Welcome to Chow Bella's Bites & Dishes, where Valley chefs and restaurateurs respond to a question New Times food critic Laura Hahnefeld has on her mind. Have a question you'd like to ask? E-mail [email protected]. Miss a question? Go here.
It's no secret there's a connection between food and music. From what we hear at our favorite restaurant to what we load up on our dinner party playlist, pairing the two is important. But what do Valley chefs think should be playing when they enter the kitchen? When it comes to their personal jams, here's what tunes they think best represent what they're all about.
Chef Taylor Domet NoRTH, Kierland
Well, I'm pretty big into EDM (that's Electronic Dance Music for those who don't know), so I'd have to say my kitchen jam would be "One Click Head Shot" by Feed Me. Each day in a kitchen can be as unpredictable as the next, and a nice busy service of lunch or dinner serves up many "head shots" to the entire kitchen team daily. "BOOM," head shot....but we're still standing!
Chef Peter DeRuvo Davanti Enoteca (opening in August)
"The Imperial March" by John Williams. Even Darth Vader has a posse.
Aaron May Chef and Restaurateur
"The Underdog" by Spoon always puts me in a kitchen kind of mood and gets me ready to cook.
Bernie Kantak Chef and Partner, Citizen Public House
"Golden Brown" by The Stranglers.
Justin Beckett Chef and Owner, Beckett's Table
There are not many other songs/videos that get me more pumped up than Madeon's "Pop Culture" (Dance Video) with Nathan Barnatt.
Chef Christopher Nicosia Sassi
"Soul Shakedown Party" by Bob Marley. I'd like to think that every day at Sassi is a soul shakedown party for the kitchen crew. "This is my invitation... I've got a special vacation... I need your concentration...Just to feel your vibration." When the cooks come in for their shift, I want them to escape into their "zone," concentrate, and send out good vibes.
Rita French Chef de Cuisine, Province
"Barracuda" by Heart. I feel like I'm totally in my groove when I hear it. It's like, "bring on the day people, I got this!"
Romeo Taus Chef and Owner, Romeo's Euro Cafe
"When Loves comes to Town" by U2 and B.B.King.
Chef Ehren Litzenberger BLD Chandler
"U Can't Touch This" by MC Hammer.
Chef Stephen Jones Blue Hound Kitchen & Cocktails
Michael Jackson's "P.Y.T." or any MJ jam.
Chef Charles Schwerd, Arrowhead Grill
"Glad You Came" by The Wanted. "The sun goes down, the stars come out, and all that counts, is here and now..."
Deborah Schneider Chef and Partner, SOL Mexican Cocina
Anything bouncy, happy, and Mexican. It always makes me smile.
Chef Andrew Nam Stingray, Jimmy Woo's Asian Bistro, Spanish Fly, Geisha A Go Go
"99 Problems" by Jay-Z.
Chef Andrew Ashmore The Arrogant Butcher
"Soul Kitchen" by The Doors.
Chef Steve "Chops" Smith Kelly's At Southbridge
"Lonesome On'ry and Mean" by Waylon Jennings.
Chef Jimmy Hernandez Monti's La Casa Vieja
"Cumbia" from the album Soy Sauce by MIS (Mexican Institute of Sound).
