MATT NORRIS

Matt Norris manages the beverage program at Soluna and 50 Mason in San Francisco.

What was the food highlight of your year?

Food highlight of the year is a toss up between a gorgeously executed anniversary dinner at Quince and a casual, yet delicious night at State Bird Provisions. Both experiences provided an opportunity to enjoy many different tastes and textures. Quince made me feel like royalty, lavishing us with personal touches and excellent wine pairings. State Bird feels as though you have stumbled into an alternate universe where dim sum buns and dumplings have been replaced with unique, fresh offerings showcasing the bounty of our amazing local produce.

What was the music highlight of your year?

Saw some great music this year, but the highlight would have to be the Flaming Lips playing The Soft Bulletin at Bimbo’s. Getting a chance to see a band that now headlines festivals play a seminal album in it’s entirety at an intimate venue can’t be beat. Plus, I got invited to the show the night of, so that spontaneity contributed to the surreal feel of the night. I also got a chance to bond with my brother-in-law and I almost forgot, confetti canons in small spaces are awesome!

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

Day 2 of Treasure Island while sharing a Korrito from the Seoul On Wheels truck with my wife, while watching the Divine Fits, M83, and the sunset. Need I say more?

ZACH ROGUE

Zach Rogue fronts the bands Release The Sunbird and Rogue Wave.

What was the food highlight of your year?

Splitting a brisket sandwich with my father at Il Cane Rosso with a side of Blue Bottle espresso. 

What was the music highlight of your year?

Wymond Miles at Brick and Mortar. Great album, great performer. SF is deep in talent. 

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

Enjoying a fried mashed potato ball whilst watching Unknown Mortal Orchestra play to the oncoming sunset at the Phono del Sol festival was a magic moment in time, even though my Roxy Music LP melted earlier in the day when I was DJing. It was worth it.

JOHN LEE

John Lee fronts the recently-reunited band aMiniature. He currently lives in Korea.

What was the food highlight of your year? 

Living in Seoul, there’s no shortage of interesting places to eat. I frequent Nepalese, Moroccan, Italian and so many other types of restaurants here, and a lot are quite good but my favourites are usually the little weird Korean places. There’s a small alley near a palace in Seoul that’s full of tiny eateries, usually catering to drinkers of Korean booze. The foods that go with it are typically savoury pancakes, grilled meats or seafood. I went into a grilled fish place and was kinda blown away. It seats about 20 people and one poor lady is working a smoking hot grill (a half barrel on fire). All I know is she can grill a mean side of fresh mackerel and eel. The eel was fluffy and white. It looked like marshmallows that had been put over an open fire. Some parts caramelised and crispy, the rest impossibly puffy and light. The super white meat melted on my tongue and I began to sing a song of joy. I was promptly beaten with a stick.

What was the music highlight of your year?

My very awesome pals from No Knife rocked the stage again in San Diego this October. It’s hard for me to describe the feeling I had while watching them and the 700 or so people totally immersed in the live show. It was a weird time/space thing. People from several stages of my life were there enjoying the show and at moments I popped into the realisation that I’d be headed back to Seoul the next day, to a totally different life I’m leading there. That made the concert that much more special. It was a moment that made me really appreciate all the great people I did a lot of growing up with in San Diego’s music scene of the 1990s.

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

The Japanese band Mono came to Seoul this summer. My friend Fred Weaver is their manager so I got a chance to see their live show and hang out for the requisite food/drink thing after the show. It was a mighty late night that started with Soju and grilled pork and ended with Sake at an Izakaya place. My taxi ride home was in the morning light. There’s really nothing better than watching an amazing band and then eating/drinking with them. Two of the best things rammed into one great experience. Kinda like a peanut butter cup. Only louder.

MARC HAWTHORNE

Marc Hawthorne is a journalist and editor whose credits include The Onion, SPIN, and The Bold Italic.

What was the food highlight of your year? 

This year I discovered the magic that is the Inner Richmond’s Firehouse Pizza. It’s somewhat surprising that two of my favorite pizza places (the other being Pizzetta 211) are located in San Francisco’s Richmond District, but for a vegetarian, Firehouse’s use of fake hamburger is a godsend. I substitute it on the Spicy Bacon Cheeseburger, where the smoked bacon is magically turned into green peppers. Mixed in some garlic butter, deliciously kick-ass giardiniera peppers, mozzarella, jalapeños, and cheddar, and you’ve got yourself one heck of a great veggie pie.

What was the music highlight of your year? 

