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?