Prix Fixe Playlist
12 Los Angeles musicians-turned-hospitality-workers curate a kitchen playlist for pre-service prep.
A well-curated playlist strikes the right balance and mood of the dining room–but that’s for the customer experience. After meeting so many musicians-turned-hospitality-workers in L.A., we asked them, “What makes you vibe out?” Rocking out to just the right song in pre-service is as important as fully stocked mise; you have to finely tune your station the same way you would tune a guitar. It sets the tone for the night. Is that a mic test over at garde manger, or is someone sharpening knives? Xylophone, or is the barback stacking glasses? It’s a steady rhythm all around. This playlist is a testament to all those Fridays on the line, the early mornings at the bakery, or the drive in on the 405 (windows down, volume up).
We played a game of telephone to build this playlist, song by song, person by person. Each one added to the song before to either let it flow or entirely change the chi. Our recommendation: Queue this up during prep then have your team add to it.
1. “I Am the Highway” — Audioslave
Selected by Little Llama Peruvian Tacos Chef-owner Jean Valcarcel, who studied music in college.
2. “Yoga Means Union” — Ambulance LTD
Selected by Trevor Faris, owner of Hank’s Bagels. Faris was a touring drummer and studied classical music.
3. “Only You” — Theophilus London ft. Tame Impala
Selected by Death & Co. Bar Manager Matt Belanger, who used to play trombone in a ska band.
4. “Bag Lady” — Erykah Badu
Selected by Arturo Enciso of Gusto Bread. The baker played guitar when he was getting his start in the industry.
5. “100%” — Sonic Youth
Selected by Sfoglino Francesco Allegro of Rossoblu. Allegro tours around Italy as an acoustic singer-songwriter.
6. “Don’t Believe a Word” — Thin Lizzy
Selected by Gracias Madre Beverage Director Maxwell Reis, who played bass and sang in death metal bands.
7. “War Pigs” — Black Sabbath
Selected by Bar Director Shawn Lickliter of République, who played in the alternative rock band Copper.
8. “Cançao Postal” — Lô Borges
Selected by Christopher Lier, head baker at Bub and Grandma’s, who studied music and plays trumpet
9. “This is the Day” — The The
Selected by guitarist and Zack Hall, owner of Clark Street Bread
10. “Wave of Mutilation” – Pixies
Selected by Damian Beverage Manager Jun Kwon, who played drums and studied music in college
11. “Bila Mashini” - New Elvis
Selected by Ten Cafe Manager Kevin Snevely. He came to live in L.A. through touring in different bands and writing pop music.
