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It is I, HectorThe Paper Maché Cockatoo and Most Outspoken Fan of MargaritasMargaritas recently announced the arrival of Hector, the Paper Maché Cockatoo from Guadalajara, who has been named the most devoted non-animate Margaritas fan in the entire world, edging out runner up candidates Fernando the Wicker Tortoise and Lupe the Terra Cotta Rooster for the prestigious honor. Upon being named, Hector was, for the first time in his storied life, speechless as the emotions of his long roller coaster trip to New England finally caught up with him. Although many reports say that Hector was openly weeping, the always feisty Hector quickly retorted by saying, “There is no weeping here. I had merely taken a whiff of Margaritas Fuego sauce and the spiciness watered my eyes like a Mexican soap opera.Hector will be arriving soon from Guadalajara, just in time for his favorite holiday, Cinco de Mayo, and is ready to start telling one and all about Margaritas. He has intimate knowledge with our restaurants and knows many of the animals that now hang as decor in our restaurants, although, as Hector would say, “I am much more pretty then those silly lizards and parrots, although that is one very handsome burro on the shelf.”Margaritas is proud to have Hector on our team and we look forward to his contributions to our brand and image. Good luck Hector and welcome to fabulous world of Margaritas!

The 2010 Iron Chef and Steel Bartender Winners!

Exeter’s own Cathy Cashman is this year’s Steel Bartender! She is flanked by judges Jenna Cote of

Portsmouth, Chris Canak of Augusta, Rob Adrian of MSC, Ana D’Alessio of East Hartford and Andrea

Johnson of Salem. Cathy’s original entry, Flacco Flor using Eldeflower liquor, really tickled the judges fancy.

Great job to all our finalists!

Portsmouth’s Dave Hawk, center, was the repeat champion Iron Chef wowing the judges with his Grilled Salmon with Habanero Lime Butter. Two years in a row

is quite a feat! He is pictured above with the stuffed-as-a-wood-tick judges from MSC: Jay Comstock, R.J. Thyne, Shane McDonough and Martha Leahy. Not pictured,

judge Dave Babson of Exeter.

I am almost ready to join the party at Margaritas, but I am freshening up at a spa in Guadalajara. When you see me, you will be macawed by my

magnificence (pardon my parrot pun).

Editor in Chief : Kid TacoPhoto Journalists: Hector, the Paper Mach Cockatoo,Victoria Smith, Regina Jerome, Many, many more!

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SUBMISSIONS

We encourage submissions from any employee of Margaritas. Submissions can be articles or photos relevant to Margaritas Restaurants. Please make sure content is suitable for all audiences. All submissions will become the property of The Cabritos Gazette and may be used for publication. If you would like your photo/submission returned after use, please let us know. Please help!

Editorial Offices:Margaritas Support Center200 Griffin Road - Suite 1Portsmouth, NH, 03801603-430-8905 x 113e-mail us at [email protected]

An occasionally published newsletter dedicated to informing and amusing the employees of Margaritas Restaurants.

Staff:

FMOY: Jeff Comeau

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So you wish to know of Hector, the paper maché cockatoo? Very well, my friends. But I must warn you, the life of a paper maché cockatoo is not always as beautiful as my extravagant, colorful exterior might suggest.

On a hot day in the summer of 1972, I was birthed by the silky hands of a beautiful Guadalajaran craftswoman under the scorching Mexican sun. While her name will forever be a mystery to me, I will always remember her kind touch—the gentle way she ran the strips of newspaper through the paste—the painstaking time she took to press the strips on to me until I began to take form — and the icy-cold way she sold me at a Tonola market.

I, her pride and joy, was given a 60-peso death sentence: to be the piñata at a small boy’s birthday party. Piñata! I spit at this derogatory term for my people!

Refusing to allow my proud yet hollow innards to be stuffed with sugary-sweets and devoured by a swarm of filthy children, I stole out into the desert night. I will never forget the howling coyotes and feeling of cold sand grating against my papery exterior — it chills me down to my wire-mesh core to this day.

