TIM & ERIN ARCHULETA

Tim and Erin own Ichi Sushi in San Francisco.

What was the food highlight of your year?

Tim: Eating in Tokyo, Japan. Everything from phone booth style ramen service, to miso-marinated pig vulva, to skipping out on the lauded sushi bars of Tsukiji Market and landing in a local place having some of the best sushi of my life. 

Erin: The Blue Plate’s tried and true meatloaf with my Mom and Pops. It’s been a few years since I’ve had red meat. That meatloaf brought me back. 

What was the music highlight of your year?

The Flaming Lips show at Bill Graham Civic Auditorium here in San Francisco on Halloween. The overwhelming sensory displacement of a Flaming Lips show combined with everyone in costumes (even a mid-40s dude dressed as Miley Cyrus at the VMAs) was nothing short of a spectacle. Wayne Coyne dressed as Carrie and us, all at her miserable prom, was the ultimate way to see them — confetti canons and all. They ended the set, booming LOVE — LOVE — LOVE at the end of “A Spoonful Weighs a Ton,” sending the crowd back out washed in sound, and well, almost weirdly Flaming Lips-style hugged.  

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

We traveled to New Orleans for a wedding and found ourselves in Algiers, an old shipping neighborhood dating back to 1719 on the bank of the Mississippi. You get to the neighborhood by ferry, and there are only a couple of shops and the historic courthouse when you dock. We explored a little deeper, seeing old Victorian homes, banana trees growing along fences on the side of the street, bundles of flowering vines, and a real divide between well-kept homes and a poorer neighborhood heading closer to the bridges.  We waited for our pals’ courthouse ceremony in a gem of a holdover from the late 1700s, The Old Point Bar. We were waiting out a tropical storm in this relic that had survived so much more, and while we were bellied up to the bar for beers and something a little harder, we watched a crew of musicians load-in for later (wanted to beat the oncoming rain). We were sad not to be able to stay. 

Later that weekend, we were wandering in the Quarter, and stumbled upon a wedding recessional pouring into the street with the Algiers Brass Band playing the happy couple and their guests out into the night. There was something very special about the slow, sticky pace of our experience in the remote ward, and then seeing its finest playing what most folks picture New Orleans to sound like out into a gaggle of celebratory wedding guests and tourists. Somehow, we felt like we were in on the secret of how great Algiers was. Up the road, we popped into Coops Place for Creole Seafood Gumbo and Jambalaya, still charmed by the whole experience, having a local meal. Ever since returning to San Francisco, we’re plotting our way back to New Orleans. 

@ichisushi

SOHRAB HABIBION

Sohrab Habibion plays guitar in Obits.

What was the food highlight of your year?

Dinner with my wife at Zahav in Philadelphia. It might be weird to freak out over a plate of hummus and a glass of red wine, but this place is so much more than that. When it comes to using cumin, garlic, lemon and parsley, chef Michael Solomonov knows how to make it seem like a dark art. And though I didn’t previously know that Lebanon is one of the oldest wine-producing regions in the world, one sip of a Cinsaut blend from the Bekaa Valley will make anyone a convert.

What was the music highlight of your year?

That’s always tough to gauge because there are different kinds of highlights, so…

1. Our show at the Lawnya Vawnya festival in St. John’s was probably the craziest set we’ve ever played. It was chaotic in a way that ended up working, but could’ve easily gone completely off the rails. We also stayed with an amazingly generous couple, Rick & Susan, who cooked us a delicious meal.

2. Going to Kiev was definitely a peak of this year. The show itself had the vibe of a house party, which is alway fun, but our host, Sasha, and the walking tour of the city he and his girlfriend, Nastya, gave us was really special.

3. There are lots of music festivals all over the world these days, but the best one I’ve been to is the one we played in June that was put together by Silver Rocket. It’s held in a 14th century castle with a breathtaking view of the Czech countryside, just an hour southwest of Prague. There are no sponsors and all the food and drinks are made and/or served by local folks. Everyone cleans up after themselves and there’s a genuine sense of community. It’s inspiring.

