logo
  • About
  • Advertising
  • Jobs
  • Contact
  • Subscribe
  • Denver Fashion Week
  • Search
  • Fashion
    • Denver Fashion
    • DFW
    • DFW Photos
    • Designers
    • Trends
    • Boutiques
  • Lifestyle & Culture
    • Outdoor & Travel
    • Film, TV & Theater
    • Art
    • Fitness
    • Comedy
    • This Week’s Events
  • Music
    • Denver Music
    • This Week’s Concerts
    • Concert Reviews
    • Interviews
    • Red Rocks
  • Food + Booze
    • Restaurants
    • Coffee
    • Brunch
    • Beer, Bars and Booze
    • This Week’s Events
  • Neighborhoods
    • ‘Burbs
    • Capitol Hill
    • Cherry Creek
    • Colfax
    • Downtown Denver
    • Highland / Northside
    • RiNo / Five Points
    • Sante Fe
    • South Broadway / Baker
    • Uptown
    • Wash Park / DU
  • 303 Guides
  • Calendar
  • Photos
    • 2020
    • 2019
    • 2018
    • 2017
    • 2016
    • 2015
    • 2014
  • Trending
    • Recent Articles
    • Editor’s Picks
  • Fashion
    • Denver Fashion
    • DFW
    • DFW Photos
    • Designers
    • Trends
    • Boutiques
  • Lifestyle & Culture
    • Outdoor & Travel
    • Film, TV & Theater
    • Art
    • Fitness
    • Comedy
    • This Week’s Events
  • Music
    • Denver Music
    • This Week’s Concerts
    • Concert Reviews
    • Interviews
    • Red Rocks
  • Food + Booze
    • Restaurants
    • Coffee
    • Brunch
    • Beer, Bars and Booze
    • This Week’s Events
  • Neighborhoods
    • ‘Burbs
    • Capitol Hill
    • Cherry Creek
    • Colfax
    • Downtown Denver
    • Highland / Northside
    • RiNo / Five Points
    • Sante Fe
    • South Broadway / Baker
    • Uptown
    • Wash Park / DU
  • 303 Guides
  • Calendar
  • Photos
    • 2020
    • 2019
    • 2018
    • 2017
    • 2016
    • 2015
    • 2014
  • Trending
    • Recent Articles
    • Editor’s Picks

Denver Chefs Reveal Their Last Meal

Justin BarbourAugust 31, 2016Food + Booze
Photo by Justin Barbour
Home
303 Magazine
8 min read

 

There is a tongue-in-cheek proverb that is bandied about from the great Erma Bombeck that goes “Seize the day — remember all those women on the Titanic who waved off the dessert cart.” I’ve always loved this line. It’s just the right amount of sardonic wit and flagrant indulgence that makes for the best kind of flashy quote. But as any proverbial slogan is wont to do, it brings about a good point — will I be doggy paddling around the Atlantic wishing I would have had that second piece of cake? So I ask, if your ship is going down, what would your last meal be?

But other than morbid curiosity, why ask this question? I believe this is the question that shows who a person truly is. A question that one must bare their innermost soul to answer correctly. In a few sentences it explains everything I would care to know about someone. What is important to them? Are they adventurous or conservative? Do they want something that reminds them of the past or makes them feel alive in the present? 

For that reason, I ask this question a lot. For anyone who knows me, I’ve probably asked you this question. When I’m trying to get to know a room full of people this is my go to. This is always the second question I ask on every first date. In the spirit of getting to know each other, we asked some of the top chefs from around Denver this very question. Use these as inspiration for your answer in the comments below.

Last Meal of a Chef

Photo courtesy of River & Woods

Photo by River & Woods

DANIEL ASHER, Executive Chef/Owner, River and Woods

“As far as learning about what the last cravings a chef would want to satisfy, it puts some things in perspective. I think food and restaurant agendas, in general, can get overly complicated and it’s nice to think about what simple basic flavors create the most joy.”

“I would love to gather together a “fruits of the season” type of salad in a big stainless steel bowl, like some palisade peaches, Paonia cherries, Monroe farms musk melon, Munson corn, McCauley farm greens, Cure Farm heirloom tomatoes, an organic California avocado, a nice crumble of haystack smoked chevre and some Point Reyes blue — I know, double cheese! Why not? A healthy drizzle of some unfiltered Arbequina olive oil, a squeeze of lemon, sea salt and cracked pepper.”

