Last Meal

I got the idea to write this from Chef Josh Scherer, who has a YouTube channel called Mythical Kitchen. He thinks about death all the time, as do I. After all, we can go at any moment, and we are closer to our expiration date each day that passes. We are nothing more than walking and talking pieces of meat, rotting daily, creeping or running towards our final destination – a muddy grave or our bones roasting in a 1400 degrees to 1800 degrees Fahrenheit cremation chamber. Or worse.

This final of list desired foods is extravagant and indulgent. Nothing I could finish on my own, so the rest will be shared after I have stuffed my face and my belly is twice its size. Also, I would like to have this meal before I am on my deathbed to enjoy it fully. People on their last bed are usually intubated and with a non-functional mouth.

Masala Chai

Masala chai is an aromatic and comforting tea infused with a medley of warm spices that dance together in perfect harmony. The blend of rich black tea leaves, crushed cardamom, cinnamon, clove, and a hint of ginger creates an invigorating and soothing beverage. Every sip is a sensory journey filled with the exotic aroma of spices and the smooth, slightly sweet flavor of brewed tea.

As I take the time to indulge in this daily ritual of afternoon tea, the delicate sweetness of crushed cardamom adds an extra layer of pleasure to the masala chai’s comforting embrace. It’s a small moment of bliss during a busy day, a reminder to slow down and savor the simple joys of life.

Caipirinha

Caipirinha is a cocktail that has always held a special place in my heart. Every time I take a sip of this refreshing and flavorful Brazilian concoction, I’m transported back to my travels through Santos, Sao Paulo, and Rio de Janeiro, where I experienced the vibrant energy and hospitality of the Brazilian people.

The combination of fresh lime, muddled sugar, and cachaça creates a sweet and tart taste with a distinctly Brazilian kick. I love the ritual of making a caipirinha, from cutting the lime into wedges to muddling the sugar and lime together, releasing their juices and aroma. And when I take that first sip, it’s like a mini vacation to Brazil, a chance to relive the memories of my travels and the friendships I made along the way.

And let’s remember the health benefits of all that lime! I like to think of the caipirinha as a healthy cocktail, full of vitamin C and the zest for life that Brazil is known for. So, whenever I’m in the mood for a little taste of Brazil and a healthy dose of nostalgia, I turn to my trusty caipirinha recipe and let the memories flow.

Peruvian Ceviche (mixed seafood)

The mixed seafood ceviche always brings me back to my time in Lima, where I experienced the Peruvian people’s vibrant food culture and warm hospitality. The sight of the fresh, glistening seafood – a mix of shrimp, octopus, whitefish, and other marine delights- marinating in a tangy and spicy bath of lime juice, red onions, cilantro, and aji chili is enough to make my mouth water. 

When I take that first bite, the explosion of flavors is like a culinary fireworks show, with the lime’s brightness, the chili’s heat, and the fresh seafood’s sweetness all coming together in perfect harmony.

But more than just a delicious dish, Ceviche is a portal to my memories of Lima, where I strolled through the bustling streets, listened to the rhythms of Peruvian music, and felt the warmth of the sun on my face despite the almost permanent sheet of clouds overhead. It’s a reminder of the adventures I had and the friendships I made during my time there. Every time I order Ceviche, I’m transported back to that place and time, savoring the flavors and memories.

Dim Sum

Dim sum has always held a special place in my heart, with its bite-sized morsels of flavor and the joy of sharing a meal with friends and family. But if I had to choose a favorite, it would be the lo mai gai, those delicious packets of sticky rice and savory ingredients, all wrapped up in a fragrant lotus leaf. Just the thought of that first bite – the soft, chewy rice, the juicy chunks of chicken, the salty-sweetness of the soy sauce and oyster sauce – is enough to make my stomach rumble with anticipation.

But more than just a tasty treat, lo mai gai is a symbol of the joy and comfort I find in dim sum. It’s a dish that brings people together, whether shared at a bustling yum cha restaurant or enjoyed at home with loved ones. And every time I savor a bite of lo mai gai, I’m reminded of the warmth and connection that comes from sharing a meal or devouring it alone in bed while watching a thriller movie. Oh, the beauty of the simple pleasures in life.

Chateaubriand with Béarnaise Sauce

Chateaubriand is a cut of beef tenderloin named after the French writer and diplomat François-René de Chateaubriand. Paired with a rich and creamy Béarnaise sauce, it becomes a meal fit for a queen. I first tasted this dish at an Italian restaurant in Caracas, Venezuela, called Piccolo Mondo, and it was love at first bite. The tender, juicy steak, cooked to a perfect medium-rare, was accentuated by the silky, tangy Béarnaise sauce, hinting of tarragon and lemon.