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

Every time we play in San Diego we make an effort to go to Las Cuatro Milpas before leaving town. It’s a bare bones operation near Chicano Park that’s been churning out incredible Mexican food since 1933. The tortillas and hot sauce are more than worth the wait.

@obitsband

MAT DIABLO

Mat Diablo is Sr. Program Manager at Slacker Radio.

What was the food highlight of your year?

My food highlight of the year doesn’t change much from year to year. It’s going home for the holidays and eating family-style Basque food at the JT Basque Bar & Dining Room in my hometown of Gardnerville, NV. They make a traditional cocktail called a Picon Punch that is the perfect accompaniment to tongue stew, cabbage soup, and lamb chops. That, and the fried oysters at Ranch 616 in Austin.

What was the music highlight of your year?

This was a year of finally getting to see bands that I loved as a kid but was either too young or too remote to have seen the first time around. This included, but was not limited to:

RFTC’s first show back at Bar Pink in SD, and then again on Halloween and at Riot Fest

The Dismemberment Plan, Superchunk, and Chuck Regan at Riot Fest Denver

The Ocean Blue at SXSW and Satellite in LA

The Residents at the Belly Up

And of course- the almighty Knapsack at The Void in SD.

Also, I flew to Reno for one night to see The Bronx play some shitty tweeker bar, I won $2500 at the casino across the street, and The Bronx killed everybody (as usual).

Honorable mention goes to Melt Banana and Retox at the Casbah, Parquet Courts at ACL, Twin Shadow at Casbah, and Speedy Ortiz at Soda Bar in SD.

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

A traditional sushi restaurant called Sushi Tadokoro opened up near the Casbah, and they’ve got the freshest sashimi, nicest chefs, and best omakase in town. It’s nice to have a… lighter alternative to La Posta, Dos Brasas, or El Zarape on show nights.

@matdiablo

TATSU AIKAWA

Tatsu Aikawa is co-chef/owner at Ramen Tatsu-Ya in Austin, TX.

What was the food highlight of your year?

My food hightlight of the year was creating Texas chili cheese mazemen. It was a cultural mash up on so many levels but worked out great! I feel like it is a contribution to American regional ramen.

What was the music highlight of your year?

Me and my DJ crew, Table Manners, got to open for DJ Premier. It was an honor to share the stage with Premo. He’s one of the artists that inspired me to start DJing.

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

When we had our first anniversary at the shop, we busted out the decks and had a great party. It was a cool and intimate thing to serve our food and play jams together.

@ramentatsu_ya

KATE COOPER

Kate Cooper plays in An Horse and is working on a solo project called Cooper.

What was the food highlight of your year?

My partner and I just moved back to Montreal. Just last weekend we were finally both home together in our new place. We went to a restaurant around the corner from where we live called Salle Manger. It was hands down the best meal I have had all year. I ordered a salmon dish with pulled pork and fingerling potatoes. It was a bit of an odd thing for me to order because I don’t eat a lot of meat however I do have soft spot for pulled pork (you can’t live in Montreal and ignore the pulled pork!). Also it’s difficult for me to go past salmon. Everything was cooked to perfection, in a melt in your mouth, mind blowing kind of way. We drank far too much amazing wine which probably made everything even better. So the food, the wine and of course being home with my girlfriend made it an amazing night. I have to say a close second was a meal at the local fish and chip shop around the corner from brother’s house in Brisbane. The BEST baby octopus and getting to enjoy it with my family. Awesome. 

What was the music highlight of your year?

I haven’t been to too many shows this year. I have been off the road so I tend to become a hermit. I did however get to see some close friends of mine, Tegan and Sara play at O’Sheaga the weekend I moved back to Montreal. I have seen these girls just grow and grow. It’s been so amazing. The absolute highlight was seeing them join Macklemore on stage to sing Same Love. It was really very overwhelming. The crowd were insane, I was standing there with my friends watching them. It seemed like such an historic and special moment. 

