Music sets the scene at Birmingham’s new culinary haven, Rêve
In downtown Birmingham, Alabama, Rêve chef Jacob Stull’s commitment to quality extends to the tight-knit bonds formed in the kitchen—and the key to fostering those bonds is music.
“At Rêve, we don’t tend to have music playing in the kitchen during service, but when we’re prepping, we have several Spotify stations we love,” says Stull. “As an executive chef and business operator, every day is a constant marathon, and music helps me organize my thoughts and keep me engaged so I can be productive and accomplish what I need to, in order to be prepared for service. During service, the noise of the kitchen locks me in and keeps me focused.”
The kitchen playlist, determined by several staff including Stull, cultivates an atmosphere of creativity and collaboration. Often, the music, a broad spectrum of alternative, metal, and hip-hop, is also meant to be reminiscent of the staff’s beginnings, with many being former skaters, and Rêve’s humble roots as a pop-up. This time of prep, reflection, and connection enables Stull and his team to focus on the quality of their working relationships and provide the best service possible to guests.
As the service begins, a musical playlist that is “playful, yet elegant, with an occasional French-inspired touch” is set in the dining room. Similar to prep time, it is a collaborative effort, this time between Stull and executive pastry chef Caitlyn Cole, who intend for the music to nurture an “atmosphere of elegance, yet fun” to keep guests engaged—and ensure an unforgettable experience.
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