Ruth Reichl’s "Garlic and Sapphires" illustrates the vast differences in culinary evolution between cultures, highlighting that Chinese cuisine was highly developed a millennium ago while French dining was still primitive. It emphasizes the deep-rooted history of utensils, noting that chopsticks have been used since the fourth century B.C., showing a sophisticated approach to dining long before the fork became commonplace in England.

The introduction of forks in England in 1611 signifies a shift in dining practices, revealing that they were originally used only to stabilize food, not for eating itself. This reflects the gradual evolution of dining utensils and techniques over time, underscoring the diverse culinary traditions across cultures and their historical significance.