But what made this dish special was the pool of extra blood that added a depth of flavor to the Béarnaise sauce, creating a savory and slightly gamey taste that complemented the meat’s richness. Every bite was a lesson in umami, a dance of flavors and textures that left me wanting more. 

To this day, I still remember the warmth and elegance of that Italian restaurant in Caracas and how the Chateaubriand with Béarnaise Sauce transported me to a place of pure culinary bliss.

Tallarín Verde con Churrasco

The sight before me is enchanting as I sit down to indulge in this chunk of meat and pasta. A lush bed of tallarín verde, its strands gleaming under the light, coated in a creamy, verdant pesto that whispers secrets of basil, spinach, and a touch of garlic, a melody of flavors that dance on my palate.

And then, there’s the churrasco – a succulent masterpiece, grilled to a perfect char on the outside while retaining a tender, juicy heart within. Each slice is a testament to the art of cooking, a savory embrace that complements the pasta’s garden-fresh zest. 

With every forkful, the rich, smoky notes of the beef intertwine with the pesto’s vibrant freshness, creating a symphony of tastes that seduces my senses and transports me to a realm where each bite celebrates life’s glorious pleasures.

Chirasi Sushi

I am a fan of raw fish, so endless pieces of sashimi over rice are just a dream. I was so mesmerized by the sheer beauty of this dish that I kept staring at it, taking pictures of it, before even taking a bite. 

Chirashi Sushi, which means “scattered sushi,” is a bowl with colorful, assorted ingredients “scattered” on top of vinegared sushi rice. It’s usually made with raw fish, such as salmon, tuna, and yellowtail, as well as vegetables like cucumber, radish, and carrots. You can also find toppings like omelette, shrimp, and salmon roe.

What makes Chirashi Sushi so unique and delightful is the array of flavors and textures in every bite. It’s like a little surprise party on your plate, with each mouthful bringing a new combination of tastes and textures.

This beautiful dish is loaded with ultra-fresh, thick fish slices, each with a different texture: soft, tender yet firm, smooth and brilliant like the morning sun. It is too delicious, with an incredible abundance of magic in one bowl. And it is expensive – a good choice for a last meal!

Fried Chicken (Karaage)

Ah, Chicken Karaage—a simple and extraordinary dish all at once! 🍗

Imagine a piece of succulent chicken marinated in a blend of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic, then coated in a light dusting of potato starch or flour and deep-fried until golden and crispy. The result is a morsel of heaven that crunches in your mouth, revealing a tender, juicy interior bursting with flavor.

For me, Chicken Karaage is more than just fried chicken. It’s a sensory experience that delights the eyes, nose, and taste buds. The sizzle and scent of the frying chicken whet your appetite, and the golden hue of the fried crust invites you to take that first bite. And when you do, fireworks explode on your tongue—crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and infused with a symphony of flavors. No wonder this Japanese fried chicken dish has made it to my list! 😋

Curry Chicken and Roti

Oh, my love for Curry Chicken and Roti runs deep! I’ve adored Curry Chicken and Roti, Trini-style, since I was just a toddler, only three years old. And even now, all these years, my love for this dish remains as strong as ever. The way the curry sauce coats the chicken, the tenderness of the meat, and the soft, warm roti that wraps it all up—it’s like a little parcel of joy and comfort. You can eat the chicken and roti separately or wrapped up like a burrito.

Every bite takes me back to those special moments- a family celebration, a casual meal, or a quiet night at home. The flavors and textures are like a culinary hug, reminding me of all the good times and the people I hold dear. Curry Chicken and Roti isn’t just a dish for me; it symbolizes the memories and emotions that make up a lifetime of love and happiness. And that’s why I’ll always hold it close to my heart.

Indian Curry Mango Chicken 

Get ready for a luscious and luxurious ride because Indian Mango Chicken Curry is a dish that will transport your taste buds to a whole new level of delight!

Imagine succulent pieces of chicken bathed in a rich, creamy sauce made from a blend of cashew nut cream and sweet, juicy mango puree. The curry spices add a hint of warmth and complexity, while the smooth, velvety texture of the sauce coats each bite with a luxurious richness.

Every mouthful is a sensory experience, from the initial burst of flavor to the gentle heat that lingers on your tongue. And when you pair it with a mound of fluffy, fragrant basmati rice, it’s like a match made in culinary heaven or even hell – I heard the food is good down there.

