THINK ON THIS: good food with good company

I’m in the José Andrés school of “let’s build longer tables, not higher walls,” so this is a hard question for me. I want to fill my table with people from all walks of life — ancestors who’ve passed and I long to know (more), ask questions of, and hug just one more time, and writers, musicians, artists, a few historical greats, and everyday people I find interesting, you get the gist — but since I have to choose, I’ll say Julia Child. She led such an interesting life and blazed a trail for so many — I do what I do today because of her. What to eat? Julia would likely order Sole Meunière (I’d be hemming and hawing if I should too), but, I’ll have Raoul’s Steak au Poivre and frites (and I rarely eat red meat). It’s simple and classic. The best part would be the exchange of thoughts and ideas and lots of laughter ... and wine. Pamela

This was harder than I expected. It was the subtext of my dreams last night. Who? Man? Woman? Celebrity? Author? Chef? Actor? Around dawn for whatever reason my brain settled on pizza with Frank Zappa. Smart, sober, frenetic, perfectionist Zappa. In the light of day, though, I thought Zappa is okay but still a wasted opportunity. I’m looking at a great mind. Einstein is too obvious but probably fun to a have breakfast with. So, Da Vinci, but I don’t speak Renaissance Italian and I kind of want to have fun. So, cocktails with Dorothy Parker and Oscar Wilde. I just couldn’t decide on one. John

Oh, what I would give to have one more meal with my Dad. He passed away when I was very young, but I can still picture him wearing his bright orange ball cap. I would love for the chance to sit down with him, hear his voice, and squeeze in one more hug. And what would we eat? I think I’d go with a grilled steak and a cold beer so we’d have plenty of time to catch up. Maddy

I would choose to share a meal with my Mom. She was always my biggest cheerleader. And she was very excited for me when I changed careers and went to culinary school, but sadly, she didn’t live to see me graduate. My first thought would be to create an elaborate meal for her. But really, I would rather spend the time in the kitchen baking with her. Her pastries were incredible and I’ve never made buns half as tasty as she could. She was an incredible baker — and a great cook, too. We still had a lot to teach each other. I miss you, Mom. Robin