Though I erroneously placed it atop one of my Top 10 albums lists last year when it still had a 2011 release date, technically my favorite record of 2012 is St. Lucia’s self-titled debut EP. Due to that mix-up, I’ll probably end up making Nada Surf’s The Stars Are Indifferent To Astronomy my #1 this year, but 2012 was still mostly the year of St. Lucia, whose epic little electro-tinged pop songs have inspired me to attempt to convert everyone I know into fanatics of the Brooklyn band (led by South African native Jean-Philip Grobler). The group’s show at SXSW this year only strengthened my love, and the crazy-packed show in July at San Francisco’s Rickshaw Stop proved that I’m not the only one who feels this way.

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

This year I celebrated Burns Night with a can of vegetarian haggis (yes, it really exists!), a pile of turnips and potatoes, plenty of Scotch, and as many Scottish bands as we could pile into iTunes: Belle & Sebastian, Teenage Fanclub, The Jesus & Mary Chain, The Pastels, The Vaselines, and so on. (We even included Nirvana’s covers of The Vaselines’ “Son Of A Gun” and “Molly’s Lips.”) But probably the most Burns Night of them all were the Robert Burns poems that Camera Obscura set to music for famed British DJ John Peel, including the hilariously titled “Cock Up Your Beaver.” Who would have thought that celebrating an 18th-century Scottish poet could be this fun?

KEVIN SECONDS

Kevin Seconds has fronted hardcore pioneers 7Seconds for 32 years. He also tours and records as a solo artist.

What was the food highlight of your year?

New China Restaurant in the Pocket area of Sacramento. The best veggie chinese food anywhere. They’re reasonably-priced and I ate there about 150 times this year.

What was the music highlight of your year? 

Seeing bands like X, Hot Water Music and Fucked Up a good amount of times throughout the year. Seeing Bob Mould and Superchunk once. Touring solo a ton and some amazing 7Seconds shows both here in the states and in Europe.

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

Europeans know how to feed and take care for weary and hungry musician visitors. At every festival and club date 7Seconds played over there this year, we ate some of the best homemade food we’ve ever eaten. American promoters, TAKE NOTE!

APRIL SIMS

April Sims has worked at Touch & Go Records, eMusic, and NAIL Distribution.

What was the food highlight of your year? 

After much thought, the winner would be the special monthly cupcake from Cupcake Royale that I received on my birthday in March. A special Irish treat (in honor of St. Pat’s, duh) - imagine a double chocolate cupcake with… wait for it… Jameson Irish Whiskey butter cream icing. Brilliant! I’m looking forward to March now, not just because it is the month of my birth, but for a delicious treat in the form of solid Jameson goodness. 

What was the music highlight of your year?

This was a toss up, and one only slightly tops the other. They always say what comes around goes around. When I think back to my childhood, I recall my mother introducing us to the likes of Roy Orbison, Ricky Nelson, Bruce Springsteen, Elvis, and The Beach Boys. Well, this year I saw the influence in reverse. When my mother asked me if I had any O.M.D. she could borrow last month, I felt the music had come full circle. Her declared love of “If You Leave” only reassured me that she was listening when we were young. Kids do influence the parents as much as the parents do us. 

A close second would be the Archers of Loaf reunion show at Neumos in Seattle. The tracks off of Icky Mettle still sound as great today as they did in the early 90s. The band was as enthusiastic as they were when I saw them in a tiny club in St. Louis in 1993, and the crowd was full of enthusiastic fans who only added to the excitement in the room and the energy of the band (a rarity in Seattle to say the least). Eric Bachmann rocks! and I haven’t felt that energetic zeal of youth in a while.

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

PIZZAFEST!!! An annual festival in Seattle at a punk club called the Funhouse. Always the highlight of my summer. Garage and punk bands convene on the Funhouse for 3 nights of loud rock and lots of pizza! A few friends of mine organize it, and it brings bands from all over the country (Florida, NY, Chicago, and the NW of course as well as other locales). The party vibe is alive and well, but not without the endless supply of pizza from Mario’s on Capitol Hill. And don’t forget the pizza eating contest! Since the club was by the Space Needle, there was an endless supply of random tourists who have no idea what they wandered in to. However, they do not leave disappointed, and this year one of those British tourists even won the pizza eating contest! Unfortunately, the Funhouse was forced to close on Halloween in order to make room for some more profitable condos. So the future of Pizzafest hangs in limbo… but I hope they can prevail because without it, I would be in the dark about great bands like King Tuff and Shannon and the Clams. 

JEFF BAILEY

Jeff Bailey has played in the bands Phosphorescent and Virgin Forest. His Brooklyn restaurant Whirlybird serves breakfast tacos and features a different record label each month.

What was the food highlight of your year?

Chez Jose pop up (Brooklyn)

What was the music highlight of your year?

