I love dimly lit restaurants with mussels and fries on the menu.
I love wrapping myself in a warm blanket with a mountain of cookbooks around me and a mug of hot chocolate in my hand.
I love frosting.
And cake.
And the scent of new books at Barnes and Noble.
This afternoon I pose the age old question: what would your last meal be?
You know, if you only had one meal left and could pick anything on earth to eat…what would it be? Would you go the classic route with a perfect steak and fudge covered chocolate cake? Or are you more complex, asking for only a bowl of vanilla ice cream topped with a warm gooey chocolate chip cookie that’s slightly undercooked in the center?
For some reason, people love to ask me this question. I guess because they figure I’m obsessed with food and will have a really good and creative response.
People also love to ask me what my favorite dessert it. How could I possibly pick when I love them all?! It’s like asking a mother which child is her favorite.
I found myself thinking about this question though this morning as I stood in my fuzzy leopard print slippers and waited for my bagel to toast. I swear I wasn’t being morbid, I was just hungry.
If I had to pick one meal…one meal for the rest of my life… it would go as follows:
appetizer: one green chili pulled pork taco from Torchy’s in Austin with a shot of sweet tea (no vodka..just tea!) on the side
first course: a big salad with lots of spring mix (no curly lettuce), topped with roasted hazelnuts, fresh goat cheese and roasted beets
entree: a Croque-Madam sandwich from Circles Cafe in Paris (right near the Luxembourg Gardens). Now this important: I’d like the bread to be extra thick and toasted, and the egg to be extra runny. I would eat my sandwich slowly, using a fork and knife, and dip individual bites in spicy whole grain mustard. On the side, I’d drink a steamy cafe au lait made with creamy whole milk and raw sugar.
dessert: nutella crepe with caramelized banana slices and freshly whipped cream
But, I mean, I really haven’t thought much about it………
What about you? What would your last meal be?
Natalia - a side of simple
October 13, 2010 at 12:21 pmWhoa, Jenna, thought it was another “big” question for a minute… 🙂
I have to give this some thought, though, as to what my last meal would be…
jenna
October 13, 2010 at 12:24 pmhahahahahahahahaha
megan
October 13, 2010 at 12:25 pmMan, me too!! I have to admit, I was disappointed I was wrong! 😉
Laura
October 13, 2010 at 12:28 pmHa! Me, three! My heart started pounding when I read the title and opening lines. 🙂
Laughter-Loving Stacy
October 13, 2010 at 12:32 pmditto.
Clare @ Fitting It All In
October 13, 2010 at 1:16 pmsame here!
Elizabeth
October 13, 2010 at 3:48 pmME TOOO!!! After that wedding cake post, I was like oh my god!!! He proposed!!!!!
Tracey @ I'm Not Superhuman
October 13, 2010 at 12:31 pmMe too! And then there was the dimly lit restaurant, perfect for The Big Question. Maybe we’re all just hopeless romantics. Or we’ve seen too many chick flicks.
jenna
October 13, 2010 at 12:32 pmlet’s all just go eat a slice of Bohemian Wedding Cake, re-watch the Notebook and call it a day.
kristin
October 13, 2010 at 12:51 pmhahaa yep…i was JUST about to say I’m pretty sure that the BIG question is “Will you marry me?!” I almost just peed myself for you, Jenna! Tisk tisk 😉
kelly
October 13, 2010 at 12:56 pmhaha, yep, me too 🙂
Heather
October 13, 2010 at 3:37 pmI think someone is trying to hint at something, and if the boy is smart he will take the hint 🙂
Janelle
October 13, 2010 at 12:32 pmAppetizer: Warm, crusty bread with a grassy olive oil and aged balsamic for dipping, served with a side of warm baked brie.
First course: a Caprese Salad
Main event: Seared scallops served in a ginger cream sauce, over a bed of fresh pasta.
Dessert: Sticky toffee pudding, served with vanilla ice cream and a steamy latte on the side made with whole milk.
I, too, may have put a bit of thought into this.
jenna
October 13, 2010 at 12:33 pmI’ve never had sticky toffee puddding!!!!! must try…now
Lisa D
October 13, 2010 at 1:13 pmJenna! I’m shocked you’ve never had a sticky toffee pudding! 🙂
VERY English pudding (aka dessert) that is absolutely over-the-top sweet, sticky, gooey, and delicious. I’m more of a savory person, but I’ll put aside my cheese plate any day if it’s on the menu (that or a really good berry crumble with custard…mmm)
Lisa D
October 13, 2010 at 1:17 pmBTW Janelle, your last meal sounds absolutely fabulous – sounds like we’re like-minded foodies!
