Every week, we turn to a trusted tastemaker and get them Talking Taste in all its forms. From favorite meals to must-have music for eating, drinking, and making things happen, we want to know what makes creators and influencers tick—don’t you?
For our taste-driven playlists and more great food-inspired music, follow us on Spotify .
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Boutique hotels have come to set hospitality industry standards in recent decades as arbiters of taste. They are for that discerning clientele that wants a curated experience across the board when they travel, be it the waft of a custom fragrance in the lobby, the art from an up and coming painter on the walls, or hotel lounge cushions designed by an of the moment designer. Maybe it’s even finding out your favorite musician recorded his last album on the floor above where you’re staying? This week’s tastemaker curates that amazing experience for you. Rohit Anand’s, the global director of brand partnerships at Dream Hotels , job is to be on the cusp of everything of the moment so it’s no wonder he’s a music buff and avid traveler. He seems to be all over the world and at every great cultural event at once! As one of the brainchildren of the taste behind Dream Hotels, we couldn’t wait to talk taste with Rohit.
Name: Rohit Anand
Age: 32
Occupation: Dream Hotels Global Director of Brand Partnerships
What you’d do if you weren’t doing your day job: In a band
One food or drink you couldn’t live without: Coffee from Ninth Street . An espresso on my way to work.
What do you have great taste in? Music is very important to me. I feel like it’s therapeutic at all times of the day and in all functions — working, relaxing, exercising, entertaining, eating, drinking. My taste in music varies based on those actives and it goes from one end of the spectrum to the other. I try to pair the right artist/ song to inspire what I’m doing at the moment.
What do you have bad taste in? Socks
Who, to you, is an influential tastemaker, and why? Kanye West is an influential tastemaker to me because anything this guy touches turns to gold. He takes a lot of risks and creates an anticipation and demand. He has a massive impact on such a large audience through his music, fashion, and overall culture.
How do you expand and refine your sense of Taste? I try to travel at least once a month, even if it’s for a weekend. Experiencing culture in different cities around the world inspires my taste immensely. Exploring new cultures through art, fashion, music, and food and integrating those elements into my daily life.
What is the best-tasting thing you’ve ever eaten? The butter chicken at Babu Ji in alphabet city.
What does taste mean to you? Taste to me is a certain sensibility and culture that a person lives by and applies to all facets of their life — clothing, art, eating, drinking, reading, and music. In my case, I am very fortunate to be able to apply these personal tastes into my career. Sourcing the right partnerships and alignments for a lifestyle hotel brand, such as Dream Hotels, relies heavily on taste that speaks to our guests. We recently launched an installation in our art gallery with Bradley Theodore , an artist I came across years ago and have been a fan of his ever since. Having the ability to bring his vision to life in our hotel has been truly amazing.
Have a listen below to see what kind of music is on the playlist of this music junkie!