A new Godspeed You! Black Emperor record.

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

The Shivers playing while I ate a Hangar steak at Manhattan Inn. 

CARLOS FORSTER

Carlos Forster’s recent album Family Trees was produced by M. Ward and features a guest appearance by Jonathan Richman.

What was the food highlight of your year?

My favorite has to be San Tung in the Sunset (San Francisco). Love the Dry-Fried chicken and Potstickers. Feel like crap after I eat it though.

What was the music highlight of your year? 

My favorite record of the year would be John Murry’s “The Graceless Age”. Very heartbreaking record. Other that that, I’ve been listening to “154” from Wire, Brian Eno, and Angelo Badalamenti (the Twin Peaks music guy).

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

Thought about this for a while and can’t think of anything in particular. I had a pulled-pork sandwich watching this great loopy-type band from Sacramento called “Pregnant”. That was cool. Sometimes I’ll be sitting in the cafe in the morning drinking coffee and hear a song like “Send in the Clowns” and get kind of happy! 

CHRISTOPHER APPELGREN

Chris Appelgren has run Lookout! Records, handled marketing for Noise Pop and The Bold Italic, and fronted countless bands including The Peechees and The Pattern.

What was the food highlight of your year? 

Arriving in London in April and being able to get an amazing Sunday lunch roast at the Harrison Pub, near King’s Cross. I continue experimenting in the hopes of perfecting my own English Sunday roast chicken but this, and a pint of lager, reminded me just how far I have to go.

What was the music highlight of your year?

It was the realization of a dream that’s been percolating for years - recording the debut single with a project band, Adult Babys, made up of far-flung friends, David Feck from Comet Gain, Dale Shaw from The Lies and Blood Sausage, and Brent Rademaker from Beachwood Sparks, Further, and The Tyde. Adult Babys has been one of those musical ideas that seemed doomed to be more idea than reality but now, we’ve hopefully tipped the scale in the right direction.

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

As a matter fact yes. My wife Jessica and I were sitting down to dinner at Chez Panisse in celebration of our anniversary, and looked up to see Tom Waits walk through the dining room, having just finished dinner himself.

I think in general music and food seem more intimate as of late, at least here in SF. Events like Noise Pop’s Covers dinners with Graffeats, The Bay Bridged’s event The Bay Brewed, and the Huichica Festival are proving that music and food pair incredibly well together as an experience, which I am all for.

CHARLES HODGKINS

Charles Hodgkins has reviewed over 900 SF “slabs” for his site and iPhone app, BurritoEater. Photo: Ben Trefny

What was the food highlight of your year?

I can’t decide whether it was the three days I spent in Montréal in September eating rad crepes, moussaka, smoked meat, and, of course, poutine (more than once), or the three consecutive nine-mustache burritos I enjoyed here in San Francisco in July. Dead heat, I reckon.

What was the music highlight of your year?

Seeing Japandroids five times in three countries. The most electrifying live band I’ve seen in 20-plus years of rockshow-going. I said it.

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

Every time I eat something good while a song I like plays. Last time was earlier today: A simple breakfast in my kitchen with Pinback’s Information Retrieved on. 

BRIAN PAULSON

Brian Paulson is one of the most notable and prolific recording engineers of the last twenty years. His credits span landmark albums by Uncle Tupelo, Beck, and Slint.

What was the food highlight of your year?

The opening of Pizzeria Toro in Durham, our homemade beet ice cream, the weekly bounty from our CSA, 40 North, and homegrown shiitakes.

What was the music highlight of your year?

Finishing mixes on new Polvo and Kingsbury Manx albums, having the honor of restoring and preserving selections from the Bill Ferris catalog at the Southern Folklife Archives, the collision of art and media of Die Antword’s “Fatty Boom Boom”, and Godspeed You! Black Emperor’s Allelujah! Don’t Bend! Ascend!

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

Pilgrimages to Dreamland and Saltlick BBQs during studio and SXSW forays.

DARIN BRESNITZ

Darin (right) and his twin brother Greg are the duo behind the Dinner With The Band television series, Snacky Tunes radio program, Summer BBQ Blowout events, and several other food and music projects.

What was the food highlight of your year? 

Greg and I had traveled to Skiathos, Greece and on our last day there, our friends took us to the oldest city, Kastro, for our final meal.  We ate at a shack that the propietor built herself and only served Greek Salad, french fry omelets and locally made pork sausages.  We finished the meal with Greek coffee and she read our future in the grounds.  

What was the music highlight of your year?

When the Japandroids played the Music Hall of Williamsburg this summer, their new album, Celebration Rock, was just breaking.  The place was packed to the walls and going nuts, one of the best times this year. 

