A month or so ago, I purchased a book by Melanie Dunea titled My Last Supper: 50 Great Chefs and Their Final Meals. It’s a fun read.
Dunea asked each chef a handful of questions about how they would spend their last meal, where, with whom, and what – as in what would be on the menu. As I’ve been reading these entries, I’ve been contemplating a dinner party fashioned after this, and as a result, my own last supper. I decided to answer in a quick, brainstorming manner recognizing that otherwise I would get hung up. Here’s mine. What about you? What would be your last supper?
What is the setting?
On the sand in Perea, just outside of Thessaloniki on the other side of Kalamaria, with the water just a few feet away. It would be one long table with white linens. Everyone would be barefoot.
Would there be music?
Since we’re imagining, all things are possible. Maria Callas would sing live and there would be a sampling of Greek music performed by the likes of Marinella, Kazantzidis, Alexiou, Parios, Vissi, etc. It would be a long evening, the Gypsy Kings would also perform, and then we’d plug in my iPod and listen to the International playlist. Perhaps in the final hour, I’d blast out Echo and the Bunnymen and Under the Milky Way by The Church.
What would be on the menu?
The meal would consist of a variety of small plates, just enough to taste. A beet salad like the one we prepare at home with frequency. Horiatiki (Greek village salad). Pastitsio. Pita. Lots of feta from Epirus. Tzatziki. Onion rings. Really good French fries. Jalapenos, fresh – I eat them with everything. A variety of fresh steamed vegetables in season. Fruity olive oil. Crusty bread. Cheeses. Fruit. Nuts. Good wine.
We would end the evening with good dark chocolate and some salty potato chips as we stood ankle deep in the water under the moonlight.
Who would be my dining companions?
My husband and close friends and family. My father. Vicky. Judie. Kilby. Richard. Susan. Maria. Jess. Gabriel Garcia Marquez. Lawrence Durrell. Nikos Kazantzakis. Jesus Christ. Buddha. Quite the assortment. I’d like it to be a big crowd, bigger than what I’ve listed, and make it a celebration. I envision a table as long as those at Outstanding in the Field events.
Who would cook?
I would don my apron and invite others to assist.
Fun exercise.
Kali Orexi and Bon Appetit!