I made my way to Puerto Vallarta and was forced to survive by fighting cage matches against other Mexican handicrafts. The things I had to do in that rusty cage for a few pesos…they are… hard to speak of.

One by one I defeated every colorful piece of handmade art in town—Ramondo the stalwart soapstone armadillo… Felix the cunning cottonwood monkey… even Pedro the dreaded painted-leather coyote.

Then one day, as I lay face down in the hot sand amongst a pile of shattered ceramic parakeets: salvation

A thick, American accent cut through the crowd: “How much for the cockatoo?” I looked up to see two gringos who by all accounts appeared to be homeless.

But it seems they were wearing hobo disguises, and were in fact two legendary American restauranteurs visiting my country in search of recipes and authentic Mexican handicrafts. Admiring my ferocious drive, silky smooth voice and colorful plumage, John and Dave instantly knew they had found something more than ordinary.

I, Hector the paper maché cockatoo, had been named as the world’s greatest Margaritas fan.

And my destiny was fulfilled.

In his Own Words..

La Autobiographia of Hectorthe paper maché cockatoo

A friendship forged in the fires of the Lexington opening: DO Rob Adrian and his pal Rich Villanueva. Both played

major roles in getting Lexington up and rolling.

Margaritas enthusiast and trusted amigo Emilio explains to Dave P. what to do in Lexington.

This man painted many of my peers. He is a friend to all Paper M kind, even

those self-centered suns.aché

Real paper maché creatures do not ride in cars. We ship ourselves in heavy crates

and packaging.

Iron Chef Steel Bar Showdown 2010

Chef finalist Mike Castaldo from Dover made the top four for his second year in a row.

Bartender finalist Alyssa from Weymouth is a natural behind the bar.

Portsmouth’s Brianna Harmer, who finished in the top ten for bartenders, gets serious as she prepares

to make her drinks.

Steel Bartender champion of 2009 Trisha Lemoine was again a finalist this year! Dover’s Ian Silberman filled in for finalist

Mark Geigley, taking it to the final four.

East Hartford’s Jessica Dennin serves up her Mango Habenero Ice Cream with some help from pal .Lydia Mockalis

Portsmouth’s Dave Hawk tries to win over the historically most conservative judge,

Shane McDonough.

Judges Shane, Martha and Dave confer on one tasty tidbit.

Dover’s Mike Cantrell serves for finalist Reta Haskens as judge Jay Comstock

chomps a mouthful of chips.

Judges Chris Canak and Jenna Douse are bedazzled by a chocolatey goodness creation

from finalist Chris Mullen of Manchester.

Chef finalist from Salem, Chris Connolly, is having a good time, as they do in Salem.

Christina from East Hartford tries her skills at Fastest Bartender contest.

Orono’s Meg Dowling was a bartender finalist and anxiously awaited her turn behind the bar with her coach Cory and Bob H.

Bob Ray approves of Jay Comstock’s shrimp eatin’

Portsmouth’s Bob Edwards is confused as he enters the bar zone.

Margaritas Official Fastest Margarita Maker

Exeter’s Todd Remington

Todd managed to beat the time of five-time fastest Margarita Champion Ken Russell of Nashua to take the title of fastest

Margarita Maker. His time was 13.79 seconds just edging out Kenny who clocked in at 14.56 seconds. It was a great show. The

rematch of 2011 will be one for the ages!

Manager Kris Hiller of Nashua played gracious host throughout the day, looking pretty cool while he did it

too, we might add.

While everyone played, bartender Darcy actually had to work. She did a great job making everyone happy and sharing her space too!

Team Weymouth was there in full force to cheer on their three Bar Finalists!

Roseanne, Lisa, Xavier and Rebecca from Waltham were all there to help cheer on their Iron Chef finalist Conner.

Weymouth bar finalist Kevin Loutitt seemed to stay pretty calm, cool and collected throughout

his time behind the bar.

Salem manager Jennean Mason takes a try at fastest margarita although it looks like her

performance was under close scrutiny by the gallery watching and cheering her on.

Randy Edenshaw, the Bar Finalist from Mystic, takes his time preparing his Spanish Fly

concoction.

