Time Served

I'm in much need of a live show. I've been craving it lately, and I need to get my fix....soon. I've downloaded 5 shows this week, (mostly Phish), but it's not the same. It's been 3 months since Ramstein at Madison Square Garden, and although epic, wasn't really my cup of tea. Until I find something worth seeing, I'm gong to reminisce on the past.

I now present you, Nick's Top 5 Concert Experiences

5. The Wailing Wailers at Download Fest 2006 (Mansfield, MA)
I've always been a huge fan of Bob Marley and his music, but I didn't know what to expect at this show. I wasn't sure if they'd be playing some classic Marley tunes, or newer material with random singer #8. It was an outdoor show, and they were playing right after Black 47. During Black 47, the sky was black, and water came pouring from the skies. The entire crowd was soaked, and I was miserable. As soon as the Wailers came out, they busted right into 'Stir It Up' and the heavens opened. The skies cleared in a matter of minutes, and the entire crowd sang and danced with not a care in the world.



4. Disco Biscuits at Rothbury 2008
I had heard nothing but good things, but never really heard their music until before this show. They played last on the first night, and played well into the early morning. It was my first true "jam band" show, and definitely quite an experience. When the crowd forming around us was decked out with rainbow bracelets, glowsticks, pacifiers, and the occasional popping of unfamiliar substances into the mouth....I knew we were in for a good time. I was probably one of the few sober ones there, but with everyone else flailing around in unison to the music, it was hard not to join in. I've never been so physically exhausted after a show before. My arms and legs literally hurt from moving for three straight hours. Every time they 'peaked' and glowsticks were launched into the sky, it felt like...ecstasy.


3. State Radio at the Bowery Ballroom, NYC, 2007
I've seen this band...13 times? Maybe 12, I'm not sure, I'm starting to loose count. Regardless, they're one of my favorites, and never cease to put on a good live show. This one always stands out as the best though. There's something about cramming a room full of 500 sweaty, passionate fans at 11pm on a Saturday night in the city that never sleeps. From top to bottom, just a solid, high energy show.


2. DMB at "SPAC" 6.13.09
Amongst diehards, it will fall in most people's "Top 5 DMB Shows" of the past 10 years. It was night 2 of a 2 night stand. The Saratoga Performing Arts Center in upstate NY has become a destination spot for the Dave Matthews Band. It tends to be the biggest spot for East Coast fans year after year. People camp out all weekend, and are usually treated to some killer sets. This one was no exception, and I heard many classics for the first time. The encore alone left me speechless.

Encore:
#40 (partial)
Granny>>
Water/Wine (tease) >>
All Along The Watchtower>>
Halloween

It was the first #40 in over a year, (81 shows), last being played at SPAC 2008. After #40, the crowd busted into the infamous "Halloween" chant, as it's become a rarity, but a favorite among many. Granny got the place moving with the "LOVE/BABY"'s, and Watchtower (w/ Stairway to Heaven solo int.) blew the roof off. As soon as the song ended, Carter busted into his drum solo intro for Halloween, and everyone that was half way to their car turned around and bolted back to the pavilion. It was the first one in 357 days, and just about made my summer. The following link is the ending of Watchtower into Halloween, though really doesn't do the moment justice.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NGF22lOfu3o



1. Roger Waters, The Wall, 2010

I already explained this show in detail here (http://wealldoitthesame.blogspot.com/2010/10/man-who-saved-my-life.html ) so I won't bore you with it again. Simply put, it was an emotional rollercoaster, and filled a void I previously had. When I roamed the halls of PSHS in 2005, I never would have predicted I would get the chance to see this show get resurrected.




Looking to the future.

Phish 6.7
Dispatch 6.25
Dispatch 6.26



Secret of the Week:

She Came In Through The Bathroom Window

In a past life, I told all 8 of you reading this that I had dreams of a girl from MI. Don't believe me? Check out the last paragraph here... (http://wealldoitthesame.blogspot.com/2010/07/road-to-restaurateur-and-being-on-brink.html). In the end, I did meet a girl from MI. Over the course of six months and four secret weekends, I met said girl. Unfortunately, she was not the girl from the dreams. Call me naive, but I really thought I knew what I was getting myself into. I still believe this person is out there, though she doesn't reside in the slums of Grand Rapids.
-------------------

I've been listening to lots of different music recently, discovering and re-discovering classics and new favorites. I was having a conversation with someone about a month ago about an emotional attachment, (or lack thereof) to music and lyrics. The music I listen to has been a huge part of my life for as long as I can remember. I always grew up thinking everyone was like this. Maybe they weren't scribbling the lines to 'Mother' on their bedroom walls, but I thought everyone loved music? I guess I have to thank Dad for bringing us up right.