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

Probably the same day at O’Sheaga. They have the BEST festival catering. It was just a magical day being there with friends, watching amazing bands, and eating so many oysters. Oh and poutine. 

@listentocooper

BRIAN DIAZ

Brian Diaz’s book, 1800 Miles to Nowhere chronicles his travels as a musician and guitar tech with Guns N’ Roses, Fall Out Boy, and Anthrax. 

What was the food highlight of your year?

Being in my line of work I have a lot of opportunities to check out excellent local offerings from around the world. Everything from delightful French bistros in Paris, to standing room only sushi places in Tokyo, to BBQ joints in Nashville. But, my favorite places and food highlights have always been in my home, New York City.

My standout this year had to be the ax-handle ribeye steak at St. Anselm in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Saying that it was anything short of heavenly would be selling it short. Sometimes a good piece of meat can be seen as a bit pedestrian, but when it’s prepared and presented in this way it’s a work of art. I will only go there with my girl, order the ax-handle and a bottle of wine with a side of grilled sardines and fried mashed potatoes, and spend hours talking and enjoying the atmosphere, food, and drink. Every single time.

What was the music highlight of your year?

Traveling with Guns N’ Roses to Beirut, Lebanon has to be at the top of my “WTF?!” list and career highlights. It’s surreal to go to this place where I grew up hearing about the war and strife, and then going into the middle of where it all took place. Some of the war torn, bullet scarred buildings are still standing, and yet a couple of miles down the road we did a show for 15,000 or more people. It was proof to me that music truly can and will unite people around the world. Everyone wants to be entertained and forget where they are sometimes, especially if it’s a historically troubled place. That’s a pretty powerful thing.

For me personally, seeing Local Natives in NYC with my lady was a huge moment because it’s a band that we discovered together and their music has carried us through good and bad times.

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

Visiting the Grill ‘Em All burger restaurant in Alhambra, CA was a treat. It’s a gourmet burger spot with a heavy metal theme. Great burgers, great music, great beers, and amazing owners. I brought one of the guys from Fall Out Boy there and we all just sat and chatted with owner and longtime friend Ryan Harkins about Midwest punk rock - and burgers (of course) - for quite a while. He brought us more food than our bodies could handle all while pumping Slayer and Iron Maiden. I make it a point to head out that way whenever I’m on the west coast to visit Grill ‘Em All and Ryan.

@briankeithdiaz

RICK GENCARELLI

Rick Gencarelli is chef/owner at Lardo and Grassa in Portland.

What was the food highlight of your year?

The highlight in food for me was all of the amazing New England seafood I had during my two weeks on Cape Cod. I hadn’t visited in a few years so I was ready to get down! I ate my weight in lobster and steamers, Block Island swordfish, mussels and Wellfleet littlenecks! There is nothing better than watching the sunset with a cold beer, surrounded by your loved ones as you throw a fat piece of glisteningly fresh Striped Bass on the grill! I won’t be skipping next year’s trip.

What was the music highlight of your year?

The music highlight for me was by far was the Dinosaur Jr. show at The Wonder Ballroom! I’ve been a fan for many years. it was the soundtrack to my early line cooking years in Boston but I never caught them live. It was punishingly loud! I definitely lost a little hearing but it was worth it. 

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

Food and music come together everyday at Grassa, our new pasta joint downtown right next to Lardo. We bought a turntable that is hooked to vintage Boston Acoustics and 4 - 17” subwoofers. It sounds fantastic. I get there early in the morning, pick out a stack of vinyl, fire up a pot of coffee, and make a shitload of pasta while I watch Portland slowly come to life outside our giant windows. Total harmony.

@lardopdx 

MATT EVANS

Matt Evans plays guitar and sings in the band Old Flings.

What was the food highlight of your year?

