Time Traveling Table

Alright, it’s time to pick the next country for my global food journey. I originally thought I’d go with an alphabetical approach, but as I was diving into the details, I found something that made me hit pause. As of 2025, there are 195 countries in the world, 193 member states of the United Nations and 2 observer states (the Holy See and Palestine). Even if I do this food adventure for the rest of my life, I’m not going to get through the list before I kick the bucket, and I’d miss out on countries I was really excited for.

So instead of sticking to a rigid list, I’m going to follow my gut (or should I say my stomach). And hey, maybe someday I’ll even let you all weigh in on the next country to explore. But for now, I’ve decided that the next stop on this culinary journey is Mexico. Here’s why:

1. Beans Are Life: Beans are, hands down, my all-time favorite food. And when it comes to beans, Mexico is a literal culinary wonderland. From refried to black, pinto, and beyond, there’s just something magical about Mexican bean dishes. Plus, they’re versatile, affordable, and incredibly delicious.
2. Family-Friendly Vibes: My family and I eat Mexican food all the time, so picking Mexico feels like a win-win. It’s a thank-you to them for putting up with my ever-changing food adventures. This way, I can make something we can all get excited about!
3. Budget-Friendly: Let’s be real, importing specialty foods from across the globe can get really expensive. While the U.S. is a melting pot of cultures, diving into ancient, prehistorical cuisines could mean sourcing very local ingredients, hello, pricey imports! Mexico is just a hop, skip, and a jump away, and the abundance of specialty Mexican grocery stores nearby makes this a no-brainer for my wallet (and sanity). Plus, I can avoid those ridiculous shipping fees for exotic produce and meat.
4. Garden Goals: I’m also all about planting things in my backyard. Parts of Mexico’s climate is similar to where I live, which means I can grow plants native to that region more easily. Less hassle, less time spent Googling “how to grow tropical fruit in the snow,” and more satisfying harvests. Win.

So there you have it, Mexico is next! Time to dive into the flavors, culture, and food traditions that make this country such a rich and vibrant culinary destination. Stay tuned for what’s coming next. Who knows? You might get to choose the country after that!