Tom Mullen is Director of Digital Marketing at Sony Legacy and hosts the Washed Up Emo podcast and DJ night.
What was the food highlight of your year?
Living in NYC, I don't have the room or the time a lot to cook. I don't mind too much as I can eat with a swipe of an app or taking a different way home. That plays in part to my highlight. Xi'an Foods, a favorite restaurant in the city opened up a new location a block away from my apartment. Loved by all the food TV personalities with their photos near the front, it's a simple noodle place with a few vegetarian options. It's turning into one of the best deals and places to get something hot and fast in the neighborhood. As with anything in New York City. Location, location, location.
What was the music highlight of your year?
The music highlight of 2014 for me has to be the Mineral reunion. Sure many mention American Football and others, but nothing compared to Mineral for me personally. The band wasn't supposed to reform with Chris even denying it when I interviewed him for the podcast. I just never in my mind thought they would do it. Once I heard the rumor from a connection to the band, it started all of these emotions about how I never saw the band live and I was going to get that chance. It really was a dream come true. What made it sweeter was that I was in a position to help the band and help connect the band to their current fan base with advice to their team. I couldn't have been happier with how they are doing this reunion. It wasn't pretty at times and sometimes not with all the dots connected, but is it ever? This was four guys with families, lives and homes and they're taking a break and sacrificing a lot for the fans. They deserve this last swing which will most likely their last. Take it in and smile.
Was there a moment when food and music came together in a memorable way?
I hate to keep on the Mineral tip but I will. Prior to Mineral's first NYC show of the reunion at Saint Vitus in Brooklyn, a few folks were going to get some food around the Greenpoint section of Brooklyn before the show started. What happened was one of those meals where all anyone could do was talk about the upcoming show, memories, favorite bands, etc. Just non stop talk about music. I don't remember what I ate, what I drank or how I finished. It was one of those times where you felt full at the end both emotionally and physically.