This is such a hard question, because I’ve eaten so much great food this year. Being from Asheville, NC, the food game is on a new level, and it takes a lot for other places to meet the bar.  Even after mentioning that though, my food highlight of the year was homemade.  

I recently had to cut dairy out of my diet which meant that I couldn’t eat pizza like a college slob anymore (because what is pizza without pounds of cheese). My girlfriend helped me in the woe process by convincing me that we could make homemade pizza.  It ended up being delicious!  We crammed so much stuff on there.  I never would have thought that chorizo on pizza would be amazing! 

What was the music highlight of your year?

I would say the music highlight of my year would be around the release of our new singles.  My band worked really hard to write a string of songs that we would release on 3 different 7”s.  It meant that we had to push ourselves and I was nervous about where our music would land after our first LP.  Getting to play FEST 12 was a close 2nd though.  It was quite possibly the best show I’ve ever played in my life.  

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

I once did an acoustic show at Cook Out, a local fast food chain in the south - kind of like IN-N-OUT. It was myself and the glorious PJ BOND. If you’ve never eaten at Cook Out then you should and if you’ve never listened to PJ BOND then you definitely should. 

@oldflings

KARI JOHNSON

Kari Johnson is the Marketing Director at Whisk.

What was the food highlight of your year?

Dinner at the chef’s plancha bar at Toro in NYC. It was an amazing meal in an amazing new restaurant. The smoked beef heart, veal sweetbreads, blowfish tails, blood sausage and tripe stew were mind blowing and the bocadillo de erizos is still in my dreams…

What was the music highlight of your year?

Saves the Day playing my favorite (and their best) album, Through Being Cool, at Saint Vitus Bar in Greenpoint as a secret show. I watched from the side of the stage, and sang along to every lyric - it made me feel like a teenager again. 

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

We had a big, delicious dinner at Mission Chinese Food after my friend Geoff’s concert. The lovely Danny Bowien brought us everything on the menu, and between sharing delicious bites and drinking ourselves silly, we listened to Lifetime at full blast. 

@kariface 

MAT CLOUSER

Mat Clouser is Chef at Swift’s Attic in Austin, TX.

What was the food highlight of your year?

Abby Yates’, (one of Swift’s sous chefs,) pretzel bagel, or “‘pragel”, off of our brunch menu, is easily the tastiest thing I’ve had all year.

What was the music highlight of your year?

CK Chin, our owner and GM, and I were invited to watch one of the Geto Boys shows from on stage, actually right behind the boys. We pretty much geeked out the whole time - something we’d both wanted to do since middle school. Total nerds.

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

I guess that same night, we cooked for them before the show, as well. I’m constantly surprised what wearing a chef’s coat can get a person.

@swiftsblade

CARL SUTTON

2012 IN FOOD & MUSIC - CARL SUTTON

Winemaker Carl Sutton founded San Francisco’s Sutton Cellars in 1996. 

What was the food highlight of your year?

I had to think a lot about this, I don’t think in superlatives because food is such a quotidien experience. My wife and I cook at home and have a bottle of wine nightly so I’m fortunate (in my mind) to have a good food experience daily. And that’s the definition of a good food experience for me - some good food, a bottle of wine, and great company. This can be accomplished on a daily basis, there’s no reason to compromise or expect more… That said there was a food experience in 2012 that got my attention - the night market on Place Djemaa el Fna in Marrakech. Every evening there a hundred plus stalls set up with a broad variety of foods. I can’t remember the stall number for sure, I think it’s #31, but we got a tip that the merguez there was the best - we were not disappointed. We snuck a little red wine with us (local of course, who knew Morocco makes wine?!?) and the experience was fantastic. I could go on about how good the merguez and the khob (bread) and the sauces were but it was also the noise, heat, stink, energy, life, and everything else. Sure the food was simple but the experience was sensory overload. This is the original Off the Grid! Thanks for asking and making me think of it.

What was the music highlight of your year?