Jessica L.
October 13, 2010 at 1:59 pmI’m drooling over this…. mmm….
btw, have you ever tried Sticky Toffee Cheese? Look for it – it is divine!
Meredith @ An Epic Change
October 13, 2010 at 1:25 pmHaagen Dazs makes a sticky toffee pudding ice cream around Christmas time. ALMOST as magical as the real stuff.
Clare
October 13, 2010 at 3:01 pmsticky toffee@dolce lunes in kenwood!
megan @ whatmegansmaking
October 14, 2010 at 6:23 amjenna please do the research for me and find the best ever sticky toffee pudding recipe. And then I will make it and eat it and love your blog forever.
I had it for the first time that past summer in London and oh my gosh, it was nothing like what I expected. It was incredible! Please make this and let me copy you 🙂
Lisa
October 13, 2010 at 12:32 pmI love cream cheese frosting. It’s one of the best things ever!
Jessica @ How Sweet
October 13, 2010 at 12:33 pmLobster mac and cheese. With BACON.
Laughter-Loving Stacy
October 13, 2010 at 12:33 pmI would definitely would have to give it some though. I’m sure something simple. Like Cheese Fondue and ice cream. 🙂
Estela @ Weekly Bite
October 13, 2010 at 12:33 pmI think you fooled everyone with “The Big Question” 😉
Chicago Cuisine Critique
October 13, 2010 at 12:34 pmCute post. I always find this question to be a rather difficult one to answer. I love food so much that it’s hard to pick what I would want. I know I would like to have some type of hearty meal that’s super delicious and cap it off with something sweet for the very end. That’s all I got, the specifics haven’t come around just yet..
Scargosun
October 13, 2010 at 12:34 pmThis is something I have tried to figure out over many years. I know components but not the complete package. For instance, it would have to include a full steamed with lemon artichoke with clarified butter steeped with garlic for dip the individual leaves and heart. There would have to be a milk and honey component as well probably utilizing goat cheese and lavender honey and a salad (I agree about the frizee! NON!) Pate from The Spring Mill Cafe in Conshohocken is probably the only sure bet.
Karen @ Not Just Celery
October 13, 2010 at 12:35 pmMmmm I loved croque madam/monsieur sandwiches in France!
My last meal would be pretty heavy…iceberg wedge salad, kona crusted sirloin (RARE!) and mashed potatoes from Capital Grille, and some Yorkshire pudding (basically popovers with the addition of roast beef drippings and cooked in a big pan)…dessert would be a cupcake from Magnolia in NYC.
Kristina @ spabettie
October 13, 2010 at 12:37 pmyep – did you KNOW that we’d all go there, with The Big Question as the title, and a DIMLY LIT restaurant?? 😀
this big question… before I was reading yours I immediately knew mine would be a weird blend of many things, some homemade, some restaurants… including sushi, my mom’s poached egg, Jason’s grilled salmon, my cheesecake…
and I *LOVE* Torchys!! oh, my… would you mind if I added that to my list also? probably several – one small dirty sanchez, one small trailer park, and their Migas. YUM – I need to get myself to Austin.
Andrea
October 13, 2010 at 12:38 pmI knew you had to have some Nutella in there.
For me it would be Oysters Savannah from the Old Oyster Factory in Hilton Head, SC as an appetizer, for dinner it would be a crab cake from the Kentmorr restaurant in Stevensville, MD with a side of mashed sweet potatoes from The Black Pelican in the Outer Banks. Dessert would be strawberry caprise from the South Mountain Inn in Boonsboro, MD with a coffee from dunkin donuts (hey, I haven’t been to Paris yet). 🙂
Katie F
October 13, 2010 at 12:41 pmOK last meal,
App – Turtle soup with extra Sherry and BBQ Shrimp from Pascal Manale in New Orleans, LA
Salad – Arugula with lemon juice/olive oil and parmesan cheese from Ciao Bella at the Silver Sands outlet mall in Destin, FL
Entree – Fried chicken made by my grandma, thighs only please, with mashed potatoes, green peas and homemade biscuits all covered in her milk gravy
Dessert – Red Velvet cake with frosting like the one you made yesterday. My Grandma and Mom have been making this frosting for the last 30 years and I have loved seeing it so loved in the blog world recently.
Then after eating all that I might have a heart attack and die from the cholesterol, but I will be one happy girl!
grocery goddess jen
October 13, 2010 at 12:42 pmOh my gosh, just like everyone else, I wondered if that might be the big question we all wanted it to be. But I have a feeling you’d keep it private for quite a while even if it did happen!
