BellaOnline Forums Food and Wine Personal Chef What Do You Consider a Great Meal?

What do you consider a great meal?

What items make that determination for you?

I consider a great meal one that leaves me wanting more, where I'm full yet debating if I can negotiate a few more bites. I like a lot of color and contrasts, healthy and jam-packed full of flavor, beautiful presentation [artistic], full-bodied aroma and one that's balanced between the salty, savory, sweet, tangy, spicy, pungent and bitter elements.

I love a great selection of food, like a nice holiday spread.

Hmmm...to me, there are lots of great meals, depending on mood and occasion. I think that venue has a lot to do with it, too.

*An outdoor picnic with plenty of colorful fresh fruits.
*Freshly-caught fish, pan-roasted over an open fire next to a cold mountain river.
*A candlelit dinner with savory aromas.
*An artfully presented but light meal for the senses rather than for your stomach's satiety.
*A good old homemade comfort meal that brings back childhood memories.
*A harvest meal straight from your garden.

Sometimes, a simple meal is a great meal.

The miso soup I'm having right now is a great meal. So soothing to my sore throat!

Lori, your post is almost food porn. I'm salivating at the fresh-caught fish picture!

Jason, I think one where the chef expresses his/her passion and delight in the food is always a great meal.

Finally, I think a great meal is anyone that is shared with people you love.

LOL!!! Food Porn!!!