I was honestly disheartened with Neil Young’s performance at Outside Lands. He’s still got something to prove and he did it loud and fucking distorted for the first 20 minutes or so. Good for him, he’s not an old fart… For the rest of us out in the freezing fog, IDK. I’m sure people ate it up, I went and got the car and drove home early. On a positive note - music is like wine in our house, we have some every day. Most of the time it’s KALX for the great mix of DJs, new and well known music, and the DIY/indie spirit that embodies my winemaking as well. If I’m not listening to KALX it’s old 60’s garage/psych/R&B/soul or music made by my friends like Mike Therieau. Bart Davenport, Tim Bluhm, or any of the musicians I’ve met through them over the years.

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

Dinner at home with my wonderful wife. I don’t care what we’re listening to or what we’re eating so much as I enjoy the company. Best part: it’s easy to duplicate. 

NICK TANGBORN

Nick Tangborn has worked in both the food and music industries long enough to know better. He currently lives in Austin, TX.

What was your food highlight of the year?

My parents come to visit every year in early December on their way from Northern Minnesota to Arizona — they’re snowbirds, with the big white Ford 750 and fifth wheel RV. They always bring me canned tomatoes, pickles (my mom’s pickles blow away the competition), pickled green beans, “red hot” cinnamon cucumber pickles, sauerkraut, and plenty of Christmas cookies. This year, we went to Central Market (the big gourmet paradise grocer in Austin) and my dad said “Those tomatoes look just like the ones we canned — man they were hard to peel.” I looked at the tomatoes and realized that, somehow, my parents had meant to plant beefsteak tomatoes for canning, but had planted heirlooms instead. So now I have 12 jars of amazing, perfect peeled heirloom tomatoes canned and ready. That’s pretty awesome.

What was your music highlight of the year?

In March, when Batter Blaster — the company I helped run for 5 years — was still a functioning entity, a bunch of us were at a bar called Donn’s Depot here in Austin. I heard, across the bar, my CEO say “Don’t worry — Nick can book that Saturday show.” This was 3 weeks before SXSW. So I had 3 weeks, no budget, and a Saturday afternoon party to throw. Three weeks later, we had John Doe, both of The Posies (Jon Auer and Ken Stringfellow, playing separately), Ian Moore and Jesse Dayton together, Loquat, Shurman, Beaver Nelson, Carletta Sue Kay and Dave Mulligan from Nicki Bluhm and the Gramblers. Ken and Ian, on the floor with no mics, singing “Give Me Another Chance” by Big Star is still my absolute favorite moment of the past year.

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

A lot of my memories of the past year seem to be tied to the Hole in the Wall — that’s where we threw that party in March, and that’s where a bunch of my friends tend to play, like The Mother Hips, David Dondero, etc. They just opened the back kitchen up with Paul Qui, the Top Chef winner, and his East Side King concept. Previously food trailers, now it’s a full blown brick and mortar place, just behind where the bands play. The squid ink curry ramen is outstanding, as is the chicken tortilla soup (made with bacon dashi and chicken-tortilla tom yum paste to carry the East meets West theme). It’s awesome now to go to a show there and be able to walk 25 feet and get Chicken Kara-Age and a bowl of Beer Bacon Miso Ramen.

EMILY HOBSON

Emily Hobson has worked at several music technology companies and can occasionally be found spinning vinyl in her hometown of San Francisco.

What was the food highlight of your year? 

Bar Tartine’s Fermentation feast with Sandor Katz, author of Wild Fermentation and The Art of Fermentation. The Fish stew there continues to be one of the most comforting dishes in town. 

State Bird Provisions opened in January and has been a delight to visit all year long. The concept is perfect for sharing and they never fail to send out amazing food. 

Even after two years, Bar Agricole continues to produce amazing and food and drinks. Everything is super-fresh and thoughtful without being precious. 

The prevalence of purslane all summer long on nearly everything. 

Boot and Shoe Service’s great brunch. 

Turnip soup at Comstock Saloon‘s Friday (free) lunch. 

