Whom Do You Love Best?

So I often get asked, “what dishes do you recommend?”. Or, “what are your special favorites?”. Or, “what are the best things to order on your menu?’. I feel as though I am being asked to choose among a family of loved ones.

I often demur or backpedal, usually for good reasons: Well, it depends on what you like. Or, well, I would go with X because it is at the height of the season right now. Or, My guests love Y and order it a lot. Or, If you are looking for something typically southern soul food, I would recommend Z. All true. No bullshit. But the fact of the matter is, if we put context aside (personal tastes, seasonal go-tos, greatest hits, etc.), we do have personal preferences. Favorites. The famous three-star MIchelin chef is often asked what he would choose as his last meal, and while he admits that the list changes all the time, roasted chicken is always on that shortlist. For good reason. It’s gourmet comfort food at its best.

So, yeah, I have my special favorites. I love those (rather rare) guests who order my chef’s tasting menu, because it lets me be creative with what is absolutely fresh a la minute. But my last meal? Cajun shrimp (or Edna Lewis’ signature shrimp salad), Crabcakes Savannah, flash-toasted Brussels sprouts, sauteed okra and tomatoes, my mom’s signature french-lace cookies (not yet on our menu).