Okay, last meal…the only thing that springs to mind is cheesecake. I think it would depend on the season, though. Right now I’d probably want some roasted squash with sharp cheddar and a thick slice of cheesecake with cherries on top and maybe….I just don’t know. Tough question! So many favorites to choose from.
Kara
October 13, 2010 at 12:42 pmThis really had me thinking!
APPETIZER: Mushrooms stuffed with cheese, crab & jalopenos. Also a Mojito!
FIRST COURSE: a crisp wedge salad sprinkled with bacon and blue cheese, and then balsamic drizzled over.
ENTREE: Shrimp Scampi and Lobster… with LOTS of butter, Garlic mashed potatoes, and veggies roasted in sea salt.
Dessert: Hands down, Red Velvet Cake with cream cheese frosting.
theemptynutjar
October 13, 2010 at 12:47 pmI can barely decide for a given meal or snack of the moment….I would never know something like that.
R @ Learning As I Chop
October 13, 2010 at 12:48 pmI’ve honestly spent some time thinking about this (before reading this post) and decided it would be a meal from my childhood – pita and hummus, Israeli salad and french fries. A coke on the side. Plus some kind of dessert. Nostalgia can be comforting
cathy b. @ brightbakes.com
October 13, 2010 at 12:49 pmsome good authentic BBQ…hands down. No, it isn’t fancy..it’s just my favoritest basic food in the world. With creamy coleslaw and crunchy cornbread with butter and honey. And homemade trtiple berry pie with vanilla ice cream.
Amen
Love,
Cathy B. @ brightbakes
cathy b. @ brightbakes.com
October 13, 2010 at 12:50 pm*triple berry pie
twelvedaysold
October 13, 2010 at 12:52 pmBig Mac meal.
Sarah R
October 13, 2010 at 12:58 pmNo french onion soup?!
I can’t even decide what I want for dinner tonight, let alone the pressure of the “last meal”. Although I had a pork green chili burger this weekend that I can not get off of my mind. I’m not one to go ga-ga over burgers, but this was to.die.for. Paired with the best bread pudding that I’d ever had, I’d been happy that night if that meal had been my last.
Therese
October 13, 2010 at 1:00 pmOh my gosh! Hardest.Question.Ever!
I don’t think I’ve eaten enough in my life to answer this question…right now it’d probably be a spinach salad with strawberries, mangoes, toasted pecans and goat cheese in a raspberry vinigrette to start. And then it’d be a toss up between a mediterranea deep dish pizza or mushroom and goat cheese ravioli with the softest, butteriest garlic bread known to man served with a REALLY old Cab Sav. For dessert? A big slice of peanut butter pie.
But that could all change by tomorrow (except for the peanut butter pie. That’ll most definitely stay…)!
kelly
October 13, 2010 at 1:03 pmThis is hard.. but here it goes…
Appetizer – Bruschetta with lots of balsamic vinegar
Soup – Cheddar Broccoli from Panera. With one of their baguettes, of course 🙂
Main – A huge bowl of gnocchi with a tomato cream sauce.
Dessert – A big ‘ol piece of super rich super dark chocolate cake with strawberries. Something that’d I’d usually regret eating, but not if it’s the last thing I ever did!
Moni'sMeals
October 13, 2010 at 1:05 pmhard question.
Most likely unlimited plates of crispy, butter belguim waffles with lots of butter and syrup. And all my favorite cookies with lots of almond milk. Pizza over and over too. 🙂
Sarah @ See Sarah Eat
October 13, 2010 at 1:07 pmI honestly have never thought about it but now I’m going to have to, haha! I would definitely have peanut butter in there somewhere 😉
Kelly
October 13, 2010 at 1:07 pmI’ve given this way too much thought too…
Appetizer: Really good fried calamari
First course: Pumpkin soup
Entree: Vegetarian pizza — but it has to be from my favorite cafe in Florence
Dessert: Pretzel salad — it’s impossible to describe, but the perfect mix of sweet and salty. My mouth is watering just THINKING about it.
Jenny
October 13, 2010 at 1:10 pmthe traditional thanksgiving meal, homemade pumpkin goodness, hot sweet butter yeast rolls…mm.
Kath
October 13, 2010 at 1:11 pmReallllly thought this was another kind of question too 🙂
I’d go for pumpkin cottage cheese oatmeal topped with about a cup of peanut butter (just the peanuts + salt kind).