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

We had to tear down our culinary studio this year, so in celebration we threw one last pot luck.  Before everyone came over, I spent the morning prepping my Grandmother’s cauliflower soup and listening to the last LCD Soundsystem concert.  It’s a Saturday I won’t soon forget.

KELLY BLAIR BAUMAN

Kelly Bauman is a singer/songwriter living in Portland.

What was the food highlight of your year?

Toro Bravo, PDX: Salt Cod Fritters and Sautéed Chard with sunny side up egg.

What was the music highlight of your year?

Mike Coykendall, Carlos Forster, and Miracle Mile at Duffy’s Tavern in Chico. Hearing “Hippy Girl” as real life hippy girls danced to it = priceless.

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

Buying a grocery-sized bag of food from Pakwan (SF) after playing at the Makeout Room before driving three hours north. I fooled myself into believing it might actually “keep” for the next three days.

EVAN RAIL

Evan Rail has been called upon by The New York Times, Saveur, and Anthony Bourdain to serve as an expert on the beers of Central Europe. 

What was the food highlight of your year?

The new restaurant DSTRIKT in Vienna. Chef Wini Brugger originally made his name with Asian recipes, but here he has returned to classic Austrian cooking. His grandmother’s version of Kärtnen-style quark dumplings with mint was amazing: rich, decadent, strangely fragrant. Central Europe on a plate.

What was the music highlight of your year?

Until now, I would have said Major Lazer’s “Get Free,” a single I kept on almost constant repeat, but the New Division’s “Night Escape” EP is pulling up fast in the final stretch.

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

It’s hard to explain, but earlier this year I found myself in a ramshackle pub in East London, halfway through a long trip, when this drunk woman started banging out honkey-tonk on a beat-up old piano. At the time, I was pretty exhausted, and I knew I had still several more days and another thousand miles ahead of me. But just that combination of a solid pint and unexpectedly good music suddenly made everything all right. Once again.

JULIA NAHMIAS

Julia Nahmias is a Boston-based personal chef who’s catering company “Food For The Band” is named after her stints at festivals like Lollapalooza and Austin City Limits.

What was the food highlight of your year?

This year I really began my work with local farms, preferring to source meat and produce seasonally and from as close to home as possible. I was lucky to have the humbling experience of visiting a northern MA farm, meeting the (admittedly adorable) cows and then donning a white coat and assisting on the cutting floor, carving out my own steaks. It’s a powerful thing, following what’s going to be a meal from start to finish; knowing where your food comes from and what it eats. I’m proud to eat and serve my clients only the most fresh and healthy grass-fed meats raised by upstanding local farmers.

What was the music highlight of your year?

The Bronx — the way the floor pulsated at that intimate show of 100 as soon as “Knifeman” kicked in. Same for Doomriders, with “Jealous God”. Discovering Diamond Rings and Best Coast. Rediscovering Barry & The Remains, Scratch Acid and Marine Girls. Seeing Red Fang — FINALLY. And on the same bill as Mastodon. My ears rang for awhile, there. The Coathangers. Those girls know how to get down.

Being surprised for my 30th birthday with a party where all attendees made me a mix CD and rooms of the host/ess’s home were made to be listening stations. Music + the majority of the people I love in this world = so much win and the best way to usher in a new decade.

This hasn’t happened yet, but I’d be remiss not to mention it: December 28th: Radio in Somerville, MA. A rock dinner/party not to be missed — with all proceeds benefiting Love Hope Strength Foundation. I, with Food For The Band, will be providing all the desserts. I met James Chippendale, one of the founders, during my work with festivals. He was an integral ally years later during my experience with cancer and remains an uplifting source of inspiration as he works (alongside Mike Peters of The Alarm and many, many others) to put “one cancer center in every country, one concert at a time”. Should you want to support this organization, and/or attend the event, please feel free to reach me through my business.

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

It’s kind of a funny story, and not nearly as flowery or worldly as some other responses but it is the first that comes to mind. My boyfriend and I managed to stay at a motel this summer that had no food on the premises, save for one lone vending machine that was behind locked doors after hours. I was starving in a podunk NH town without options and I made us leave for home just before dawn, as sleep at that point was also not an option. We tracked down a just-opened coffee shop and drove off with breakfast just as the sun was rising and a Rock Block (3 songs in a row) of Pink Floyd came on the radio. Something about the music, the warm highway breeze, cruising alone on the road in the dim light, the meal finally in our bellies — so satisfying. High on life.