Portland Cocktail Week. It’s like to a music festival but totally focused on spirits and community.

What was the music highlight of your year? 

Bob Mould plays Sugar’s Copper Blue at Bottom of The Hill
Other Lives at Great American Music Hall
Sharon Van Etten/The War On Drugs at The Independent

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

It turns out combining food, music, and the outdoors can be a winning combination. Who knew? Most of my memorable combinations of food and music arrived in a variety of excellent outdoor settings.

Two shows at Mountain Winery: Blondie/Devo and Go-Go’s/Psychedelic Furs pre-show tailgating at Mountain Winery. A beautiful view followed by great music at a stunning venue. 

The Woodist Fest, Henry Miller Memorial LIbrary, Big Sur and the two day picnicking in the redwoods. 

A hillside picnic at Hardly Strictly Bluegrass for Nick Lowe.

The confluence of food, wine, and music and sun at The Huichica fest. Our host cracked open a bottle of 1969 Lanson Champagne for breakfast to kick it all off.

New Order at The Fox followed by snacks and cocktails at Flora.

JEFF BUNDSCHU

Jeff Bundschu is President of Gundlach Bundschu Winery a co-producer of Sonoma’s Huichica Music Festival.

What was the food highlight of your year? 

I’d have to say the Italian Night meal at the local Catholic School here in Sonoma.  Though I heard it was fun, my kids don’t go the school and I had never attended until this year. It is a fundraiser for the school put on by their Dad’s Club.  The red and white checkered table cloths were expected, as was the copious amounts of wine, and the generations of Italian-Sonoman families in attendance.  What blew me away though was the food! Homemade antipasto, Chicken Cacciatore, and Spaghetti Marinara.  Turns out that the three head chefs/dads (none of whom cook professionally) concoct the meal every year using old family recipes, and start cooking days beforehand.   Everything was so good, in a head-spinning way.  Deep rich flavors not from this world, or at least this hemisphere.

What was the music highlight of your year? 

Pond, an Australian hard rock band. The best live show I’ve seen in some time, though seriously self destructive lead singer.  Saw them at SxSW in March.  Like Led Zeppelin crossed with Deep Purple with a large dose of Gibby Haynes. Run don’t walk if/when they come to town.

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

Actually, I’ve been working on a project that combines wine and music and was blown away to see first hand that that what you are listening to really does impact what you taste.  Stay tuned for much more on that in 2013.

BLAIR SHEHAN

Blair Shehan is a founding member of Knapsack and currently fronts The Jealous Sound.

What was the food highlight of your year?

Quite a good chunk of  2012 was spent traveling america with three other grown men in a 15 passenger van. My dining choices at home in LA are spent at my usual spots, so when I”m on tour I enjoy heading out on my own for some quiet time and hopefully a great meal. It grounds me out and helps me reset from the daily grind of touring. I often comment on how this country’s highways are littered with horrible fast food and people with broken down bodies from eating it on a daily basis. I then realize I’m standing in line behind them waiting for the same food. 

When we played San Diego recently I got a great tip on a shrimp burrito so I headed out. I wound up at a place called El Zarape. They make a burrito with shrimp, some kind of Jack cheese, poblano sauce, and massive shrimp and that’s all there is to it. I came back to the club and described it as” luxurious”. Deep, rich, and totally unlike any other mexican seafood I have had… Extraordinary.

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

As far as music and food colliding, the band recieved an email offering us a free dinner at a Taiwanese noodle bar called Toki Underground before we played in DC, simply because the owner enjoyed our music. We were raggedy and tired and some free hot asian noodles sounded perfect. First off it’s not underground, it’s upstairs in a dining  room that is a cross between a Japanese pub and a treehouse. We belly up to the bar where they make Ramen and soups to order. I ordered a fried chicken in a red curry broth with noodles, a soft boiled egg, and ginger. I love all types of Ramen, but this was the hands down best I have ever had. Fantastic ambience and food in a hectic urban center. It was a generous gesture and much appreciated. Indie food community reaching out to indie music…just wonderful!

