In conjunction with my Japanese full culture piece, Nicc asked me to come up with my perfect night out dinner. What food would I order? What booze? And what characters from anime and manga would I have as my dining companions?

Not easy questions, to be sure. I think I’d start with a Glencairn of Ardbeg Uigeadail from the first year it was released, around 2001 (when they were using 40 year-old sherry barrels in the batch). I’d kick the meal off with a small omakase from any ultra-quality sushi counter (I don’t dine at such places for obvious reasons), with the sushi chef on hand to observe and interact with.

Second course would be a small (I have to pace myself here) bowl of miso ramen from Kururi, the gone and terribly-missed little ramen joint in Ichigaya, Tokyo that served probably my #1 bowl ever. I’d pair that with a Westvleteren 12 Trappist ale. Third course would be a small (see above) sausage and green olive stuffed pizza from La Villa in Chicago. With that, a glass of Cheval Blanc ‘61 in honor of Sideways.

For dessert, a small German Pancake (“Dutch Baby“) from the original Walker Brothers Pancake House in Wilmette, IL. Maybe a chocolate charlotte from the bistro in Paris whose name I’ve long forgotten, probably the best dessert I’ve had in my life. Paired with a glass of Chateau D’Yquem 1967. And finally, a glass of Wild Turkey 17-Year 101 proof (the Japan Edition) and a Saint Luis Rey Double Corona Habanos from around the early 2000’s when they first came out.

As to the companion question wow, that’s a toughie. Maybe…

• Nanba Mutta from Uchuu Kyoudai, a character I found directly inspirational and a general bro with a fascinating life.
• Sukeroku from Showa Genroku Rakugo Shinjuu (gotta have a rakugaoka at a dinner, and he seems like the most fun).
• Miyamoto Musashi from Vagabond (or the real one) – a bit dark, but what a life he’s led.
• Tsukasa and Nasa from Tonikaku Cawaii seem like a great couple to just hang out with.
• And I think Fujinuma Sachiko, the mom from Boku Dake ga Inai Machi, is an incredible person who’d have no shortage of stories to share around the table.
• The General from Kyuujitsu no Warumono-san. Just because he’s my doppelganger, and he has a real appreciation for such small pleasures as great food and company.