I love to eat. In the political science department of a university where I once taught, my colleagues would usually scan the list of attendees at White House state dinners to determine who are the important personalities in whatever event was being hosted. Me, I immediately read the menu to see what fantastic selection of dishes were served. Here, for example, is a dinner recently served to the president and his guests: chilled carrot and fennel bisque, lavender-scented rack of lamb, steamed sea bass with ginger and lime, seared ruby peppers, polenta with woodland mushroom ragout, sorbet and summer fruit and almond cookies.

I’m drooling.

Over the years, my work has required that I attend social functions and make polite, light conversation with dinner guests. I have discovered a noncontroversial and popular subject for dinner conversations is to ask my table partners what is his/her favorite, all-time meal — from starter to main course, side dishes and then dessert.

I am always asked to reciprocate with my own selection. Actually, I have a list of three great foods I enjoy. It’s a personal list, subject to change. Were I a wealthy man, with a personal chef, I would enjoy them more often. In reality, Ronald McDonald and I probably have more in common than most people.

Anyway, one of my three favorite main dishes is Chinese Peking Duck, which is a hot, crispy-skinned delectable, portions of which are eaten in a rolled warm, thin pancake laced with plum sauce and scallions. For starters, I prefer Won Ton soup and a crispy shrimp roll with mustard sauce. I once described this meal as the most succulent I have ever tasted.

Another award winner in my Foody Hall of Fame is Dover sole, a delicate white-fleshed, flat-bodied fish found only in the waters off the English port of Dover, thus the name. With lemon butter and boiled new potatoes as a side dish, this is a diner’s delight. This dinner would be preceded with a shrimp salad.

In my opinion, the best cut of beef known to mankind is a filet mignon — the tender center portion of beefsteak sometimes served with sauteed mushrooms. I like mine medium grilled and sometimes garnished with bearnaise sauce. This dish requires a side dish of something special, such as asparagus or leaf spinach. The starter would be something exotic like genuine Scottish smoked salmon with a slight drizzle of lemon juice and fresh ground pepper. The perfect dessert would be Crepes Suzette — paper thin pancakes covered with fresh squeezed orange juice, a light dessert liqueur and brandy and then set afire for about 30 seconds.

When I’m back in Blair County, I feast on vegetable soup, meatloaf and mashed potatoes and finish off with a bowl of Ritchey’s ice cream.

I’m still drooling.