“To drink, a nice pour of biodynamic Sauvignon Blanc and a cold glass of Eldorado Springs water. “

“And for the finish, a pint of Graeter’s Mint Chocolate Chip ice cream!”

Photo courtesy of Del Friscos Grille

Photo by Del Friscos Grille

DAN KANE, Executive Chef, Del Frisco’s Grille

“I’d definitely have the pulled pork sandwich and onion loaf from Corky’s BBQ, a rack of beef ribs from the Rendezvous, cole slaw, bbq beans, rolls and butter from Gridley’s.  All in Memphis, TN, which is, of course, where the best BBQ in the world is.”

JEREMY GLAS, Corporate Executive Chef, Shamrock Foods

“Usually younger chefs are going to have the words foie gras, waygu, caviar, liquid nitrogen or etc. in their list. Seasoned pros go back to the best things they’ve ever had. I remember how all of this tasted and that it was the best it’s ever been and maybe will ever be. To have that feeling again one last time before I go is my heaven”

“[My last meal] would be different foods from where they are known to be the best. Sushi from a small place in Yokohama that overlooks the bay; sweet corn and Berkshire pork from my family’s farm in Stuart, Iowa; a ribeye from either Nebraska or Kansas cooked over hickory coals; wild salmon from the Kenai peninsula, probably smoked; pupusas from an amazing El Salvadorian prep cook I once had; a nice crusty bread from Larry at Breadworks in Boulder with Manchego cheese and some beautiful goat butter from England; sous vide Colorado Lamb Chops with west slope peach marmalade; my wife’s parmesan chicken; heirloom tomatoes marinated in a little extra virgin and sherry vinegar; Rocky Ford Cantaloupes cubed with Maldon salt; Strawberries from just about anywhere; my green chili; Ice Cream Alchemy for dessert and I’d wash it all down with Coconut Porter from Oskar Blues and Princess Yum Yum from Denver Beer Company; and maybe some Glenlivet.

MATTY SELBY, Regional Executive Chef, Punch Bowl Social

“My last meal would be my wife’s Memphis style pork ribs, with all the fixings, with Palisade peach cobbler for dessert. And maybe a foie gras torch!”

Photo courtesy of TAG Restaurant Group

Photo by TAG Restaurant Group

TROY GUARD, Restaurateur and Chef, TAG Restaurant Group

“I’d for sure go with a 24oz bone-in rib eye, with Guard and Grace seasoning, cooked over a wood fire of course. My side dish would be my mom’s own twice baked potatoes and a Chinese style wok charred choi sum would be my veg. Definitely a tequila and Squirt to wash it all down, and I would eat all this in Hawaii on the beach watching the sunset.”

KLAUS KREBS, Executive Chef, Isle of Capri

“My last meal would definitely be Italian food. I would eat it on the patio of the house my grandfather built in Manerba, overlooking Lago di Garda in northern Italy. It would be a family-style spread of prosciutto, speck, salami, Tallegio, Gorgonzola, olives, roasted artichokes and freshly baked bread that I picked up at the market that morning. I would pick some fresh figs from the tree that is on the property to pair with the cheese and salumi. A bowl of shellfish stew with onions, tomatoes and white wine would be next, followed by a simple hand-made pasta dish. After that I would walk down to the neighborhood restaurant, sit outside under the large tree and have one of their pizzas. Of course after all that delicious food, I would have to enjoy a Grappa or Schnaps, or one of each!

FRANK BONANNO, Restaurateur and Chef, Bonanno Concepts

“I don’t really like to think of my last meal, it’s morbid. But, if I had to choose it would be a Roasted Rack of Veal with Alba White Truffles, Potato Puree & Sauteed Porcini Mushrooms. Served at my house with my family, of course”

washburn oysters

JUSTIN BARBOUR, Chef and Charismatic Writer, 303 Magazine

If ever there was a time to overindulge, this is it. As I said, I ask this question a lot, and so, consequently, I end up answering this question a lot. I’ve noticed over time that my answer grows and changes as, I hope, I myself do. What this means though is that my answer usually cradles somewhere between that of a poetic haiku and the laundry list of a lunatic.