Lisa
October 13, 2010 at 1:12 pmGnocchi from Queens Landing in Niagara on the Lake!
Its $30 for a small serving and worth every.last.cent! It’s amazing!
Mom
October 13, 2010 at 4:53 pmIt would definitely include lobster scampi. Why not?!
Jasmine @ Eat Move Write
October 13, 2010 at 1:13 pmThat is an incredible question. It would probably include brown rice, peach salsa, and poached eggs. I know that’s simple, but they are my favorite foods.
Dessert-wise, it would be either bread pudding, lemon bars, or a molten lava cake.
Maren
October 13, 2010 at 1:14 pmI’ve thought about this before too and I have no idea! I better not ever commit a crime to get me on death row, haha.
Erin
October 13, 2010 at 1:17 pmOh goodness. This is so tough!
I don’t have my last meal as meticulously planned out as you, but here are a few things that would definitely be involved:
1) I am WITH YOU on a Torchy’s Taco. I’d probably go with pork as well. Yep.
2) pumpkin soup from Firelake Grill in Minneapolis, MN
3) roasted corn with queso fresco from Barrio in St. Paul, MN
4) a big, glorious greek salad
5) a few of the really crunchy delicious dill pickles, and
6) cupcakes. several of them.
yum. now I’m hungry!
Julia
October 13, 2010 at 1:17 pmDepends on what meal of the day it would be (clearly I haven’t given it much thought either 😉 ) I look forward to thanksgiving all year, just for the side didhes. And finish it off with any traditional Thanksgiving pie, or a cinnabon w/ extra frosting 😉
Clare
October 13, 2010 at 1:18 pmDang it, Jenna! Get engaged already so we can swoon properly!
kimmy
October 13, 2010 at 1:19 pmMaybe I am crazy but I would want blueberry pancakes with a side of bacon.
Dani @ Dani Does It
October 13, 2010 at 1:20 pmWow! I must be a little slow and/or unromantic because “proposal” never crossed my mind until I saw the comments sections, hahaha.
I would want my last meal to be the truffled lobster mac and cheese that was on special at Prime Italian on Miami Beach when I went last year for my birthday plus a flan de queso for dessert, only my grandmother’s recipe from Cuba will do!
Meredith @ An Epic Change
October 13, 2010 at 1:23 pmappetizer: this amazing French bleu cheese cake bread thing that my Tante Joelle makes.
salad: lots and lots of goat cheese and beets, light on the lettuce. and lots of crusty French bread to wipe up the extra dressing, naturally.
main course: the most perfect steak I’ve ever eaten from this little cantina in Cafayate, Argentina, my aunt’s savory artichoke bread pudding, white asparagus with vinaigrette dressing, and roasted cherry tomatoes.
dessert: my family’s German chocolate cake with a side of Amy’s Ice Cream Mexican vanilla.
allison
October 13, 2010 at 1:25 pmapp–fries. I love french fries.
entree- pancakes and turkey bacon. no syrup, just butter. my mom was a working mother, but she still got up every single morning and made my family a hot breakfast. grits, waffles, eggs, pancakes, biscuts, I love them all, and every time I eat them, they remind me of growing up, and my mom
desert-chocolate cake and ice cream.
ok, i am ready, if I could have all of that right now, with no guilt afterwards–I am ready to go, right now.
Natalie of (Nat Attacks a Balanced Life)
October 13, 2010 at 1:30 pmGood Question. First question I am having to answer today as its 9am over here in New Zealand.
On a hungry belly and trying to choose quickly (as I want to get in the kitchen for breakfast) I think I would have:
Appetizer: Cheese and Cracker Platter
First Course: Caprese Salad (sipping champage and strawberries with a splash of guava juice.
Main : Seared Albacore Tuna Served with Fresh Guacamole with a seaweed salad.
Dessert: A bowl of vannilla bean ice cream, topped with peanut butter chocolate chip cookie dough, slices of banana, the crumble (from any classic crumble) with a butterscotch sauce.
YUM!
Robin
October 13, 2010 at 1:31 pmI try to play this game all the time with my husband but he doesn’t love food like I do, so I frequently end up playing alone. I usually do a day’s worth of food so I can think up three meals, and the only thing that is ever consistent is that my breakfast would start with a giant crusty toasted bagel with a ton of cream cheese on it. It would not be the only thing for breakfast, but it would definitely be on the menu!
hippierunner
October 13, 2010 at 1:40 pmGuacamole fries and pizza (basil, feta, monterey jack, mushroom, tomato, garlic?) would be somewhere on the menu for my last meal.
lauren (athlEAT)
October 13, 2010 at 1:42 pmi LOVE this question.