With that said, I recently had an out of body experience with my CD player, a grande Starbucks iced coffee, and a 2003 RSX. See, I like the Beatles, a lot. Actually, the Beatles may have been the first band I ever heard. I've always been pretty familiar with most of their music, without actually owning a lot of the LP's. A few weeks ago on a whim, I bought the 2009 re-master of Abbey Road, and went for a drive. I tend to do this when I need to wind down, and forget about everything else.

It was the first time I had ever listened to the album in its entirety. Side One was very good, as I already pretty familiar with the tunes on there. Actually, to be fair, I really only bought it because "I Want You (She's So Heavy)" and "Here Comes The Sun" were missing from my iTunes library.

Side Two was something else though. From the minimal research I had done, I already knew that Side Two played through as one melody, so it was something I was anticipating. Between all of the questions and answers I was searching for during that drive down Boylston, the Fab Four somehow answered all of them. As the album progressed and different things raced through my mind, everything about Paul's lyrics spoke to me like no one had before. It evoked so many different emotions somehow all simultaneously. By the time the reprise from "Carry That Weight" looped back to "You Never Give Me Your Money", and segued directly into "The End", I lost it. This is a timeless record, and a new staple.

Thank You.


Oh yeah, all right
Are you going to be in my dreams
Tonight?

And in the end
The love you take
Is equal to the love you make.
-Paul McCartney

Censorship

A word on censorship in regards to Under The Table And Dreaming....

When I first started this blog, it felt quite liberating. A little place on the internet that I could call home. I could say whatever I wanted with no repercussions. When I started this last year, it was strictly personal, nothing to hide.

As time went on and I got a job with Chipotle, I started writing about my experiences there. At the time, I was still flying under the radar. At one point during this past summer, I linked my blog to Twitter, where Twitter users could easily access my blog directly. After a short series of messages back and forth, the guys over at the "Official Chipotle Twitter" (http://twitter.com/#!/ChipotleTweets) decided to follow my account. It wasn't long after when they informed me that they checked out my blog, and wished my luck on all future endeavors, and the road to Restaurateur. This was pretty cool, but also probably s small turning point in the blog. From then on I realized I couldn't say anything detrimental or harmful about the company. I can't see myself doing that anyway, but now I know that there are eyes in Denver and they are watching.

So from here on out, my aspects of my work life will be censored. What will NOT be censored, is parts of my personal life. I post things whenever I'm feeling inspired, or feel like I have something to share. When doing this, I usually try to include something that Frank posted onto PostSecret from the previous week. Some of the secrets I post are random, while others sometimes hold some kind of significant meaning. Most readers would usually never be able to differentiate the two, (but isn't that half the fun?) I always pick the ones that touch me in some way.

I don't pick them for anyone else, I pick them for me.

PostSecret (#2) of the Week:

Needham What?!?!

I haven't updated since mid. November, I'm slacking..kinda. All kinds of crazy things have gone down on Needham St, and I've had very little free time. After loosing my entire management team, I've had to start from scratch over the past few weeks. 1250 was looking pretty ugly for a bit, but we're on the right track now. We're still a bit short on management, but we're constantly developing the new folks. We have a great time everyday, and everyone is loving their jobs. I'd say by the beginning of March, we will be in a great spot.

Wanted: Monty Moran



Unfortunately, I've noticed that because work has gotten so crazy, I've slipped off the radar in many aspects. Christmas was the first time I had seen my best friend since August, something that embarrasses me to say. I saw my Grandmother at the beginning of December, and she was quite disappointed that she hadn't heard a peep in many weeks. I often forget that these people will not be around forever. I think I'm making that my one New Year's resolution.

Pick up the phone and call the ones you care about most. .

2010 was an awesome year, and I'm really looking forward to the next one.

Top 5 Reasons Why 2011 Will Be Awesome!

1. 2011 Reunion Tour


2. The Detox


3. Phinally!!!!


4. Restaurateur


5. A movie worth seeing?


Thanks for reading! Sorry for the absence, though I still do check Twitter everday. Come follow over there too.

http://twitter.com/#!/revolution36


SECRET OF THE WEEK:

Forever Dancin' With the GrooGrux King

passion-a strong and barely controllable emotion.

I was recently reading a friend's blog, and on it, she wrote "I don’t find passion in anything the way I used to."

I hope I never feel like this. There are few things in this world that I love, that I feel passionate about. But those things bring me so much joy, sometimes it's hard to describe to other people. To think that some people go through life not having something they love, it's actually quite depressing, quite lonely.

It seems like many people wake up every day, go to work, come home, 'play house' with their spouse, and go to sleep. They live their mundane lives day in and day out, nothing ever changing. I feel like with whatever I do, I need something to look forward to in life. Whether it be anticipating the release of a new album, getting excited when a new piece of Batman info leaks, or waking up early to scrub the baseboards in the walk-in cooler.

I suppose people's passions/preferences can change over time, but I'm pretty content right now. I do what I like, and I like what I do.

