In the Renaissance, with cities like Venice and Florence at the helm of European innovation, changes in the arts and sciences lead to a new outlook in eating habits. Vegetable gardens became horticultural laboratories, recipes were published thanks to the likes of Gutenburg and table etiquette became the obsessive subject of social standing.
The 16th Century was a time of conflict within the church of Christianity, and the conflict spread from the battlefield onto the dining table, with the philosophies of Da Vinci and Luther creating divides amongst followers.The chef became the true master of ceremonies in the courts. The sugar craze, use of spices and table manners guide of Erasmus are aspects of Renaissance gastronomy that are still in place today.