Music is an extra ingredient that can spice up a dining experience.
However, it needs to be just a pinch of background music or it can ruin the meal as easily as overdone meat, scalded milk or a fallen soufflé.
How many times have you been to a restaurant or party where the music trumps everything else? Unfortunately, it can impact your final take on an evening out, which is a drag for the venue or host.
My tip is: Turn it down. Even if your background music is bad, having it at a low level can fill the room deliciously, making the evening cozy. A few other audio tips: A slower tempo is better for dining; let up on the bass; and invest in some nice speakers. There are many great (wireless) options that are small, affordable and provide great sound, for example: Bose SoundLink, Jawbone Jambox and Sony Bluetooth.
Our new music app, ValslistRadio, has lots of dinner-party playlists already made for you with the newest music. Conversation comes first at parties. Background music is important, but it needs to take a back seat. It sounds good back there!
Shows not to miss:
February 7: Griffin House at City Winery (great night out with friends)
February 8: Pentatonix at The Chicago Theatre (a cappella on steroids)
February 9: Jon McLaughlin at SPACE (date night, girls night)
February 11: Angelique Kidjo at City Winery (world music)
February 14: Drew and Ellie Holcomb at SPACE (date night)
February 15: Graham Colton at SPACE (chill night out)
February 16: The Wild Feathers at Double Door (new band to know)
February 20: Bob Schneider at SPACE (valslist favorite)
February 24: Mark Scibilia at SPACE (a real treat, singer/ songwriter)
February 25: Caveman at Double Door (new band to know)
Photo: The Wild Feathers