I want to eat alone. Like a wounded lion I want to crawl into a bush, gorge on every whim and delight, and then die like I was born — naked and crying. Before I shuffled off this mortal coil I would want every piece of seafood that I could reasonably remember the name of. If it moved in the sea at one point, I want to eat it. Preferably mere seconds after it came out of that sea. The tomalley of a blue crab; the silky uni of a sea urchin; the raw, sensually fatty collar of a tuna; razor clams and oysters; all paired with crusty bread and drawn butter. Next, a Napoli pizza from Florence — capers, anchovies, marinara and cheese. True perfection. Finally, a cheese and charcuterie board that would make Aphrodite blush — the strongest most pungent cheeses, the finest old-world meats, paired with marmalades and honey. To drink, probably nothing fancy, an old bottle of red wine, most likely French.

 

303 MagazineBonanno ConceptsDan KaneDaniel AsherDel Frisco's Grilleerma bombeckFrank Bonannoisle of caprijeremy glasJustin Barbourklaus krebslast mealMatty SelbyPunch Bowl SocialRiver and WoodsTAG Restaurant Grouptroy guard

Previous Article13 Unique Things to do in Denver this Weekend
Next Article303 Style Profile – Joshua and Kayleen Harvey of The Sneerwell
Justin Barbour
Writer

Justin is a chef by trade, is currently a professor at Metro State University, works as a restaurant consultant and is a freelance writer and photographer. A Colorado native, Justin has traveled around the world, has an unhealthy love of craft beers and tacos and one day hopes to figure out what a hashtag is. Check out his Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or this video of hamsters eating tiny food.

Related Posts

  • Kind Hearted Strangers

    Kind Hearted Strangers Give Good Vibes And Even Better Music

    Emma JerryJanuary 21, 2021
  • 303 Music Vol. 4 Returns with Flobots, Sunsquabi, Neoma and More

    Robert MayperJanuary 21, 2021
  • 8th Annual Flatirons Food Film Festival Introduces Virtual Dinner and a Movie Concept

    Ashley CarterJanuary 21, 2021
  • What is Ski Biking?

    Ashley CarterJanuary 21, 2021
  • Interior of Ratio Clothing

    5 Local Menswear Brands and Specialty Shops for Any Occasion

    Rebecca DuffyJanuary 21, 2021
  • Dos Abuelas Re-Opens, Bringing Puerto Rican Food To Denver Elks Lodge

    Colin WrennJanuary 20, 2021

Leave a Reply Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published.

Facebook

Follow Us

Recent Posts

Kind Hearted Strangers

Kind Hearted Strangers Give Good Vibes And Even Better Music

January 21, 2021

303 Music Vol. 4 Returns with Flobots, Sunsquabi, Neoma and More

January 21, 2021

8th Annual Flatirons Food Film Festival Introduces Virtual Dinner and a Movie Concept

January 21, 2021

What is Ski Biking?

January 21, 2021
Interior of Ratio Clothing

5 Local Menswear Brands and Specialty Shops for Any Occasion

January 21, 2021

See All Recent Posts

303magazine

View

Jan 21

Open
We are bringing Colorado musicians together again for 303 Music Vol. 4. Releasing on March 3, 303 Day, this vinyl features @flobotsmusic , @sunsquabi , @thereminders , @neoma.lun and more. The album artwork is by @mi_moegram and 25% of all proceeds will go directly to @youthonrecord. Pre-order now  at the link in bio and support our local music scene.

We are bringing Colorado musicians together again for 303 Music Vol. 4. Releasing on March 3, 303 Day, this vinyl features @flobotsmusic , @sunsquabi , @thereminders , @neoma.lun and more. The album artwork is by @mi_moegram and 25% of all proceeds will go directly to @youthonrecord. Pre-order now at the link in bio and support our local music scene. ...

303magazine

View

Jan 21

Open
Ah what a beautiful day. This shot was taken at the legendary #DanielsPark. Located just south of Denver, this gorgeous open space has everything from beautiful sunsets to herds of buffalo 🦬 Want to know more? Head to the link in bio for how to get there and some fun facts about its history. .
 
.

