MATTHIAS MERGES

Matthias Merges is chef/owner of Yusho, Billy Sunday, and A10 in Chicago. He spent 14 years as executive chef at Charlie Trotter's.

What was the food highlight of your year?

I would have to say the highlight food experience was the Christmas party we threw for our management staff, 5 different peallas, oysters and home made Charcuterie from a pig from Four Story Hill Farms. Great wines, and most important surrounded by many people I hold close to my heart!!

What was the music highlight of your year?

The most important music and art I love throws me out of my comfort zone and makes me look at the art form from a new and interesting perspective. Nick Cave continues to produce thoughtful visceral work which forces you to sit up and pay attention.

Was there a moment when food and music came together in a memorable way?

Music and our playlists are such an integral part of our experience in our restaurants. We place much effort in compiling relevant, provocative and talented artists which are always ones which we love. This completes the package for all the senses in our restaurants, Yusho is a great example of this and this years great moment was our last Ramen Battle, everything was tied together with the sound track... it is fantastic.

@matthiasmerges

RICK GENCARELLI

Rick Gencarelli is chef/owner of Lardo, Grassa, and Philippe's Bread.

What was the food highlight of your year?

This year in addition to opening a third Lardo location we opened a bakery called Philippe's Bread. We now provide bread for the Lardo locations and Grassa. Making that change was stressful and scary but totally worth it. We now have the ability to design sandwiches that are totally outside of what we are used to. It's next level and very exciting!

What was the music highlight of your year?

I saw a lot of great music this year but the show I am still talking about is Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds at Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall. They killed it. No words could really do it justice so I won't bother. I will tell you that I brought my twelve year old son and he helped hold Nick Cave up as he walked on the chairs through the orchestra singing Tupelo. Yes, a proud moment for a dad.

Was there a moment when food and music came together in a memorable way?

This year I went back to Connecticut for my 30th high school reunion, that's right I said 30th. I ate mediocre (at best) banquet food and listened to terrible 80's music with people that I have known for more than three decades. It was strange and wonderful and I felt a deep connection. A perfect example of the sum being greater than the parts.

@lardopdx

ROBBIE LLOYD

Robbie Lloyd has done radio promotion or tour marketing for your favorite band.

What was the food highlight of your year?

Bastien’s Steakhouse in Denver. A lot of pretenders vying for the steakhouse throne and you should all just hang up your gloves.  You can’t touch an old school champ. Bastien’s has been killing and cooking it since 1958. So what do you do when you are in the house of a champ? I keep it simple: a NY SUGAR strip.  RARE.  I didn’t need anything else.  That steak at Bastien’s knocked my ass out.  

What was the music highlight of your year?

Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds at the Balboa Theater in San Diego.  Sinister and lurking, Cave’s presence made more insidious by the lighting on the worn curves of an old theater.  His howl and the shadows he cast left their mark. Black Lips at the Casbah.   Garage rock in a stanky garage…the only way we’d want to see these groovy ghoulies. Django Django at the Fonda. Imagine yourself with a palette of 50 colors in front of a wall, eyes closed.  The colors get wildly pulled from the palette onto the wall and when you open your eyes, you have a gorgeous piece of art.  Open your eyes and go see Django Django.

Was there a moment when food and music came together in a memorable way?

An exchange of sorts: Arctic Monkeys present their one-of-a-kind Henderson’s Relish, made only in their hometown of Sheffield.  The “sauce” as they call it is, well genius.  I secretly take 2 bottles. I return the favor and introduce them to real fish tacos. Blue Water Seafood Market and Grill’s battered Alaskan Cod fish tacos to be exact.  “That’s the best damned fish taco I’ve ever had” each Monkey exclaims.  Both side walk away proud in both introducing their hometown delicacy and feeling that they have gotten the better end of the bargain.