With all the focus we have had lately on teaching the kids how to cook their favorite meals, it was no surprise that we fell into a lengthy dinner table discussion the other night about the idea of a “Last Supper”. I know, it sounds a bit morose, to talk with your children of life just before death, so perhaps you would want to change it up a bit should you decide to engage your own family in a chat about the subject. If your kids are very young, or you anticipate that they would be sensitive to the topic, could always make it a “If you were stuck alone on a desert island, and could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?” kind of thing. If, however, your kids are like mine, and don’t seem the slight bit phased by the fact that what you are asking, is for them to tell you what they would choose to eat as their last meal before they DIED, then by all means, stick with the “Last Supper” format. Either way, I guarantee it will be an interesting conversation, one that may surprise you in many ways.
Our conversation was also partly prompted by my recently revisiting a book I received as a gift from my wife last year entitled, My Last Supper: 50 Great Chefs and Their Final Meals / Portraits, Interviews, and Recipes
Interestingly, with only a few exceptions (Gary Danko stands out in this regard), the chefs chose simple, comfortable meals that carried strong memories for them from their childhoods, or time spent with family and friends over the years. I found this interesting, but given how I answered the question myself, not at all surprising. For me, the meal would certainly include flavors from my childhood, but would also include simple, bistro fare that I came to love during my years in France. As much as I love the drama, precision, and nuanced flavors of haute cuisine dining, if I had only one more go at the feed trough, it would be comfort food all the way. The “fanciest” part of my meal would likely be the wine that I would have served with it. I do love wine, and certainly wouldn’t be shy about asking for some VERY special glasses to enjoy with my last meal on earth. The feast would be enjoyed in my home, and cooked and shared with my immediate family.
In case your curious, here is my idea of a pretty perfect final meal:
I would start with some seared Foie Gras served with Brioche Toasts and a Fig and Port Wine Gastrique, accompanied by Champagne (alright, that’s a little fancy, I guess). A main course of Duck Confit with sides of Duck Fat Fried Potatoes, and Broccoli Rabe with Shallots, Garlic and Chiles, would be washed down with a hearty California Zinfandel, or a ripe French Grenache (ahhh…that’s more like it, fat drenched soul food). This rich course would be followed by a simple Arugula Salad with a Lemon Vinaigrette and Shaved Parmesan (to me, the simplest and most perfect salad). I would then move on to a cheese course to include the some of the finest artisanal cheeses and fresh baked breads from around the world, enjoyed with a variety of small wine tastes to match the cheeses served. Only after a nap to regain my strength would I attempt to eat dessert, which would be my Mom’s Strawberry Shortcake made with homemade biscuits, the freshest spring strawberries, and loads of sweetened, freshly whipped cream (the word Mom says it all, yes?). I would finish my meal with a glass of 1959 Chateau d’Yquem, because this IS a fantasy meal, and I really want to experience a classic vintage glass of Yquem at one point in my life (which at this point in the exercise is being measured in minutes).
That’s it….I’m done…..the angels can now carry me away, fat and happy!
So, dear readers, here is my question to you. What is yours, where would you be when you ate it, and whom would you eat it with? Please don’t be shy, we REALLY want to know. Take all the space you need in the comment box below to tell us what this meal would be for you.
Until next time – Steve