📝/📸: @jlhindesign 
 #Denver #303magazine #Dnvr #themilehighcity #milehighcity #denvercolorado #303 #ColoradoGram #ColoradoLiving #CityofDenver #thingstodoindenver #coloradosunset #coloradosky

Ah what a beautiful day. This shot was taken at the legendary #DanielsPark. Located just south of Denver, this gorgeous open space has everything from beautiful sunsets to herds of buffalo 🦬 Want to know more? Head to the link in bio for how to get there and some fun facts about its history. .

.

📝/📸: @jlhindesign
#Denver #303magazine #Dnvr #themilehighcity #milehighcity #denvercolorado #303 #ColoradoGram #ColoradoLiving #CityofDenver #thingstodoindenver #coloradosunset #coloradosky
...

303magazine

View

Jan 20

Open
Are you a stylist looking to offer the highest quality hair extensions with extreme longevity? @cocomariesalon is one of the industries fastest growing hair extension lines and even better news, they are local! They offer hair extension training, Hand Tied Wefts, Satin Wefts and 16 different colors in five different lengths! Sign up at cocomariesalon.com to become a professional and receive wholesale pricing if you are a licensed cosmetologist. 
~~~

COCO MARIE HAIR is owned by Courtney & Chad Peters, a husband and wife operation where customer service is the cornerstone of their business.

#sponsored

Are you a stylist looking to offer the highest quality hair extensions with extreme longevity? @cocomariesalon is one of the industries fastest growing hair extension lines and even better news, they are local! They offer hair extension training, Hand Tied Wefts, Satin Wefts and 16 different colors in five different lengths! Sign up at cocomariesalon.com to become a professional and receive wholesale pricing if you are a licensed cosmetologist.
~~~

COCO MARIE HAIR is owned by Courtney & Chad Peters, a husband and wife operation where customer service is the cornerstone of their business.

#sponsored
...

303magazine

View

Jan 14

Open
There’s a new incline just south of Denver. Fortunately, it’s not as difficult as Manitou but it does come with a view at the top. Head to the link in bio for the full details. .
 
.

📝/📸 : @jlhindesign 
.
 #Denver #303magazine #Dnvr #themilehighcity #milehighcity #denvercolorado #303 #ColoradoGram #ColoradoLiving #CityofDenver #thingstodoindenver

There’s a new incline just south of Denver. Fortunately, it’s not as difficult as Manitou but it does come with a view at the top. Head to the link in bio for the full details. .

.

📝/📸 : @jlhindesign
.
#Denver #303magazine #Dnvr #themilehighcity #milehighcity #denvercolorado #303 #ColoradoGram #ColoradoLiving #CityofDenver #thingstodoindenver
...

303magazine

View

Jan 14

Open
🎊@doughnutclub_ Giveaway 🎊

😱 Who loves a good 🍩?! Everyone is raving about how delish and creative their doughnuts are. Get ready because @doughnutclub_ is proudly opening up a NEW store in Lakewood this weekend and rumor has it, they're thinking about Central Park TOO!  #KEEPYOURHOLE
-
RULES:
1️⃣ Like this photo
2️⃣ Tag your friends and set your doughnut date up!
👌 Three LUCKY people will win a half dozen doughnuts from @doughnutclub_
🚨 Winners will be chosen on Monday 1/18
-
🎊Grand Opening Info:
📍Denver: 7281 W. Alaska Dr, Lakewood, CO
📆 Grand Opening on Friday, Jan. 15th @8am
☎️ 720-763-4655 / Email: info@doughnutclub.com

#sponsored

🎊@doughnutclub_ Giveaway 🎊

😱 Who loves a good 🍩?! Everyone is raving about how delish and creative their doughnuts are. Get ready because @doughnutclub_ is proudly opening up a NEW store in Lakewood this weekend and rumor has it, they're thinking about Central Park TOO! #KEEPYOURHOLE
-
RULES:
1️⃣ Like this photo
2️⃣ Tag your friends and set your doughnut date up!
👌 Three LUCKY people will win a half dozen doughnuts from @doughnutclub_
🚨 Winners will be chosen on Monday 1/18
-
🎊Grand Opening Info:
📍Denver: 7281 W. Alaska Dr, Lakewood, CO
📆 Grand Opening on Friday, Jan. 15th @8am
☎️ 720-763-4655 / Email: [email protected]

#sponsored
...