Appetizer – meatball and polenta appetizer (from tomato palace in columbia, md)
Salad – spinach/arugula mix, candied pecans, fried goat cheese round, chopped dates, champagne vinaigrette
Main – seared rockfish from Dogwood Restaurant in Baltimore, MD, (because they cook fish better than anyone i know) with a side of really good mac & cheese.
Dessert – mom’s strawberry pie (has a thin layer of cream cheese between the crust and berries)
Lisa (bakebikeblog)
October 13, 2010 at 1:42 pmoh my – a big question indeed 🙂 It would have to be something with goats cheese, or buffalo mozzarella – yes this gal likes her cheese!!!
Kristin
October 13, 2010 at 1:44 pmMy last meal would be at Arroyo Chophouse in Pasadena, CA.
Appetizer: their amazing freshly made garlic sourdough.
First course: Spinach salad with bacon, apple, and candied pecans.
Entree: Ribeye, medium rare, with lobster mashed potatoes and sauteed green beans.
Dessert: Grand Marnier souffle. I tell you, there are very few things in the world better than this souffle.
I’m salivating just thinking about it!
Sara Palacios
October 13, 2010 at 1:50 pmWow! I was actually thinking about this the other day, so I am a little prepared to answer:
Appetizer: homemade creamy guacamole with homemade tortilla chips and a spicy salsa
First course: Mixed greens salad with roasted corn, black beans and a homemade dressing
Entree: Piping hot plate of cheese enchiladas with ranchero sauce, spanish rice and charro beans
Dessert: tiramisu or tres leches cake. I would have someone sample them first, to make sure they are good because sometimes, they just aren’t!
I’m a pretty simple girl, but I love me some mexican food. Born and raised in Texas. First in San Antonio, now in Austin. 🙂 My husband would probably laugh, but these are my absolute favs!
Lina@GreenLivingNY
October 13, 2010 at 1:52 pmwell I also thought you guys got engaged!!! 🙂
Lola
October 13, 2010 at 1:54 pmOMG I just love your answer sooo much!!!!! is perfect!!!!! except for the pulled pork hehehehe but it’s really like a perfect meal 🙂 the dessert part is really awesome, I mean, Nutella crepe with banana slices? YUM! Im posting one this question right now on my blog 🙂
Madeline - Greens and Jeans
October 13, 2010 at 1:54 pmI think I would go very simple and get a giant stack of blueberry pancakes, preferably made by my dad.
Suzanne de Cornelia
October 13, 2010 at 2:08 pmYour menu is terrific, but If it were my last meal I’d just want it to be with my son. Whatever he ordered would be fine with me. He has excellent taste & being French knows all the great places to go. Champagne, laughs, hugs, memories & good wishes would feature largely on the menu. Every meal with him is the very greatest possible.
Beth (Blessed and Inspired)
October 13, 2010 at 2:38 pmLove this question!
Appetizer: Goat cheese stuffed dates, wrapped in bacon
First Course: Fried yuca from Carnivale in Chicago
Entree: My mom’s chicken enchiladas
Dessert: My dad’s mango crepes
Alayna @ Thyme Bombe
October 13, 2010 at 2:44 pmToasted sesame bagel, cream cheese, the thinnest slivers of red onion, and really good smoked salmon. Creme brulee for dessert. This has been my “last meal” for a long time.
Hope
October 13, 2010 at 2:53 pmMan, all these posts have made me sooooo hungry!!
Its something I have pondered before, but I have no idea what I would choose – it would probably vary from one day to the next!
I do know that there would be some kind of mashed potatoes in there, as well as really good dark chocolate…not mixed together though!
Lauren at KeepItSweet
October 13, 2010 at 3:09 pmi actually hate that question and get really upset any time i have to choose just one meal! yours does sound good:-)
Jenny
October 13, 2010 at 3:26 pmPoor Almanzo. If another Big Question comes up, he’s gonna have a ton of women after him if he doesn’t do it right. :p
That meal sounds fabulous!
Anne
October 13, 2010 at 3:34 pmHow is a chocolate cookie and ice cream complex?! To me it is so perfectly simple and delicious. The dessert of my childhood.
I used to think about this question all the time, too. It always involved risotto and wine, lots of wine, with appetizers and desserts varying on the season, my current favorites, etc.
