It looks like I’m fighting a GI virus, so it may seem ironic for me to propose a food-related challenge. The (wanting to succumb to) death part fits though.

I had a little glimpse into chef culture today, thanks to Melanie Dunea’s My Last Supper: 50 Great Chefs and Their Final Meals. Apparently chefs have been asking one another for ages, “What would you like to eat for your last meal on earth?”

I thought I’d play along, and I challenge you to do so as well. You might be surprised at what you learn about your own sense of mortality and your life’s priorities.

What would I eat for my last supper?
I’m torn between wanting to enjoy something simple or going for something extravagant. But because this is my special meal, I want this to be a celebration! And every sumptuous mouthful will be that much more powerful because it would be the last.

I think I would want a potluck, with some coordination on my part. I would want everyone to prepare something to share, or go out of their way to pick up something especially nice. If I could manage to make the meal some fusion of French country cuisine and Japanese home cooking, I’d do it. That might be asking for a bit much, though, even for one’s last meal.

Who would you want to prepare the meal?
I love cooking, but sometimes I spend too much time in the kitchen and not enough at the table. That’s why I suggested the potluck–then I can get the best of both worlds.

Also, we Remys love cooking and experimenting with flavors together.

Finally, my greatest successes have been eliciting surprise (of delight) from my guests. When conversation stops dead because they’ve really noticed what they put on their tongues and they have to bring their full attention to bear on the culinary experience.

Who would be on my guest list?
The guest list would be self-selecting: Anyone who considered my life one worth celebrating. Everyone who loves me for who I am, in spite of my septillion faults. Each of you make life worth living, and I’d want you with me at the end.

Cheers.