303magazine

View

Jan 13

Open
Echo Mountain is open for the season, so grab some fresh mountain air! Ski, board, and tube at Denver’s closest, and most affordable ski area. Take a break and hit the slopes for night skiing and boarding every Wednesday-Saturday! #echomntn #sponsored

Echo Mountain is open for the season, so grab some fresh mountain air! Ski, board, and tube at Denver’s closest, and most affordable ski area. Take a break and hit the slopes for night skiing and boarding every Wednesday-Saturday! #echomntn #sponsored ...

303magazine

View

Jan 8

Open
There are few simple pleasures more satisfying than being a “regular” at your local spot. But when the pandemic hit, these small but mighty communities dissolved overnight. So we checked in to see how these regulars have held up. Link in bio for the full story. .
 
.

📝: @jessrendall 
📸: @giacomo_d237 
.
 #Denver #303magazine #Dnvr #themilehighcity #milehighcity #denvercolorado #303 #ColoradoGram #ColoradoLiving #CityofDenver #thingstodoindenver #denverfoodie #303eats #denverrestaurants #denverbars

There are few simple pleasures more satisfying than being a “regular” at your local spot. But when the pandemic hit, these small but mighty communities dissolved overnight. So we checked in to see how these regulars have held up. Link in bio for the full story. .

.

📝: @jessrendall
📸: @giacomo_d237
.
#Denver #303magazine #Dnvr #themilehighcity #milehighcity #denvercolorado #303 #ColoradoGram #ColoradoLiving #CityofDenver #thingstodoindenver #denverfoodie #303eats #denverrestaurants #denverbars
...

303magazine

View

Jan 6

Open
Despite the hardships of this past year, Denver creatives haven’t stopped inspiring us. This includes these five local designers. From elegant gowns to streetwear, these designers should be on your radar for 2021. Link in bio. .
 
.

📝: @paigevon17 
📸: @mrm_photog_pics // @rmt4evaclothing 
.
 #Denver #303magazine #Dnvr #themilehighcity #milehighcity #denvercolorado #303 #ColoradoGram #ColoradoLiving #CityofDenver #denverdesigner #denverfashion #303fashion #denverstyle #coloradofashion

Despite the hardships of this past year, Denver creatives haven’t stopped inspiring us. This includes these five local designers. From elegant gowns to streetwear, these designers should be on your radar for 2021. Link in bio. .

.

📝: @paigevon17
📸: @mrm_photog_pics // @rmt4evaclothing
.
#Denver #303magazine #Dnvr #themilehighcity #milehighcity #denvercolorado #303 #ColoradoGram #ColoradoLiving #CityofDenver #denverdesigner #denverfashion #303fashion #denverstyle #coloradofashion
...

303magazine

View

Jan 1

Open
Announcing the Together is Better Giveaway with @realmdenver!
Attention all Denver small, local and independent businesses—we have partnered with Realm for a giveaway of a full day at Realm to host your very own photo and/or video shoot, complete with a 303 feature! ​**Head to the link in bio to enter!**
This is the perfect opportunity for any local business (including product and service-oriented businesses and nonprofits) that could benefit from an opportunity to create content on behalf of your business’ mission and connect with a larger audience in Denver.
Each of the three selected submissions will receive:
-Full 10 hour day at Realm
-Interview Feature in 303 Magazine featuring the final concept -Behind the Scenes Video created by the Realm team
Submissions are due by end of day January 31, 2021
The three chosen submissions will be announced February 10, 2021
While this past year has posed many challenges, we are hopeful that by coming together, we can continue to strengthen and energize our local community. After all, together ​is​ better.
To enter, you must be local to the Denver area and a minimum age of 18. This giveaway is not sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Instagram.
 
