Who is the very first influencer in history?
Who introduced table manners in Europe?
When you think of influencers today, the first person that likely comes to your mind is Chiara Ferragni. But do you know who the first celebrity chef in Europe was?
Her full name was Caterina Maria Romola di Lorenzo de’ Medici. Caterina de’ Medici was born in Florence on April 13, 1519. She belonged to the influential Florentine Medici family: her father was Lorenzo de’ Medici II, her mother a French Princess, Madeleine de la Tour d’Auvergne, and her uncle was the powerful Pope in Rome, Clemente VII.
In 1533, at the age of fourteen, Caterina married Henry d’Orléans, the future king of France. The couple had a total of ten children, six of whom survived infancy. Due to her marriage, Caterina, the great-granddaughter of Lorenzo Il Magnifico, brought a large group of cooks (or what we now call “chefs”) and artisans with her to France.
These chefs, particularly skilled in preparing Florentine delicacies of the Renaissance cuisine, introduced the unique Florentine style of cooking and a plethora of new ingredients to France, not to mention Tuscan wines. Can we consider her the “first influencer”?
Caterina was an excellent cook herself, and she is recognized today not only as the first Royal Renaissance food enthusiast but also as the Florentine Queen Mother of France’s Haute Cuisine. She set a new standard for Florentine etiquette and table decorum, not only in France but throughout Europe!
When planning your wedding, you will undoubtedly search for a great Destination Wedding Planner, the perfect venue, and the best catering. But remember, when you talk about catering, you are essentially invoking the expertise of Caterina de’ Medici – the very first expert in food, wine, and table etiquette!
