theme challenge

I am trying to create a page where items are organized in categories, and each category will have subcategories, but not all of this information (the heirarchy) should be displayed at once. Each category should take one to a page where there is a somewhat static header (e.g. main image with some text) with recent posts below that. Once on the main category page, one should be able to see the expanded list of categories to choose from.

two examples to illustrate my need:

1) recipes organized by country of origin. by clicking the country you are taken to a page that has a neat image of some distinguishing dish from the region with many subcategories to choose from based on type of dish etc… all of which helps the reader find posted recipes.

2) music artist content. say page is about pop music and each main category is an artist. the main category page again will have a main pic of the artist and some text… then subcategories that direct a reader to lyrics, images, interviews, etc… all of which helps the reader find posted content related to their favorite pop artist.

your input would be much appreciated. i have been looking at the various themes and none seem to obviously lend to this use.

thanks,

Paul