PETER ELLENBY

Peter Ellenby’s twenty years of photographing bands like The Flaming Lips, Death Cab For Cutie, Modest Mouse, and Bright Eyes in small clubs is the subject of the book, Every Day Is Saturday.

What was the food highlight of your year?

Eating the bone marrow at RN74.

What was the music highlight of your year?

Bob Mould playing Copper blue at Bottom of the Hill during Noise Pop.

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

Noisette was amazing. Watching Ian Marks from the Beast and the Hare butcher half a pig was pretty cool. Eating what he did with the meat was better.

When I was shooting Bob Mould and his band for their Silver Age promos we walked past Olivier’s Butchery in Dogpatch. Bob says “Oh. Is this a butcher?” I confirmed that it was indeed and he proceeded to go inside and buy three or four amazing looking steaks. I’m sitting there thinking to myself “Oh my god, I’m watching Bob Mould buy steaks!”

SCOTT WINEGARD

Scott Winegard is a high-profile vegan chef and plays bass in the recently reunited Texas Is The Reason. Photo: Love Is Building

What was the food highlight of your year?

I think my meal at Atera is the hightlight although I spent a few weeks in Maine this Summer and the produce there was amazing. As far as a bottle, I was quite impressed with the sparkling water selection at Bazaar by Jose Andres.

What was the music highlight of your year?

I have to say getting back together for some recording and a few shows with Texas Is The Reason is it. It even inspired us to play a few more shows in 2013. Our “secret” show at Saint Vitus was one of my favorite shows I ever played.

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

There was a point where I was playing in a band and I quit because I wanted to just work in a kitchen. It wasn’t only until recently that I accepted that I actually am a chef and a musician. As much as I always say I like the food more, it seems that I can never stay away from playing some music with friends. I feel really lucky to be able to do both.

AYE JAY

Aye Jay is the author of Indie Rock Connect The Dots, The Gangster Rap Coloring Book, and The Heavy Metal Funtime Activity Book. He’s designed countless skateboards, t shirts, and show posters.

What was the food highlight of your year?

I had a steak at Crush here in Chico, CA that ranks up there with the best things I’ve ever eaten. When a bite of food is so good it makes you close your eyes in bliss as it almost melts in your mouth you know it’s special. This last year Sierra Nevada really stepped up their hop game and released Hoptimum, Audition and Estate Ale one after the other. Some of the best beer ever, and it coming from my hometown is an added bonus.

What was the music highlight of your year?

I don’t think anyone is making better hip hop than Das Racist and affiliated side projects. It’s kinda a trojan horse in that it at first appears to be joke rap but if you’re paying attention, there’s a whole political undercurrent to it that is well worth your time

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

Sounds corny, but I bought a portable record player that now lives in the dining room, so to have family dinners at the table together while exposing the kids to the oft neglected vinyl collection while eating my wife’s amazing cooking has been the best win/win ever.

ROBBY CRONHOLM

Robby Cronholm fronts the band Taxes. Photo: Junior’s Cave

What was the food highlight of your year?

The food highlight of my year was dinner at Atelier Crenn. Chef Dominque Crenn’s tasting menu, even as it constantly surprises, is always inventive and memorable. Also, this year the sommelier at Absinthe introduced me to the wines of Didier Dagueneau. Absolutely stellar. A stellar cellar. (sorry)

What was the music highlight of your year?

This year some of the music that kept me going included Alexander Spit, The Mountain Goats, Fiona Apple, and Every Time I Die. And in the shameless plug category, Taxes having had the opportunity to play with Cursive and touring with Bonnie & The BANG BANG.

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

Noise Pop and Graffeats hosted two Cover Dinners in which Chef Blair Warsham would “cover” well-known dishes by famous chefs and draw his inspiration for each course from a different song.

Keep your ears and mouths open.

APRIL ROBINSON

April Robinson is a freelance music journalist and the founder of Talk Rock To Me dot com.

What was the food highlight of your year?

IMADAKE on St-Catherine in Montreal: Butter corn ramen, goat cheese with raspberry maple syrup and black sesame ice cream are just some of the to-die-for selections. Oh, and it’s impossible to leave without a least one, “You say SAKE, I say BOMB!” Fun times, every time.

What was the music highlight of your year?

Sebadoh live at La Sala Rossa. I stood three feet from Lou Barlow as he shredded his wonderfully beat-up axe, then shook his still-sweaty hand at the end of it all. Rock-n-roll entertainment at its best.

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

Spying on my 19-month-old dance with abandon to The Sea And Cake in the living room as Daddy and I enjoyed wine + cheese in the kitchen. Talk about a warm, fuzzy, “everything is right with the world” feeling…Plus, the kid’s got impeccable rhythm. Yesss!