Guess Who's Coming To Dinner?

The Shake Shack located in the New York Financial Center

My New York Diary cordially invite you to dinner - a la New York debate style. The thing is, it is my hope that this does not become a "oh my fur and whiskers!" moment.

Were should we eat? Well, how about the Shake Shack at 215 Murray Street, down on Battery Park. Being that it is situated in the World Trade Center, this popular hot spot can't bring a more laid-back New York atmosphere than it already has. The venue in itself brings a much relaxed atmosphere, not a sophisticated one. And you must keep in mind that I did not want this particular diner date to have a "lovey dovey" feel to it.

Does Shake Shack has the best burger in town?

This special dinner would include ten individuals, including my wife and I. The public personalities were chosen not only because I've admired their personalities and accomplishments, but I wanted to have a diverse group of people that most likely would never have come together otherwise.

Tell me, whom would you have chosen?

Serena Williams is a 21 grand slams tennis champion - including six titles at Wimbledon in women singles

Serena Williams
A fierce competitor, with a no nonsense attitude. On the tennis court, Serena Williams wants to win every single point, which makes me wonder, will  she also want to win every debate at the table? Will the other guests take her on? I am a Putney boy (Putney, England) which is next door to Wimbledon and playing tennis with our "bare hands" when we were children was a common playtime in our street.

Chris Cuomo has received multiple Emmy Awards nominations for his ground breaking reporting style. He is currently an anchor on CNN

Chris Cuomo
A respected television journalist, currently co-hosting a morning show on CNN. He is, like most professionals, a licensed attorney. His father, Mario Cuomo, was the former New York governor and his brother, Andrew Cuomo, is the current governor of New York. Tune in to CNN in the mornings, and see how Chris handles his interviews. They're all conducted with great skills and insights.

Lucy Liu is an appointed ambassador to the U.S. Fund for UNICEF 

Lucy Liu

Born and raised in the same neighborhood where my wife mostly spent her adult life, Jackson Heights, Lucy Liu is an American/Chinese actress, model and artist. And may I point out, she is by far one of my all -time favorite actresses. As a strong supporter, and current ambassador of UNICEF (United Nations Children's Fund), Lucy Liu is well known for the charities, promotions and fundraising that she supports.

The 21 Grammy awards winner, rapper, record producer, entrepreneur, investor, 

aka Shawn Corey Carter

Jay Z
I have never met a rapper in my life, do they really exist? Well, Jay Z certainly does. The well accomplished rap mogul is an American rapper, record producer, and entrepreneur. I'm willing to bet that there is more to this man than meets the eye. I have a feeling he will add a whole different level to our diverse group of personalities during our dinner date. This is what President Obama had to say about him "Every time I talk to Jay Z, who is a brilliant talent and a good guy, I enjoy how he thinks. That's somebody who is going to start branching out and can help shape attitudes in a real positive way." Alright Jigga man, welcome to the table.

Tom Hanks, actor, filmmaker, winner of 2 Academy Awards: Philadelphia, 

and Forrest Gump

Tom Hanks

What more can I say about Tom that already hasn't been said? Tom is an accomplished American actor and filmmaker who has been nominated for numerous awards during his career. To my knowledge, his body of work has not received any reviews that are below the mark. And if there are any bad reviews out there, do me a favor, don’t tell me! Why is Tom on my dinner list? Interestedly enough, it is also because of his support for NASA and all things space. This makes him a remarkable dinner guest, and a suitable companion on the table. Did you know that he is a collector of manual typewriters? Tom Hanks - a man of many talents, and interests.

Piers Morgan is a journalist, and public personality that has written eight books, 
including four volumes of memoirs

Piers Morgan
In case you haven't heard, Piers Morgan is a world renown journalist and TV pundit who once replaced the Larry King Show on CNN. While he was there, he became famous for his straight talking (or shooting) on gun control. Piers is currently working as the US editor-at-large for the Daily Mail Online. As a witty Brit he has the knack of occasionally touch the nerves of our American cousins. It will be more interesting with Piers on the table, don't you think? 

Named as one of the world's 100 most influential people by Time magazine,
Didier Drogba is in my opinion "a super athlete"

Didier Drogba
The other sport personality to make the list is an Ivorian professional footballer (soccer to our American cousins) called Didier Drogba. He is the all-time top scorer for his former country the Ivory Coast. He is best known for his playing position as "striker" while at Chelsea. His style of play was powerful and intrusive, and that made him a lone striker (a soccer term). With this particular style, it became impossible for opposing teams to isolate him and knock (kick) him out of the game. Piers Morgan will know all about this man. Didier and Piers sitting side by side? Yes, bring it on!

In 2014, Megyn Kelly was the only woman in media on 

TIME Magazine’s 100 Most Influential List

Megyn Kelly
Last but definitely not least on my list is American journalist, Megyn Kelly. The former attorney, news pundit and political commentator on the Fox News Channel, is getting closer and closer each day on closing in a $10 Million book deal this year. The first time I saw her on television was last year during her dual with Donald Tramp. Since then, my wife and I periodically watched her show, and we both think that she has a fine personality,  and the right temperament for the Fox Network. She is a must for our meal. Maybe I should pick Donald Tramp! I'd like to end by mentioning that I've noticed that Trump picked on her from a good distant away on that fateful Republican debate night. Wise man.