Right now figs are near the top of the list.
melissa
October 13, 2010 at 3:36 pmThis is sooooooooo pathetic….chocolate covered pretzels….I luv the sweet/salty combo. Around the holidays you can find them with candy cane bits on then too…so good!
Krystina (Organically Me)
October 13, 2010 at 3:37 pmGod, this is going to take some thought, and lots of eating to make sure I REALLY like my choices. I need to weigh my options, you know?
Amber K
October 13, 2010 at 3:43 pmI’d eat something sinfully delicious. And not worry about my food allergies and intolerances. I would enjoy something that I never get a chance to, because who cares about the pain if I’m leavin the Earth?
Laura (Starloz)
October 13, 2010 at 3:51 pmi’ve only juust begun to understand the incredible power of herbs in cooking, i’m a little behind so ask me again in six months please!
eatmovelove
October 13, 2010 at 3:53 pmI don’t know. That might be the ONLY time I’d lose my appetite for anything big…if I knew it would be my last. …and then where does it go?…Just ‘sit’ in your body…?
Hmm. Sorry.
It’s interesting because people say being obsessed with food is not healthy or could lead to unhealthy habits, etc. How do you feel about this?
And would you prefer to read a recipe book or another book (like the ones from your book club?)
🙂
chelsey @ clean eating chelsey
October 13, 2010 at 4:21 pmMan, talk about a let down! I was hoping to see a shiny new ring.
I don’t even think I can answer THAT question.. far too hard.
Dee
October 13, 2010 at 4:26 pmooh, i love your picks! mmmm!
Kristin (Cook, Bake and Nibble)
October 13, 2010 at 5:08 pmFirst course: Hot pan seared foie gras with pineapple jelly over crisp crackers.
Second course: My chef’s seared pork belly, hour-poached egg and cinnamon french toast “breakfast for dinner”. To die for.
Main course: Tagliatelle con porcini from Fusion ristorante in San Demetrio Corone, Italy.
Dessert: A really great slice of turtle cheescake. Or a hot fudgy brownie a la mode. Or both 😉
xo
Kris
Stacey
October 13, 2010 at 5:21 pmYeah..that. I’ll take ALL OF THAT 😀 Haha
Laura @ Backstage Pass to Health & Happiness
October 13, 2010 at 5:24 pmExcellent post! And LOL it seems I’m not the only one who was thinking of another possible ‘Big Question’.
My last meal? I’d love a big Thanksgiving spread with all the fixings. Vegetarian, of course, but with mashed potatoes, sweet potato casserole, lots of glorious roasted veggies, fresh bread and butter. Rounded out with pumpkin and pecan pie, and some freshly roasted coffee.
stacey-healthylife
October 13, 2010 at 5:37 pmThat’s perfect. My last meal seems to always change as my eating style changes and as I experience more foods in life.
Lauren
October 13, 2010 at 5:38 pmWow, you’ve certainly put some thought into this and rightfully so! This would be the hardest decision of my life.
chrissy
October 13, 2010 at 6:24 pmtonight, i’d have to go:
app: baked brie + guiness (ok, bad pairing… i know, but i need a guiness w/my last meal!)
first course: fresh made pasta (papparadelle?) w/delicate tomato, basil, garlic, red pepper, eggplant sauce with fresh ground pepper + australian syrah
entree: peter luger’s porter house (medium rare) w/homefries + The 21 Club’s perfect Manhattan
dessert: cheesecake factory’s chocolate peanut butter cookie dough cheesecake + expresso martini.
omg, i think i covered most of the vitals: cheese, bread, guiness, pasta, garlic, eggplant, syrah, steak, potatoes, whiskey, peanut butter, cheesecake, coffee. yep, gangs all there!
meagan
October 13, 2010 at 6:29 pmWell, my last meal would have been at a now-closed restaurant in Austin named Taste. I ate there twice and never had better meals–ever. The best was as follows:
1st course: ahi ahi dressed with lemon juice and tarragon
2nd course: a soft bleu cheese served with honey and almond butter (with an amazing cabernet franc…sigh…)
3rd course: NY strip, medium rare served with port sauce, roasted asparagus and bleu chese mashed potatoes
dessert: grilled peach pound cake served with bourbon ice cream
I cried when I found out they closed. True story.
Joyce
October 13, 2010 at 6:32 pmA Church Potluck! Nothing better on earth.
polly
October 13, 2010 at 6:39 pmoh my gosh, girl I love this question.