.
 #Denver #303magazine #Dnvr #themilehighcity #milehighcity #denvercolorado #303 #ColoradoGram #ColoradoLiving #CityofDenver #thingstodoindenver #denvergiveaway #coloradogiveaway #denversmallbusiness

Announcing the Together is Better Giveaway with @realmdenver!
Attention all Denver small, local and independent businesses—we have partnered with Realm for a giveaway of a full day at Realm to host your very own photo and/or video shoot, complete with a 303 feature! ​**Head to the link in bio to enter!**
This is the perfect opportunity for any local business (including product and service-oriented businesses and nonprofits) that could benefit from an opportunity to create content on behalf of your business’ mission and connect with a larger audience in Denver.
Each of the three selected submissions will receive:
-Full 10 hour day at Realm
-Interview Feature in 303 Magazine featuring the final concept -Behind the Scenes Video created by the Realm team
Submissions are due by end of day January 31, 2021
The three chosen submissions will be announced February 10, 2021
While this past year has posed many challenges, we are hopeful that by coming together, we can continue to strengthen and energize our local community. After all, together ​is​ better.
To enter, you must be local to the Denver area and a minimum age of 18. This giveaway is not sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Instagram.

.
#Denver #303magazine #Dnvr #themilehighcity #milehighcity #denvercolorado #303 #ColoradoGram #ColoradoLiving #CityofDenver #thingstodoindenver #denvergiveaway #coloradogiveaway #denversmallbusiness
...

303magazine

View

Dec 31

Open
This year straight up sucked. But there are people that turned pandemic lemons into... ice cream (and other tasty treats). Find them on a list of 17 individuals who turned 2020 side hustles into culinary businesses. Head to the link in bio to see the sweeter side of 2020. .
 
.

📝: @denver.foodie 
📸: @pintspeak / @mcmacstudio // @linjimarket / @aldenbonecutter // @ohgollydumplings / @nosferatune 
.
 #Denver #303magazine #Dnvr #themilehighcity #milehighcity #denvercolorado #303 #ColoradoGram #ColoradoLiving #CityofDenver #thingstodoindenver

This year straight up sucked. But there are people that turned pandemic lemons into... ice cream (and other tasty treats). Find them on a list of 17 individuals who turned 2020 side hustles into culinary businesses. Head to the link in bio to see the sweeter side of 2020. .

.

📝: @denver.foodie
📸: @pintspeak / @mcmacstudio // @linjimarket / @aldenbonecutter // @ohgollydumplings / @nosferatune
.
#Denver #303magazine #Dnvr #themilehighcity #milehighcity #denvercolorado #303 #ColoradoGram #ColoradoLiving #CityofDenver #thingstodoindenver
...

303magazine

View

Dec 30

Open
This year has been rough. Let Molly's help you give 2020 the sendoff it deserves! Pre-order your NYE bubbles for pickup or delivery from @MollysSpirits today. 🍾 🥂 

Don't worry: If you need something a bit stiffer to ring in the new year, they've got some of that, too. 😉 

#mollysspirits #denverdrinks #drinkdenver #sponsored

This year has been rough. Let Molly's help you give 2020 the sendoff it deserves! Pre-order your NYE bubbles for pickup or delivery from @MollysSpirits today. 🍾 🥂 

Don't worry: If you need something a bit stiffer to ring in the new year, they've got some of that, too. 😉

#mollysspirits #denverdrinks #drinkdenver #sponsored
...

303magazine

View

Dec 29

Open
We have something *very* important for you to read: our list to the best dumplings in and around Denver. If you love 🥟 like us, you understand how essential this is. Head to the link in bio for more. .
 
.

📝: @mister.wrenn 
📸: @aldenbonecutter // @nosferatune 
.
 #Denver #303magazine #Dnvr #themilehighcity #milehighcity #denvercolorado #303 #ColoradoGram #ColoradoLiving #CityofDenver #thingstodoindenver #303eats #303food #303foodie #denverfoodie #denverrestaurants #denverdumplings #dumplingsfordays

We have something *very* important for you to read: our list to the best dumplings in and around Denver. If you love 🥟 like us, you understand how essential this is. Head to the link in bio for more. .

.

📝: @mister.wrenn
📸: @aldenbonecutter // @nosferatune
.
#Denver #303magazine #Dnvr #themilehighcity #milehighcity #denvercolorado #303 #ColoradoGram #ColoradoLiving #CityofDenver #thingstodoindenver #303eats #303food #303foodie #denverfoodie #denverrestaurants #denverdumplings #dumplingsfordays
...

  • About
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Advertising
  • Jobs
  • Contact
  • Subscribe
  • Denver Fashion Week
© 2004-2021 303 Magazine