1. "Hells Bells." AC/DC. A choice inspired by a recent thunderstorm. The song embodies the anticipation that builds in the kitchen at the start of the evening.
2. "Don't Give Up." Peter Gabriel with Kate Bush. This tune is like opposite flavors that compliment one another well, like the ying and yang. He sings the part of despair. She is singing the part of hope. It's like food in that opposites can compliment one another—salt and pepper, oil and vinegar, bitter and sweet.
3. "Battle of Evermore." Led Zeppelin. Best for the middle of the evening, when enraptured in cooking and the battle rages.
4. "Paradise by the Dashboard Light." Meat Loaf. We had to put a Meat Loaf song in because it's about food, right? Nearing an end of the night, it's like seeing the light at the end of tunnel. You can see the end of the night nearing.
5. "Have a Drink on Me." AC/DC. By the end of the night, I am ready for a drink. Enough said.
A music aficionado, Mike Diem is also the chef and owner of East Avenue Bistro in Ketchum.