Emily Tan is a journalist and photographer whose work has appeared in Diffuser.fm, The Boombox, and The Village Voice.
What was the food highlight of your year?
I'll be the first to say that I'm not the biggest sweets person. I love to bake, but I'll most likely give it away. However this year, I've had some of the best sweets I've had in a while. From the amazing ice cream from Milk Sugar Love in Jersey City to that carrot cake from Wolfgang Puck's The Source, I've seem to revive my sweet tooth. As far as savory things are concerned, Sam A.M. (again in Jersey City) is by far one of my favorite spots. Unless you're at their weekly supper club, they mainly do breakfast and lunch. But I'll definitely rush over 30 mins before closing to grab a pulled poulet sandwich with an egg on top. It's just that good.
What was the music highlight of your year?
Saw some great shows and festivals this year, but nothing can top the impromptu selfie I took with Jenny Lewis at Governors Ball. And the fact that it was her idea made it so much better.
Was there a moment when food and music came together in a memorable way?
Sweetlife Festival brought food and music in such a fun way. With Sweetgreen behind the operation, they were able to bring some of the East Coast's, especially DC's, best dishes to festival goers. Not only did it taste fresh, but it was also pretty awesome to hold a freshly made banh mi in one hand and a plate of freshly shucked oysters in another then finish things off with an Astro doughnut. Then after fueling up, you can just catch Hozier, Bombay Bicycle Club and Bastille -- who were my fave acts from the fest.