Maybe I'm being unrealistic, but I hope my passion for the Dave Matthews Band never fades. 16 shows in 5 summers, with no end in sight. I feel like every time I go to another show, it just re-sparks my interest. I fall in love all over again, and crave it even more. 2011 will be a long year, so I'll see you all in 2012.

"Chef" Of the Week

Last week Patch.com started a Newton, MA chapter and local writer/teacher/foodie Wendy Schapiro was asked to check out the local food scene. After coming in once for a brief breakdown of Chipotle stats/facts, she then decided to come back to interview me. She was asked by her boss to interview a local chef, and although I definitely do NOT consider myself a chef by any means, I was flattered nonetheless. I still havn't figured out why she picked me over any of the other 'chef's in Newton for her debut article, but something tells me the energy brewing at Needham St. has something to do with it.

CIA Graduate Has a Passion For Chipotle
by Wendy Schapiro

With a name like Nick Norton, you'd think that the manager of the Newton Chipotle would have come from the other CIA, but he actually graduated this past May from the Culinary Institute of America.

While his classmates looked for jobs at fine dining restaurants and apprenticed with master vintners and cheese makers, according to Norton there was never any question that he wanted to work for Chipotle.

Norton was on a school trip to California when he first tasted Chipotle's "fast food," a label which Norton says founder Steve Ells wants to improve. Traveling with his CIA teacher and Bravo reality show's Top Chef Season 7 contestant Lynne Gigliotti, Norton had the chance to interview with several food establishments. Chipotle's commitment to "food with integrity" and their comfortable work environment really stood out.

"I fell in love right away," Norton said, speaking about his initial interview at the Framingham store. "Everyone there was having a good time."

Norton also felt that being able to live his ideal of working with fresh food and give customers a way to eat healthy was in perfect sync with Chipotle's corporate commitment to "food with integrity." This concept is going to become even more central to their marketing and menu in the near future, reports Norton.

Norton's interest in the food industry began when he was 16; he was denied a busboy job and instead, hired as a dishwasher. This led to Nick's realization that working in a kitchen and being around food was how he wanted to spend the rest of his professional life.

"I would go behind the line and I was just mesmerized," says Norton. "After a month I started doing sandwiches…I don't want to say it was life-changing, but it was."

A mentoring chef at this first job encouraged Norton to apply to the Culinary Institute of America where he found many more role models. Chef Theodore Roe of the American Bounty restaurant, also a CIA graduate, was tough but fair, says Norton; he told his students what they needed to hear in order to do the best job they could. He now bases his own management style on how he saw Roe deal with his students.

"You can't talk to everyone the same way," says Norton. "Each person gets inspired by something different."

He gives the example of some people responding better to praise and encouragement while others need a bit more of a hard line, disciplinary approach. Either way, Norton gets what he wants from his workers while leaving them feeling good about themselves and their job.

Co-worker and friend Antonia Mariani agrees.

"I have never seen someone so committed to Chipotle as (Norton)," she says with a grin. "His passion comes out in everything he does."

She added that while Norton is the "boss," he is never overbearing and often helps out on the line.

This enthusiastic approach to his job also helps Norton when he's out in the community. He recently worked at the Newton Community Farm and helped children plant cilantro which will be harvested and used in the Newton Chipotle.

Norton also recently served burritos at the Life is Good Festival, and notes Chipotle's annual presence at Boston's Gay Pride Festival.

"I live Chipotle seven days a week," says Norton. "I love coming to work, that's all. I even eat here on my days off, actually."

Look for Norton, Mariani and the rest of the Chipotle crew – as well as some tasty, fresh Mexican fare- at 300 Needham Street in Newton Highlands. To learn more about Chipotle and their food philosophy, visit the restaurant's website.


About this column:
Local resident and foodie Wendy Schapiro chats with Newton chefs about their restaurant, their cooking, their passions and best of all, what makes them hungry.

Pretty cool article. Check out the original link here, (http://newton.patch.com/articles/cia-graduate-has-a-passion-for-chipotle), and a little about the author here, (http://newton.patch.com/users/wendy-schapiro).


Secret of the Week:

Thoughts on Immigration

Excuse me while I ramble for a second.

7 months ago I'm not really to sure I had an opinion on the rights of illegal immigrants in this country, (or any, for that matter). In fact, I know I still have a lot to learn in regards to the matter.

What I do know is, these people work harder then anyone else I know. These people know the value of a dollar, and will pour their heart and soul into a job that is suited for them.

They come from all different parts of the world for a better way of life, to live the 'American Dream'. They pay thousands of dollars to get here, then go through the hassle of creating fake documents just to survive and find a job.

I'm not to sure where I'm going with this blog to be honest. I'm going to commit now to learning more on the subject, and educating myself as much as I can. I wish it were easier for these people to obtain a stable way of life.



Le amamos M**** O****.