I have thought of this many times. Always the same answer for me.
a gigantic peanut butter sandwich on homemade slices of yeasty-WARM bread (think Ma Ingalls, you get the idea) and a tall glass of cold milk. Then… I’d just nibble on powdered sugar donuts until I meet Jesus. 🙂
Not kidding. XO
jenna
October 13, 2010 at 6:52 pmhehe love you, pol!
AmyJoGo
October 13, 2010 at 6:45 pmPoor Adam is right! No pressure.
I’d keep it pretty simple.
Appetizer: Asiago cheese bread
1st course: spinach and shrimp salad with bacon/orange dressing topped with red onions and bacon crumbles (BACON!)
entre: Mom’s green chile chicken enchiladas – loaded with cheese, sour cream and my pico.
dessert: creme brule AND tiramisu because I love them both.
Megan
October 13, 2010 at 6:56 pmI would want my last meal to contain all my family favorites:
*My grandpa’s hot cereal
*My grandma’s creamed corn
*My mom’s sweet potato casserole
*My dad’s grilled veggies
It would be a feast and such great memories of all the times I’ve had those items as parts of my meals!
Camille
October 13, 2010 at 7:16 pmMy last meal would have to be a grilled cheese sandwich from DZ Akins in San Diego. I grew up on the stuff and it is the most amazing grilled cheese ever and is so comforting to me.
Victoria (District Chocoholic)
October 13, 2010 at 7:27 pmThe keys to La Maison du Chocolat would do, thank you very much.
Diana @ frontyardfoodie
October 13, 2010 at 7:33 pmThis is an impossible question. So many good food options out there. I can think of my favorite ever dishes but they don’t all go together in one meal……
Kelly
October 13, 2010 at 7:40 pmI have actually thought about this a bit before and like to ask other people. I think it tells a lot about someone!! I am just crazy.
Appetizer: Garlic shrimp and baked brie with sun-dried tomato topping and cracked black pepper triscuits.
First course: Poutine. Look this up!!
Entree: Lobster with garlic butter. Cheesy garlic buns.
Dessert: My mom’s apple crisp with vanilla ice cream.
Hey, it’s my last meal, no one said it had to be healthy! 😉
jenna
October 13, 2010 at 8:07 pmcheesy garlic buns, ftw
Meghan
October 13, 2010 at 8:20 pmI love this..but wait- what about the wine?!?!
Heather (Heather's Dish)
October 13, 2010 at 8:36 pmgotta admit, i thought you were going to show some bling on your finger at the end of this post…but this question is ALMOST as big 🙂 i’m going with down-home comfort food (fried chicken, mac and cheese, biscuits, etc) for mine…ok ok and probably some Italian in there too 🙂 i don’t discriminate!
ida
October 13, 2010 at 9:03 pmNow when people ask what you’ve been up to, you can say planning your last meal:)
I would go with shrimp and grits, and coconut cake.
Stephanie C
October 13, 2010 at 9:04 pmI’ve got this figured out already.
First course: Coco Mango Salad
Main Course: Khua Kling Phat Lung (beef) from Jitlada
Dessert: Bread pudding from Masa and/or Oreo Brownie Banana Cream Pie from Babalu
Drink: Picon Punch from The Varnish
Now, if I had to make my last meal myself.. I’d probably make the Thomas Keller skirt steak recipe with (another) Thomas Keller creamed corn, broccoli, baked potato with a Trappistes Rochefort 6 and some homemade cookies (Joy the Baker recipe).
Rebeca
October 13, 2010 at 9:54 pmI came across the croque madam in a cookbook a few months ago and LOVED it, we served it at the coffee shop I work at and it was a huge success!
Tracey
October 13, 2010 at 9:57 pmI would have a fresh, doughy pumpernickel bagel topped with lots of thinly-sliced Nova smoked salmon, a schmear of goat cheese and plenty of capers. Followed by a huge scoop of green mint chocolate chip ice cream (must be green!) on top of a gooey, underbaked fudge brownie. That’s the way to go!
Natalie S.
October 13, 2010 at 10:24 pmTorchy’s! I live a mile from there… the actual location, not the trailer. Yay for an Austin shout-out 🙂
Lindsay Perrone (goodiesgalore)
October 14, 2010 at 2:32 amwhoopee pies. nuff said.
Brenna (fabuleuxdestin)
October 14, 2010 at 2:48 ambutternut squash risotto with pancetta, side of french baguette with goat cheese, rich dark hot chocolate for dessert!
Sarah (Running to Slow Things Down)
October 14, 2010 at 3:11 amWoah!! I’m totally impressed.
Clearly you put some serious, major, foodie thoughts into this, so I guess my standard ol’ answer won’t work any more. I need to figure this out for real…haha.