Team Weymouth was awarded the most spirited team of the day as they take a minute to appreciate the sun on the outdoor patio in Nashua. Check out the new sun drawing on

the floor!

Dover’s Jeff Comeau takes his fastest Margarita making very seriously.

Caiti and Meg from Lexington join the famous Wanderson from Waltham as they get a rare

day off from the craziness of Lexington.

A birdseye view of the judges table as they sample away. Birdseye? Does that

mean Hector?

Bar Finalist Andrea from Auburn gets ready to make her tasty concoction.

Cops and Robber Full Moon in Weymouth

Heather Beck and Kevin Light are the robbers and they would have gotten away with it if it

wasn’t for those meddling kids.

Alyssa and Mandy know that the key to playing cops and robbers is attitude.

Ashley is sworn to protect and to serve a nice hot zarape.

Anne is a cop doing the robot. That must mean she is Robo-Cop!

Martha Leahy and Emilio mug it up in Lexington.

After all the craziness of opening, the training team took a night to have some fun. Thanks for all your help in Lexington!

This is the first rule of Hector. It is not a rule so much as it is the thing you must do or face Hector’s eternal wrath. He is not so big on rules.

Marketer’s Paul Timmons and Patrick Dowling are the proud fathers of a

bouncing baby paper mache cockatoo.

Soon our restaurants will be filled with the sounds of machete chops and brushes swirling with bright colors. Our friends from Oaxaca (pronounced wa-HA-ka) are going to be visiting Margaritas Restaurants and local schools. Many of you may remember Epifanio and Laurencia from their past visits. If you happen to be in Dover, East Hartford, Lebanon, Revere,

Oaxacan on Sunshine!Epifanio and Laurencia return for a Spring Visiting Artist Tour

Waltham or Weymouth check out their colorful carvingsdisplayed in the glass showcases.

Epifanio Fuentes and Laurencia Santiago are from San Martin Tilcajete, Oaxaca, in southern Mexico. Their tiny village is not far from Oaxaca City, but it is worlds away in many other aspects. It is typical of many small rural Mexican villages with ties closer to it's ancient past than the modern world. It is not far from the Zápotec

Tour Dates 2010nd Sunday, May 2 AugustathSunday, May 9 Revere

th Wednesday, May 12 WeymouththSunday, May 16 Waltham

th Wednesday, May 19 ManchesterrdSunday, May 23 East Hartford

thWednesday, May 26 Lebanon

ruins of Mitla and Monte Albán. Many of the families in the village carve whimsical figures out of wood. Their inspiration comes from the twisted wood itself as well as religious, decorative and traditional designs. Thanks to those of us who do live in the modern world, the village is now a destination for folk art collectors from all around the world.

We hope Epifanio and Laurencia have a wonderful trip throughout New England as they visit our restaurants and schools. This special event is part of Margaritas Education Outreach Program and is a highlight for many in our communities. This is a great way for us to share Margaritas commitment to the community and to our authenticity as a source for unique a Mexican cultural experience.

After a hard day of wood carving and painting, our friends relax and enjoy.

Their daughter Magalay paints a lizard. The whole family is part of

this tradition.

Epifanio and Laurencia return to Margaritas to dazzle our guests with their wood working skills and traditional folk art

talents. Bienvenidos!

A tour bus visits Epifanio’s hometown - an area well know for it’s folk art and traditions.

A roadside Mezcal stand on the road to Oaxaca! A great place to stock up for your journey.

In the Community

Manager Chris Canak and Barrett Benedict from Augusta present a check to the Children’s Center of Augusta. The team participated in the Great Chili Cook Off with

proceeds going to the local charity. It was a great event in the community and nice to see the great folks of Augusta getting so much press. Great job!

Have you ever been friends with

a Paper Maché Cockatoo?

Pretty soon, Hector the Paper Mache Cockatoo will be up on Facebook and ready to become friends with everyone in the Margaritas universe. Make sure you look

him up, otherwise he will be angered at you. You do not want to be on the wrong end of the fury of a Paper Maché Cockatoo. Although truth be told, Hector

is really quite nice. Look for him at www.friendhector.com

Que Pasa?Congratulations to Concord manager Holly Carignan who recently said, “Yes” to her boyfriend Rob’s question of, “Will you marry me?” We wish them both a life together filled with love, laughs and joy and wish them all the best as they begin this next exciting part on their journey through life together.

Congrats to some managers who have recently completed their training and have joined their teams. Welcome Mark Kobuszewski who has joined the team in Manchester as the new Kitchen Manager. Welcome James Dresser who is already hard at work as the new AGM joining the team in Mystic. Congratulations to Chris McVicker who has joined the team in Lebanon as their new Kitchen Manager and Yankee fan in residence. Congratulations to Brown Street veteran Katie Scott who completed her training and is now part of the management team at her home location. Congrats also to long time team member Sean Berg who has joined his brother in the ranks of managers and is the new AGM in Revere. Finally, congrats and welcome to the new Kitchen Manager in Exeter, Greg Tatarian who is ready to help the team in Exeter. We are grateful to see so many great new faces in our management ranks and look forward to all the contributions you will bring to Margaritas and having you grow with us along the way. Welcome and good luck!

Charlie TaylorThe 2010 Paul Letourneau

Longevity Award Winner

Our congratulations and thanks go out to our Paul Letourneau Longevity Award Winner - Charlie Taylor (right) of Concord! Charlie has been working for Margaritas for over 16 years, when he was originally hired by Toby Lord for the kitchen in St. John Street. He is now one of our most senior and beloved General Managers and he has touched the lives of so many people throughout Margaritas. We thank him for all his hard work and all his many contributions in making our restaurants great! Nice work Charlie!

Micros Mayhem

Exeter is testing Micros Computers at their restaurant as a new solution for entering orders. It’s a great system, but with any new system, we

had to test it in Exeter to see if it meets our needs. Above, Holly enters the first official order using Micros.

Got a new system? Call out the Training Team, led by Rich Villanueva, Dover’s Jamiee Stiles, Exeter’s Todd Remington and Weymouth’s Amanda

Cummings.

Rich Villanueva takes a second to celebrate clearing the board on Friday night and catching the first break in the action of the night.

Dover’s Eric Michael Vets is always excited to have the tongs in his hand and the smell of grilling steaks in his nose.

Bill Courtemanche pimps up the new Margaritas ride! Look for it on Bill’s Cinco de Mayo 2010 Tour - coming to your location!

Matt Arminio from Lexington is having a grand ole time on the line and running expo.

Not a rule number three from Hector

Quips, quandaries and ponderings from the champion of positivity and noted author....Jerry Posner!

I LOVE LISTS!

Yes, I love lists. They keep me focused, remind me of important things, and reinforce my motivations. Lists are cost-effective, too!

You might have found it useful to keep a “to-do” list of errands you need to run, tasks you have to complete, and

projects you need to work on. Generally, keeping a “to-do” list results in more accomplishments, and over time, a sense of which jobs are important to you … and which aren't. So the “to-do” list also provides some valuable feedback and increases self-awareness. And, there is the great pleasure and pride that comes from the accomplishment … followed by the cross-off.

But tasks and accomplishments are just one area of life to manage. What about emotions? Beliefs? Philosophies?

To better manage emotions, you might have good results keeping a “to-feel” list. On that list, note the emotions you want to feel more of. Such as: happy, secure, confident, and grateful. Maybe you want to feel calm, easy, flexible, and smart. Make a list, review it daily, edit as necessary, and see what happens. By focusing attention on these things, you might make better choices, and eventually develop habits that support the emotional states you desire.

I also really like keeping a “to-remember” list. This one might have sayings, quotations, and clichés that remind us how we want to behave and our best philosophical, spiritual and ethical advice to ourselves.

The “to-remember” list can help us ride the ups and downs of life with greater ease. Here are some examples:

TO REMEMBER• Change is part of life.• Appreciate the moment.• Why worry about things I can't control?• Notice the good things in my life.• Each moment is a miracle in potential.• Be kind.• Make choices based on the outcomes I most desire.• S.N.I.P. it!• Go with the flow.• Win some, lose some … however, since I'm breathing, I'm a winner!

