BYOEP (bring your own ear plugs)… (?)
2 Likes
I have a set of custom molded earplugs that I had made at an audiologist in LA (if anyone wants the info, DM me). I wear them primarily to concerts, but recently have started bringing them to other loud places like weddings and noisy bars. If there was a restaurant known for being exceptionally loud I would have no qualms bringing them. The ones I got are clear and fit right into your ear canal so people usually can’t even tell you’re wearing them, and there’s a swappable filter that lets me control how much noise is blocked.
Back on topic, next person who goes to Ki, feel free to measure the noise level with that free iPhone app (SPLnFFT Noise Meter on the App Store), I’m curious how loud this place actually is.
3 Likes
Well, I guess I won’t know until I try it, right? And I’m locked into it, and really want to try the food, so avoidance isn’t an option.
The topic of music and how it enhances (or detracts from!) one’s dining experience is such a fascinating one, though.
As always, when I contemplate this topic, I think of Hayato, with no music whatsoever…
I’ll get the app and give it a try, I suppose, just for fun. The earplugs sound great, but I’d probably never need them, since I try to avoid (known by me to be) noisy places to begin with. I do have standard foam earplugs and long enough hair to hide them, LOL!
3 Likes
I’d agree with the caveat that in a place where you’re prepaying a deposit or they have a strict cancellation policy the restaurant should convey the vibes and atmosphere ahead of time if they’re going to curate a specific music experience as part of the environment. Pictures are great, but I can’t see the music 
, you can’t expect a diner to know what they’re walking into and make an informed choice. It would be smart of them to set some expectations ahead of time so you don’t get people complaining about music choices on yelp.
Vespertine does a pretty good job of this, their website is all vibes, almost at the expense of useful information. They talk about the music in most of their press. You know you’re in for a weird time if you’re going!
3 Likes
I agree that is a fair point restaurants should definitely provide some info about vibe and expectations esp in a pre-purchase scenario . However, there should be some caveat emptor, if you’re buying something sight unseen it would be reasonable to do some research and if not don’t be mad about the result.
But in this instance the poster knows that it could be loud and that the restauant plays rap music. To contemplate either asking them to turn it down or change the music seems a bit extreme.
1 Like
Hey, I didn’t know it until AFTER I made and paid for the reservation, okay? Read my post again.
4 Likes
FWIW I sat at the end furthest from the door and didn’t think the music was that loud. From what I remember, I definitely feel like I’ve been at significantly louder restaurants. At Ki I was able to comfortably speak with the person sitting next to me whereas this would not be the case at other restaurants. So your experience may vary.
I would say the music was noticeable but not intrusive on the end. It was enough though that if you’re not paying close attention you might miss some of what the chefs are saying.
5 Likes
I sat in that same seat, and feel the same way…
2 Likes
Apologies but I mustve missed the part where you mentioned that you found this out after the reservation?
Honest question, if you have such a strong aversion to rap and hip hop where have you been dining in LA? Nowadays pretty much every restauant plays it on their playlists, cue the “rap- threat or menace” thread lol
2 Likes
We mostly go to Japanese restaurants. DTLA omakase sushi, various izakayas, Hayato. Or for convenience, a few neighborhood spots. Random other restaurants. None of them play rap music, or if they do it’s a single cut or two interspersed with mostly other genres and at a low decibel level. Nothing in the Tock description of Ki led me to believe it would be different, ambience-wise, from my usual places.
Maybe it’s a generational thing? As a senior (ugh), my tastes in music have no doubt formed differently than those of the new generation of chefs. And my experiences/expectations of pleasant restaurant ambience have likewise probably been different.
“I have a reservation coming up, looking forward to it” was what I posted AFTER J_L mentioned the “AI-curated East Coast rap soundtrack.”
5 Likes
Yeah, fuck all the employees whose hearing will be damaged.
1 Like
That’s not what I’m saying or implying at all. This entire conversation was exclusively from the perspective of the customer and the potential impacts on them. That doesn’t mean we want restaurant workers to go deaf. Take a breather.
7 Likes
I think you’re probably right about it being a generational thing.
Music aside, I hope you enjoy your meal at the resto seems like other ftcers are really enjoying it
2 Likes
It’s reasonable to complain about music at 70 db or higher since it’s a health hazard for the workers. Your suggestion that it’s rude to complain about 85 db seems depraved to me since one hour at that level without ear protection can cause hearing loss. If a workplace is regularly at 85 db or higher, OSHA requires the employer to provide ear protection.
2 Likes
I’ve always argued that it would be more comfortable to newcomers if there was some music.
Music requires you to talk above the sound. So when you talk above the sound the whole room has more volume. When there’s more volume everyone is more relaxed and friendlier. Instead of whispering in hushed tones.
General issue at most Japanese restaurants.
5 Likes
Interesting perspective. I’ve noticed, though, that sometimes all it takes is one outgoing person to get the ball rolling at quiet places like Hayato, and having a chef who is open to conversation also helps. Maybe substitute “alcohol” for “volume” in your sentence above! 
did you happen to use the noise meter app?
2 Likes
Nope, I installed it but totally forgot to use it! I was too focused on the food to remember. Volume wasn’t an issue, though, fortunately.
2 Likes
It’s the same thing right? If there’s someone talkative others have to talk above that to hear themselves.
2 Likes
True. But what I meant is that if there’s a social person who breaks the ice by chatting with neighboring diners or with the chef, it can change the dynamics of a small and quiet space by drawing people out and letting them feel that it’s perfectly okay to speak above a hushed whisper. I’ve seen that happen (sometimes helped that happen) at Hayato. That’s rather different feeling than having to talk above some pontificating blowhard who doesn’t know how to use their inside voice. I’ve certainly encountered that (but NOT made that happen, LOL) some places, as well.