Ch-Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes and a BIG Thank You!

Changes are happening at Salt....

It's a bag of mixed emotions here at Salt as we let you all know that Tony Mandeville, who has been in the kitchen with us here for 10 years, not to mention another 4 with me at bula in Newton, is leaving us. Tony has an opportunity to head up opening a new kitchen in Bath Maine, and being that Tony is a true Mainer, being originally from Maine, this is a "going home" of sorts. We first can't thank Tony enough for all of the work he has put into Salt...the endless hours from day one. From the normal prep and lunch/dinner service that every chef has to endure daily to being a plumber and electrician to a furniture mover and carpenter (Tony and I built the Salt bar exactly 10 years ago and moved every piece of furniture and equipment into Salt, and that meant a lot of times driving my small pick up into and out of the city with stuff hanging out windows, piled over the roof and hanging over the sides held with tie-downs.). He also played Dad, Doctor, Psychologist, Counselor, Boss and head of HR for many a young men and woman who worked their way through Salt, while at the same time maybe sending a few to see a psychologist or counselor. Tony literally gave us everything for 10 years, and we will forever be grateful. That being said we also wish Tony the absolute best up in Maine and with the new place and with everything he does....He will always be a big part of the Salt family, and will always be one of the "Originals"... he will be missed by everyone! Tony's last day is on Wed. Dec. 27....so swing on in before that, leave a note, say good-bye, send him a beer....whatever. We just want to give him a big THANK YOU. And I for one can't wait for my next "Research & Development" road trip up to Bath Maine!

Resolutions?

Hard to believe 10 years is around the corner! No shit, where does the time go...I mean, it actually feels as though it's been a lifetime and that I have lived my entire life at Salt. At the same time it seems like yesterday we were just putting this whole thing together. Wow. That being said, where the hell did this year go? I would swear the last time I posted a blog, the "looking 50 in the eye" (a year ago almost to the day)was just a few weeks ago...Well, here we are, and here is another post... I keep telling myself that I need to get on here and let things out, to talk about things that even if no-one reads them I can get them out of my head and onto "paper". But life seems to get in the way, time seems too quick and then shit just fester's in my head....and as Kristin, our mixologist extraordinaire/bar manager/advice giver/therapist/listener and so many other things said today that I am always just "slightly angry", as I was giving one of my beer sales reps a sarcastic ration of shit in our weekly Thursday meeting today (yesterday). So I am going to make this the first year I actually make some resolutions for the new year. I will make a bunch, knowing that not many of them actually make it to fruition...so let's start the list. 1. Blog more often to get things off my mind and put it out there in the world. 2. Be a little less "slightly angry" as Kristin describes it...I see more meditation in my future. 3. Running with the Salt Shakers again this year...clears the mind, sheds a few pounds, brings a little more focus, and hell they are a fun bunch of crazy ass drinkers with a running problem 4. Replace a low-boy refrigerator in the kitchen, though no-one out there gives a fuck about that, nor should they...but Tony will be happy 5. Bring in some incredible music to the Salt Stage, some of you may give a shit about that. 6. To continue to be an important part of the community through giving back, helping those that need a hand and being aware and appreciative of what's going on right here at home 7. To continue to strive to make out restaurant "green" and good stewards locally and globally. 8. To continue my Research & Development for the restaurant, by having to taste beers, foods and spirits. I know, I know...you say "Brad, how do you keep the pace? How do you constantly taste beer and food and spirits from all over the world? I would hate to be you". Believe me, I know..It sucks. But it is the sacrifice I make and it is an important sacrifice that I am willing to make to better Salt for all. That is probably enough for now...maybe I will add some as the end of the year gets closer...But for now...Say-La-V