical celebrity chef: he opened the Reform Club kitchen to the public so that they could watch him cook, wrote popular cookbooks, sold kitchen gadgets and branded sauces, and even took part in high-profile charity campaigns.
From his birth in France to the success he found in London, via a soup kitchen in Dublin and a hospital during the Crimean War, this episode explores Alexis Soyer’s extraordinary life and culinary innovations.
This is a radio edit of the original podcast episode. For the full-length version, please look further back in the feed.
Hosted by: Greg Jenner
Research by: Hannah Campbell Hewson
Written by: Emmie Rose Price-Goodfellow, Emma Nagouse, and Greg Jenner
Produced by: Emmie Rose Price-Goodfellow and Greg Jenner
Audio Producer: Steve Hankey
Production Coordinator: Ben Hollands
Senior Producer: Emma Nagouse
Executive Editor: James Cook
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode