Why there isn't a best chef in the world
Unlike tennis and other sports, though, the world of haute cuisine doesn't really have a universally recognized ranking system like the Association of Tennis Professionals and the Women's Tennis Association. For those who point to the "Michelin Guide," I will politely say the French tire company provides ratings not rankings.
"The 50 Best" franchise certainly provides a glitzy showcase for some of the finest eating establishments in the world, but it's incomprehensive. The list has lots of Latin American representation, like Maido in Peru, but sparse North American luminaries. (One of my favorites, Atomix in New York, placed 12th this year, dropping six spots; the next U.S. restaurant isn't even in the top 50: Single Thread in Healdsburg, California, at 80.)
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A ball from Roki Sasaki's perfect game when he was with the Chiba Lotte Marines. | Joshua Mellin The two-way influence between America and Japan's shared pastime is covered extensively, tracing back to when Americans introduced the sport to Japan in the 1870s — highlighting the significant impact not only through athletes and ambassadors, but the passionate fan cultures in both countries. A pop culture section includes a deep dive into trading cards and baseball manga, and even the Hanshin Tigers' 'Curse of the Colonel' and subsequent 2023 Japan Series run are covered extensively alongside an infamous Winnie the Pooh baseball video game that visitors of all ages have been having difficulty resisting. There's even a passport stamp-style circuit in the exhibit that reveals an image after three different presses. And what would baseball be without the food? 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