Watch Ottolenghi and the Cakes of Versailles

Ottolenghi and the Cakes of Versailles is a visually stunning documentary film that explores the intersection of art, history, and food. This 2020 film is directed by Laura Gabbert and features some of the biggest names in the culinary world, including the famous chef Yotam Ottolenghi, renowned pastry chef Dominique Ansel, architect Dinara Kasko, and food architects Sam Bompas and Harry Parr.

The movie takes viewers on a journey inside The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, where a groundbreaking exhibition of 18th-century French dessert sculptures and modern-day creations was curated by Chef Dominique Ansel. Ansel is best known for creating the Cronut, a croissant-doughnut pastry that sparked a sensation when it was first introduced in 2013.

The story unfolds as Ottolenghi, Ansel, and their team of collaborators embark on a mission to create a series of cakes inspired by the sculptures and artwork of the Palace of Versailles. With unprecedented access to the exhibition, they meticulously study and plan each detail of their culinary creations, drawing inspiration from iconic artworks, sculpture, and decor.

The film showcases the painstaking process of creating these decadent desserts, from the creation of complex molds to the delicate art of assembling intricate layers of cakes and pastries. Fans of culinary shows such as Masterchef and The Great British Bake Off will appreciate the attention to detail and the stunning visual imagery of the desserts, which are both classic and contemporary.

The documentary also examines the cultural significance of these desserts, highlighting the history and symbolism behind each creation. Desserts were not just a way to satisfy a sweet tooth during the 18th century, but they also carried political, social, and cultural messages. The film cleverly connects the past with the present, showing how these desserts remain relevant in our modern age.

The documentary also delves into the lives of the diverse group of culinary professionals who bring the exhibition and dessert creations to life. Ottolenghi, a Jerusalem-born chef, shares his story of growing up in Israel and how food played an essential role in his cultural identity. Kasko, a Ukrainian architect turned pastry chef, provides insight into the creative process of designing intricate molds, which are then used to shape desserts.

Ansel takes center stage in the film, sharing his approach to pastry making and how he transformed the culinary world with his innovative creations. In addition to the Cronut, Ansel is also credited with the creation of the Cookie Shot, which is essentially a cookie-shaped container filled with flavored milk, as well as other popular pastries.

Unsurprisingly, the star of the documentary remains the cakes themselves. Each cake is an edible work of art, a stunning representation of a bygone era of royal decadence and excess. The pastry chefs seem to take pleasure in bringing these creations to life, allowing viewers to not just look at these delicious works of art but taste them as well.

Overall, Ottolenghi and the Cakes of Versailles is a must-see for foodies and art lovers alike. The documentary not only offers a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of edible art but also explores the cultural and historical significance of dessert-making. The film is a feast for the eyes and the taste buds, a delicious and visually stunning look at a unique blend of culinary talent and artistic vision.

Ottolenghi and the Cakes of Versailles is a 2020 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 15 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.0 and a MetaScore of 59.