In the 16th century, bare - headed chefs were often imprisoned because of their freethinking and saucy ways.
Many chefs ( à la James Bond) went undercover. They hid in monasteries amongst priests and garbed themselves accordingly. Priests wore tall hats so... the chefs wore tall hats! The costume stuck.
I'll eat my hat if you can find out exactly why they were persecuted. I'm all googled out.
Editor: Do you have a Texas ten gallon hat? Marie: I'll opt for a beanie!