SEAN TIMBERLAKE

Sean Timberlake is the founder of Punk Domestics, a social network for the DIY food community.

What was the food highlight of your year?

Back in January, I brought a group to Italy for a week of hands-on DIY food classes in preserving, salumi, pasta, piadina and more. One day was dedicated entirely to fish. For lunch that day after visiting the town’s fish market, we ate at Ristorante San Marco, in the heart of Cesenatico, where we were based. The fish was unbelievably fresh. I’ll never forget the tiny clams the size of fingernails that burst with flavor, and the sweet cannocchie, or grey mantis shrimp. My organizer laughs that we all raved about the place, as it’s not fancy, but it was extraordinary.

What was the music highlight of your year? 

I have been unreasonably obsessed with one album for a few months now: Look Around the Corner by Alice Russell and Quantic with his Combo Bárbaro. It’s a marvelous harkening to Latin pop of the 60s and 70s, infused with some funk and soul for good measure. I listed to it nearly every day.

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

In sort of a funny way, actually. We recently went to a restaurant here in San Francisco called Mozzeria. It’s an Italian place, unsurprisingly, but what makes it unique is that the owners, chef and all the staff are entirely deaf. Somewhat atypically, the staff, even the kitchen staff, were quiet as mice. (Deaf people often aren’t aware when they make noise, for obvious reasons.) Consequently, all the patrons in the restaurant were disproportionately quiet as well. As a result, you couldn’t help but hear the music, which was not inordinately loud, but there was just nothing to push it to the background. So we enjoyed our pizzas to a soundtrack of Led Zeppelin, AC/DC and the Rolling Stones.

BEN RHAU

Ben Rhau blogs about cooking for his young family at You Fed A Baby Chili?

What was the food highlight of your year?

Nicolaus Balla’s menu at Bar Tartine. That was a complete overhaul in format, and the menu is both exciting and smart. We went as a group and basically ordered everything. The wine and beer pairings are thoughtful, right down to the desserts. One of the most joyful meals I’ve had in a long time.

What was the music highlight of your year?

I was late the party on Neutral Milk Hotel, and assumed that I’d never see Jeff Mangum perform live. I’ve been obsessed with Aeroplane for years, and kept reading with insane jealousy about his secret popup shows in Brooklyn. Seeing him perform at the Fox was one of those once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

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

Yes, I always enjoy the musical curation at Thomas McNaughton’s restaurants. The first time, I ate at Flour+Water, they played The Stage Names in its entirety. I mean, who does that? Every time I’ve been back to one of his spots, I always pay attention to what they’re spinning. It’s like they made the experience for me. Or, I’m a completely typical San Franciscan. Either way, I like it.

CHRIS SIMPSON

Chris Simpson has fronted the bands Mineral, The Gloria Record, and Zookeeper.

What was the food highlight of your year?

Uchiko, an excellent sushi restaurant in Austin. It was my wife’s birthday dinner and my first time eating there.

What was the music highlight of your year?

Probably the Rodriguez documentary, Searching for Sugarman.

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

Food and music come together all the time in Austin as there are food trailers everywhere here, includng at many venues. Meso Hungry, located at Cheer Up Charlie’s is always a fave.

CAROLYNN SPENCE

Carolynn Spence is the chef at Hollywood’s iconic Chateau Marmont. Photo: LA Times

What was the food highlight of your year?

By far a lunch in Paris at Chef Jean Francois Piege’s Thoumieux. It almost made me weep. Each course felt like part of an opera. 

What was the music highlight of your year?

Watching the Refused perform. The singer Dennis is like a bad ass Swedish punk rock Mick Jagger.

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

The most timeless way music & food come together for me is when i get to work in a quiet kitchen alone in the mornings. Those days are few and far between nowadays but there’s nothing like throwing on some Desmond Dekker and straining a perfect veal stock at the ass crack of dawn.