If granted a single wish to dine with anyone, dead or alive, the choices are as vast and varied as the universe. Let’s embark on a whimsical journey through the minds of the hypothetical dinner guests.
For the history buff, it might be Cleopatra. Not just for the obvious allure, but for the chance to ask, “Seriously, those snakes? Was it a fashion statement or a practical pest control method?” And what did she really think of Julius Caesar? Was he all that? Food-wise, perhaps a Nile River feast of exotic delicacies, with a side of historical gossip. Or how about Alexander the Great?
A tech enthusiast might summon Elon Musk. The questions would be endless: “Mars, really? Can I come? And what’s the WiFi like?” or “Self-driving cars: are we sure this is a good idea?” Dinner? Something futuristic, like nutrient-packed algae protein or a Mars bar (the actual candy, not the planet). Or how about Steve Jobs?
For the pop culture aficionado, it’s a toss-up between Beyoncé and Taylor Swift. With Beyoncé, the conversation might revolve around flawless vocals and killer dance moves. Food? Something spicy to match her personality. Taylor Swift? Let’s dive deep into songwriting, heartbreak, and the complexities of celebrity life. Dinner? Probably an overly-curated, Instagram-worthy meal. Or how about John Lennon?
How about the sports aficionado? Would Babe Ruth interest you? Might you ask him about whether he preferred pitching or hitting and what he thinks of Shehei Ohtani? Would cigars be served? How about whiskey? Maybe you would dine with Bobby Jones and discuss the evolution of golf, Muhammed Ali, Kobe Bryant, or living legends Tom Brady or Michael Jordan. Personally, baseball catchers fascinate me. Imagine Yogi Berra, Joe Garagiola, and Bob Uecker sharing stories. If you could only ask them two questions, what would they be?
Among the scientists, Nikola Tesla, Stephen Hawking, and Albert Einstein, all now dead would get my attention. I’d want to know what they thought of their theories holding up and their predictions for the future.
And then there’s the philosopher. Socrates, perhaps? The menu would be simple: bread and water, to truly focus on the mind. The questions would be existential: “What is the meaning of life, really? And why do cats?” Or how about Confucius?
As for just all-out interesting, Leonardo da Vinci, Benjamin Franklin, Abraham Lincoln, Buddha, Mother Mary, and Jesus the Christ would turn a dinner into a feast. There would not be enough courses to satisfy me. And if there is an afterlife, will I get to meet any of them? And what would they be asking one another and me?
Realizing that I haven’t yet even proposed ancestors, artists, musicians, and all sorts of others, I hardly want to stop. Ultimately, the choice of dinner guest is a reflection of our own interests and curiosities. Whether it’s a historical figure, a modern-day icon, or a fictional character, the opportunity to share a meal and conversation with someone extraordinary is a tantalizing prospect. And what would we serve them? Might we even introduce them to one of our favorite dishes that they perhaps never experienced? Well, that depends on how hungry our imaginations are.
