Ottolenghi and the Cakes of Versailles

Ottolenghi and the Cakes of Versailles, directed by Laura Gabbert, is a 2020 documentary film that beautifully blends history, passion, and confectionery. The movie follows the journey of celebrated Israeli-British chef, Yotam Ottolenghi, as he is tasked by the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York to bring to life the opulence and grandeur of the Palace of Versailles through a culinary extravaganza.

Yotam Ottolenghi, world-renowned for his innovative take on Middle Eastern cuisine and bakery, is at the heart of this film, embodying his role as both curator and gastronomic artist. His challenge involves putting together a team of visionaries who share his penchant for experimentation and dessert-architecture, to pay homage to the period of Louis XIV's reign, known for its extravagant feasts and detailed pastries.

The movie brings onboard pastry architect Dinara Kasko, chocolatier Dominique Ansel, historic cooking expert Deborah Krohn, gelatin-designers Bompas & Parr, and patissier Janice Wong. Each with their unique perspectives and groundbreaking culinary styles - ingeniously blend contemporary techniques with historical inspiration to create a visually stunning, delectable event mirroring the essence of the Versailles court banquets.

As the movie progresses, viewers get an in-depth look into each practitioner's process - from conceptualization to the final execution - showcasing the immaculate detail, effort, and passion that goes into their creations. Dominique Ansel, known globally for creating the Cronut, injects his signature creativity into extravagant French pastries, while Dinara Kasko, famous for her innovative molds, utilizes modern technology in her quest for architectural precision in her cakes.

Adding to the richness of the story, the film traverses various locations, including the practitioner's kitchens, the Met, and even Versailles itself, offering enchanting visual imagery and historical insights. Through interviews with curators, historians, and even Versailles' chief gardener, viewers are privy to facts about the Palace, its illustrious history of extravagant gastronomy, and the aesthetics of the time, further emphasising the intricacies of the project at hand.

However, Ottolenghi and the Cakes of Versailles is not just a label pasted on a glamorous exhibition of food and history. At its core, the film offers a deeper exploration of the central role of food in culture – how it unites people, communicates stories, and operates as a form of art itself. The narrative gently nudges its audiences to understand and appreciate the creative process behind edible masterpieces, and how it reflects on society then and now.

In the run-up to the Feast Day, you can sense the tension in the air, the messy magic of the “behind-the-scenes," and the sheer joy of creation that prevails throughout the tumult. The film cleverly captures optimisms and setbacks, including unexpected technical glitches and last-minute surprises that add a dash of suspense to the otherwise sweet storyline. Juxtaposing the grandeur of the royal past with contemporary chaos, it subtly highlights how precision and perfection were as desirable centuries ago as they are in today's high-stakes world of culinary arts.

While doused in an abundance of visual richness and historical grandeur, Ottolenghi and the Cakes of Versailles also brings forth complex themes of excess and decadence. In drawing parallels between the luxurious banquets of yesteryears and our modern-day consumption patterns, the film stands out as a thought-provoking commentary on food and sustainability issues.

In every frame, Laura Gabbert delivers an intoxicating blend of beauty, creativity, and a hint of drama, providing an all-encompassing treat for the senses. As Ottolenghi and his dream team reconcile past grandeur with modern sensibilities, they serve up a masterpiece that is a sight for the soul, making "Ottolenghi and the Cakes of Versailles" an unmissable cinematic indulgence for foodies, history buffs and art lovers alike. You'll come for the extravagant cakes and stay for the absorbing tales, passionate individuals, and thought-provoking themes that the film tastefully layers within.