by Hannah Curtis

Created on: June 16, 2009

This article title attracted my attention for it is ambiguous in nature. On the first reflection I read it to mean your last meal on this earth, and this struck a chord for my dad has been diagnosed with terminal cancer and will have the chance to choose his last meal with his family with him. I can only hope it will not be hospital fare. I like the freedom connected with the idea of your last meal, it does not have to be conventional, but can be as unusual, large and personal as individual taste.

My personal choice for my last meal on earth would consist of a traditional roast dinner, a visit to the local Carvery would be ideal, however if that was possible I would order the roast of my dreams to be delivered to me. This would include a range of my favourite meats; gammon, chicken, duck, turkey, and of course pigs in blankets (mini sausages wrapped in bacon). A varied selection of vegetables; crispy roast and creamy mashed potatoes, carrots, garden peas, French, runner and broad beans and cauliflower, topped off with a number of Yorkshire puddings. This feast will be completed by the largest chocolate gateau ever known to man.

On second reflection of the article title I explored potential last meals that would epitomise the end of an era, evoking good memories from the past, whilst making a new special memory.

The last meal for soldiers before going over seas to war should epitomise England. The main course should naturally be a full English breakfast, loaded with calories and high fat content, with variation so to incorporate another traditional English meal, the famous fish and chips. Thus on the plate there will be sausage, bacon, battered fish, eggs, baked beans, mushrooms, and chips, accompanied with a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice and a good cup of tea. The desert should of course be freshly baked scones, topped with Cornish clotted cream and strawberries. This brings memories to the fore of quaint bed and breakfast places, tea-shops, the lovely coastal sea-sides, and the Wimbledon tournament, a reminder of the green and pleasant land of England.

Hospital meals are renowned for being horrendous, devoid of taste, texture and personality. Thus if a long hospital stay was imminent I would choose a very special last meal; real cheery, comforting food which is never served on the wards. My personal choice would be Margarita pizza, with all the trimmings, including breaded chicken and mushrooms, garlic bread, and potato wedges. Naturally chocolate would feature substantially in the menu; i.e Wispas and Yorkies. There is nothing more satisfying then a mouthful of beautiful rich, gooey chocolate, an item sadly missing from hospital menus. Anything chocolate is acceptable for this meal; cake, logs, hot custard, and ice cream included.

Another important meal is the one of the last meals a young couple has together before their life forever changes with a birth of a baby. Anyone who has children will verify that it will be months after the birth before the new parents has a chance to be alone together for a meal again. A newborn seem to instinctively know when their exhausted parents are trying to sit down for a meal and insist on interrupting and being cuddled. There are two ideal settings for this last meal; it can be at home if the couple love to cook together, consisting of a favourite meal made from fresh ingredients. The alternative is a romantic, candle lit meal out at a favourite restaurant, whether it is Chinese, Italian, Indian, with a wine chosen carefully to compliment the meal. This is a celebratory meal, one well earned, celebrating the end of the pregnancy and a new beginning.

Learn more about this author, Hannah Curtis.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.