Last Meal

I don't expect ever to be on death row, but if I were to end up there, what would I want for my last meal? Apparently this question is a favorite of chefs; I'm reading A Cook's Tour by Anthony Bourdain, in which he talks about most people's favorite meals being simple ones from childhood that evoke certain pleasant memories. While the focus of the book is ostensibly the origins of his first television show, he spends a great deal of time (at least in the first few chapters, which are all I can speak to so far) discussing the interplay of food and memory. He says that few chefs -- and presumably others -- would choose a fancy restaurant meal. Instead he gives a few examples of the kinds of meals they choose: barbequed short ribs, biscuits and gravy, Mom's meatloaf.

My meal tonight came pretty close to being a great last meal, and it too was simple. I tend to shift food preferences, but I always really enjoy macaroni and cheese (always either Kraft Original or Annie's White Cheddar) with peas -- fresh or frozen, never canned. I made barbequed chicken in the slow cooker, and mixed everything together on my plate. Fantastic, if not especially healthy. Certainly I could have been more unhealthy in my eating, but I'm trying to get back on track after meals away from home for more than a week. So if I were to choose my last meal right now, I would tend to pick my meal du jour. I would probably have to add a complementary dessert -- after all, it would be my last meal! -- so I would go with something like a fresh fruit tart or other light fruity choice.

Most of us don't know which meal will be our last, and that's probably a good thing! I don't know anyone on death row (I seem to recall saying that recently in another context -- hmmm), but if I did, I'd ask him or her how to choose. Most people who are there spend a long time waiting for that last meal. I watched a documentary recently about a man who had been taken to the "death chamber" three times, being granted a reprieve at the last minute each time. I wonder if he had the same "last meal" each time. Is it better or worse when you know it's the last? Yes, I know I'm focusing on the wrong things here regarding death row inmates, but I'm curious.