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.