I am currently pondering the wisdom in compiling a book called 1001 Foods You Must Taste Before You Die. I didn’t call it that – the author did. I don’t know that I could list 1001 foods in the pure sense much less 1001 you HAD. TO. HAVE. BEFORE. YOU. DIE. (presumably of overeating).

I know there is a trend for the 1001 books now and I adore lists of almost all kinds (especially on TV – nothing pleases me more than shows with titles like ‘The Top Ten Ugliest Living Rooms’ or the ‘Top 20 Biggest Celebrity Scandals’). But 1001?  That’s an awful lot and not nearly enough all at the same time. Regardless of whether it is 1001 places, 1001 movies or 1001 foods – there’s only so much time in the day and presumably one isn’t going to give up the day job to get through the list.  And yet, at 1001 items, the list – whether places, movies or food – is also bound to be incomplete. If the topic at hand is robust and substantial enough to support a list 1001 items long without obvious padding, then the likelihood is that it could support a list 10 or 20 times that size and everyone is going to cry foul and declare things left out. Well, I suppose that makes for a good market for sequels. I can see it now: The Other 1001 To Try In What Little Time You Have Left After The First List.

For those of you who like lists, enjoy the structure they give or just list seeing what you’ve already done, seen or tried that they recommend, you may want to look at some of the other 1001 type books on offer such as 1001 Wines You Must Taste Before You Die and 1001 Foods To Die For.

Oh and you know what I said about adding thing to the lists, massive though they may be? Well, Epi-Log has done just that – wisely pointing out that “Most importantly, the book will get you thinking long enough to start composing your own list, which is what any good list is really designed to do.” Thanks to their additions – in the realm of cakes – I am now fixated on red velvet cake. Or more accurately on red velvet cupcakes. The blueberry pancakes may have to wait . . .

Even without having thumbed through the book myself (I shall at the first opportunity), I assume it won’t have the things I feel are “must haves” – things like:

• my mom’s jambalaya
• the spare ribs at Pig Heaven
• the frites at Les Halles
• the porchetta from that little stall on the east side of the Campo di Fiori in Rome
• the roast chicken at Next Door just north of Chicago

I could go on and on (and probably will – like I said, I love lists). All these things are personal. I think that’s why Epi-log was right. Lists such as the ones in the book are just starting points but they aren’t as much fun as the lists you make yourself and share with friends. Personal lists may not reach the lofty length of 1001 items but they have more – dare I say it – flavor.

What’s on your list?