But what makes this dish special is how it indulges all your senses. The vibrant color, the intoxicating aroma, the creamy texture, and the dance of flavors all come together to create a meal that’s not just food for the body but food for the soul. Indian Mango Chicken Curry is a veritable feast that will leave you feeling satisfied and content, with a little smile on your face and a happy dance in your heart.

A Slice of Watermelon

There’s something so satisfying about slicing into a fresh watermelon and watching the red, juicy flesh emerge beneath the dark green rind. And when you take that first bite, it’s like a burst of summer in your mouth! The sweet, refreshing taste is like a cool breeze on a hot day, quenching your thirst and invigorating your senses all at once.

And when you eat watermelon with a knife, each slice is a little bit of heaven. You can cut off a perfect cube, pop it into your mouth, and savor the flavor explosion. Or you can slice off a thick, juicy wedge and bite into it, letting the juice dribble down your chin as you bask in the delight of summer’s ultimate fruit. I prefer it at room temperature so it does not hurt my teeth.

Flan

Ah, flan! This silky, sweet delight is a true testament to the power of simplicity in the culinary world.

Imagine a smooth, creamy custard with a golden, caramelized top that shimmers like a precious gem. The velvety texture is like a cloud, melting in your mouth with each decadent bite. And the flavor—oh, the flavor! It’s a symphony of rich, creamy goodness, with notes of vanilla and caramel dancing together in a harmonious duet.

There’s something magical about flan, which is elegant and comforting, indulgent yet familiar. It’s a dessert that feels like a warm hug, a reminder that life’s little pleasures can be as simple as a spoonful of creamy custard.

When you close your eyes and take a bite of flan, you’re transported to a world of pure indulgence, where worries melt away, and all that’s left is the bliss of sweet, silky decadence. It’s a dessert that captures the heart and delights the senses, one spoonful at a time.

French Strawberry Tart

Ah, the French Strawberry Tart—a delicate dessert that can bring a touch of elegance to any occasion, especially when it’s made with the skill and finesse of the bakers when I was growing up in Caracas, Venezuela!

There’s something genuinely exquisite about biting into a French Strawberry Tart, with its buttery crust, velvety cream filling, and vibrant, fresh strawberries adorning the top. But the ones from Caracas- well, they were indeed in a league of their own. They set a benchmark for my taste buds.

The pastry chefs there had a magical touch, crafting French Strawberry Tarts that were beautiful to look at and absolutely divine to taste. The crust was flaky and golden, the cream was smooth and light, and the strawberries were ripe and juicy. Every bite was a symphony of textures and flavors, a culinary masterpiece that left you wanting more.

In short, French Strawberry Tarts are a work of art, a love letter to the beauty and complexity of French pastry, and a taste of pure bliss in every bite.

Haagen-Dazs Rum & Raisin Ice Cream

Oh, Haagen Dazs Rum & Raisin ice cream is a timeless favorite that brings back warm memories of childhood and time spent with loved ones. This ice cream is more than just a scoop of frozen goodness; it is a portal to simpler times, to moments when life was sweet and uncomplicated, and a cup of ice cream was all it took to make the world seem a little brighter.

I remember sitting at the kitchen table with my mommy, chatting away as we savored spoonfuls of the creamy, boozy goodness of Haagen Dazs Rum & Raisin. The combination of rich vanilla ice cream, dark, sweet raisins, and the hint of rum essence was like a heavenly melody on my tongue. And how my mommy and I laughed and talked over ice cream and shared experiences was like a balm for the soul.

But as they say, all good things must come to an end. And if I were to choose one last dessert before meeting the devil himself, it would be a bowl of Haagen Dazs Rum & Raisin ice cream. Why? Nostalgia. Yes, nostalgia indeed. But not just any nostalgia—the kind that seeps into your bones and reminds you of the warm, cozy moments that made up your childhood that extend to the present time.

That’s what Haagen Dazs Rum & Raisin ice cream represents to me: a time when mommy and I shared moments of pure joy, free from the worries of adulthood and the world’s harsh realities. It’s a dessert that tastes like memories, like laughter, like home.

In the face of the devil himself, in the final moments, before I leave this world, I would savor every lick of that ice cream as a reminder of all that was good, pure, and sweet in my life. It would be my last taste of nostalgia, my final embrace of all that made life worth living.

As the final spoonful slides down my throat, I would smile, close my eyes, and remember the days when rum-raisin ice cream was the antidote to all that ailed me, even if it was just for a minute.

As far as the cover picture is concerned, she looks nothing like me. I just wanted a pretty face for the cover, it was generated with the help of Leonardo. AI. It is my last meal, so I can do whatever I want, correct?