Nicole (the other one)
October 14, 2010 at 4:23 amWhat is a Croque-Madam sandwich? I realize I could just go google this. But I think it would be much easier if Jenna just ran to the store picked up the ingredients, made one, and took pictures. Right? 🙂
Sara @ myfancytuna.blogspot.com
October 14, 2010 at 4:47 amI asked everyone at work what they would have for their last meal over the summer….they thought it was a weird question to ask.
I, however, have spent many nights thinking about my answer to this question (I often think about food while falling asleep). I still don’t know. It would involve jambalaya, some sort of luscious, chocolately brownie, and perhaps oatmeal. It probably wouldn’t be cohesive at all, and my stomach would need to expand at least three times the size it is now.
Got2TrotLibrarian
October 14, 2010 at 5:41 amQuarter pounder with cheese, fries, diet Coke and a chocolate frosted donut with sprinkles.
Kelly
October 14, 2010 at 6:29 amSuch a great question! Here I go:
Appetizer: from Houston’s: smoked salmon on melba toats with tarter sauce and red onions.
Salad: fresh greens with candied pecans and grilled peaches from Moonshine in Austin, Texas (you and Adam need to go there the next time you are here…it is AMAZING)
Entree: Mushroom Soup from the cafe in the Musee’ Rodin (in Paris) along with a turkey, swiss, and tomato sandwich on thick Challah bread (pressed…hot)
Dessert: A HUGE slice of traditional pecan pie with vanilla bean ice cream on the side.
Katie G.
October 14, 2010 at 7:05 amTough question and changes based on the day/my mood/etc..
As of right now, I’d have to say….pumpkin spice coffee, grandmother’s macaroni and cheese, tomatoes and motz on fresh warm crusted bread, and for dessert-warm cinnamon baked apples fresh out the oven with vanilla bean ice cream (can you tell it’s cold and raining here today in MD?)
BTW, I went to the library last night with a list of books from your ELR Book Club…I’ll post my reviews as I read through each one 🙂 Thanks for the suggestions!
Louise
October 14, 2010 at 7:05 amI love this question. My answer has been the same since college. We have a wonderful, locally-owned Italian restaurant in my town. They have the most amazing tortellini with meat sauce, it is so dense it feels like brick. For dessert, I would have their black and white cheesecake, which I sometimes order as takeout for my dinner.
Sarah
October 14, 2010 at 7:34 amA huge, thick, doughy fresh toasted bagel with cream cheese alongside a caesar salad with anchovies, homemade dressing and no croutons. For dessert, Carrot Cake from Beyond Bread.
Judith
October 14, 2010 at 9:55 amI am sure Jenna threw us an intentional curve ball with the whole candle lit restaurant scene, and as hopeless romantics, we bought into it 🙂
As for the real question posed, not sure of the whole menu, but it might include the Bohemian Wedding Cake, which I made last night. It was amazing. I added the remains of a package of Trader Joe’s Golden Fruit Blend ( dried yellow raisins, cranberries, cherries and bluberries, presoaked in some port) and frosted it with Jenna’s Brown Sugar Buttercream (Yes, it does freeze perfectly, but now I must replenish my stash). I served it to my friend, who had taken me to Ventana last weekend, as a reminder of a great time. Certainly worked!
Kristen
October 14, 2010 at 2:20 pmI have no idea what my last meal would be but yours sounds yummy. Mine would probably include peanut butter fudge, disney pasta, the drink I had at the wisconsin dells that they lit on fire, spinich artichoke soup, corn on the cob from a restaurant near michigan city. I guess I was able to think of something.
Katherine @ Left Coast Contessa
October 14, 2010 at 4:38 pmWould it be too weird to have sushi from my favorite sushi place, a sticky bun from my favorite bakery, a dirty gin martini, and a medium rare filet? Cause I think that is what I would want.
Jenna
October 15, 2010 at 11:30 amOoooooh….what restaurant is that? Looks familiar.
My last meal would be a massive plate of nachos.
jenna
October 15, 2010 at 11:31 amit’s a restaurant in savannah, Georgia!
Crystal
October 15, 2010 at 5:37 pmI love your comment about picking your favorite dessert! I’m an English teacher, and I swear that I always say the same thing when someone asks me to name my favorite book. It’s heartbreaking!
Ravenous Rowie
October 15, 2010 at 7:17 pmOh man, I have no idea what my last meal would be! There is so much good stuff out there! Mine might just be three courses of dessert! Now I have something to think about on the next rainy day!