The Chef's Apprentice

6 x 30 mins

In a glossy drama-documentary series, The Chef's Apprentice looks at twenty centuries of meals, manners, and food.

Each film tells a story, set around the reconstruction of a real meal, at different times in history. As the story unfolds, we see the food, its preparation, and the workings of the household. The programmes are introduced by Roy Ackerman, chef, restaurateur, and television personality, together with a well-known chef with a particular interest in the food of each period.
 

 video
(windows media) 
 300K

The Roman Apprentice
The Emperor Hadrian visits Britain in 122 AD, and entertains the Chief of the Brigantes. Roy Ackerman discusses Roman cooking and the food of the Empire with Robert Carrier.

The Mediaeval Apprentice
On a brief return from the wars in France with King Henry V in 1420, the Earl of Warwick hosts a magnificent banquet. Guest chef is Richard Shepherd, Head chef and co-owner with Michael Caine of London's Langan's Brasserie.

The Renaissance Apprentice
Florence, 1465. Preparations for the wedding of Lorenzo de Medici, later to be known as "the Magnificent" to Clarice Orsini, daughter of Rome's most powerful family. Prue Leith shows how this is the period where modern cooking began - and how a chef from this household taught the French how to cook..

The Sun King's Apprentice
France, 1661. France's Premier Minister, Nicolas Fouquet, is arrested for treason by D'Artagnan (yes, he really was a captain of the King's Musketeers). Novelties and enthusiasms of the time - such as turkey, and peas - are discussed by Raymond Blanc.