My goal here is to cook a signature dish from every country in the world, but with more than 195 countries, including contested states, where does one begin? I thought of going in alphabetical order, but that can become tedious and predictable. I thought of going through each country by continent, but which continent do I choose first? Then the realization: why have a methodical system of ordering the countries, when I can close my eyes, take that leap of faith over the culinary cliff, and make a gastronomical kamikaze attack on the food world!
Enter the Chef’s Hat of Wanders: I wrote down all the names on a slip of paper and placed them into the hat. Once a week, I draw a random country from the mystical hat of wonders and learn about that country’s culture, language, and signature meals. I hereby surrender my taste buds to the fate of the culinary gods. Join me as the enigmatic toque blanche propels me, for I must succumb to its whims!