I find that this kind of daily reinforcement is priceless. It makes sense. Costs nothing. Doesn't take too much time. So, do it. Put it on your list!

Buena suerte,Jerry

Salsa bar spokesperson Bridgette Barbato in Waltham shows off the new Margaritas Test Kitchen where guests can try some new

complimentary (and complementary) salsas and sauces to enhance their dinners. It’s being tested in Waltham, but you may see it at

your location soon (Bridgette not included).

Paul Timmons and David Pelletier enjoy the taste of a frothy margarita in Lexico - home of the newest Margaritas!

Mild mannered Greg from the Accounting Team at MSC always comes to work in style, seen here in his Scorpion Leather Jacket.

Further proof that accounting is all about debits, credits and style.

Quick Sherman, Into the

April 2010Thursday the 22nd - Earth DayWednesday the 28th - Full Moon Margarita Madness

May 2010Sunday the 2nd - Epifanio in AugustaWednesday the 5th - Rhymes with Finco de PlayoSunday the 9th - Mother’s Day

Wednesday the 12th - Margaritas Red Sox Game at Fenway!

Friday the 14th - Board MeetingSaturday the 15th - Armed Forces Day

Monday the 17th & Tuesday the 18th - Jerry Posner in ExeterTuesday the 18th - Sales Manager Meeting

Monday the 24th - Jerry Posner on St. John Street

Thursday the 27th - Full Moon Margarita MadnessMonday the 31st - Memorial Day

June 2010Monday the 7th - Leadership Council MeetingMonday the 7th and Tuesday the 8th - Jerry Posner in OronoTuesday the 8th - Margaritas of Medford Opens! (Tentative)Wednesday the 9th - Jerry Posner in AugustaMonday the 14th - Flag DayMonday the 14th and Tuesday the 15th - Jerry Posner in ExeterSunday the 20th - Father’s DayMonday the 21st & Tuesday the 22nd - Jerry Posner in East HartfordMonday the 21st - Summer BeginsTuesday the 22nd - Kitchen Council Meeting Saturday the 26th - Full Moon Margarita Madness

July 2010Sunday the 4th - Independence DayMonday the 4th - Independence Day ObservedMonday the 12th and Tuesday the 13th - Jerry Posner in DoverTuesday the 13th - Major League Baseball All-Star GameMonday the 19th - Jerry Posner in WeymouthTuesday the 20th - Margaritas Employee Event Monday the 26th - Full Moon Margarita Madness

August 2010Monday the 16th - Sales Manager MeetingMonday the 16th - Jerry Posner in AuburnFriday the 20th - Board MeetingTuesday the 24th - Full Moon Margarita MadnessMonday the 30th - Leadership Council MeetingTuesday the 31st - Margaritas Summer Event

September 2010Monday the 6th - Labor DayThursday the 9th - Opening night for the NFLSunday the 12th - Grandparents Day Monday the 13th - Jerry Posner in LexingtonThursday the 16th - Mexican Independence Day

Sunday the 9th - Epifanio in Revere

Wednesday the 12th - Epifanio in Weymouth

Sunday the 16th - Epifanio in Waltham

Wednesday the 19th - Epifanio in ManchesterSunday the 23rd - Epifanio in East Hartford

Wednesday the 26th - Epifanio in Lebanon

REVISED April 19th - All dates are subject to change. Want to have something on our calendar or in the Gazette? E-mail us at [email protected]!

Salem’s Bonnie Dalicandro pulls off the impossible - eleven margarita glasses in one hand!

Jessica from Lexington gives her new favorite guest a big hug as Emilio enjoys the spoils of being Emilio.

The Wayback rides back to a post-Softball Tournament get-together in Branford where we see an array of Augusta veterans gathered including

Dan Harriman, Jack Fossett, Tina Woodward, Barrett Benedict, Chris Canak, ZB Lewis and the legend, Mark Lakeman. That’s over 100 years

of Margaritas experience!

Margaritas Support Center200 Griffin Road, Suite 1Portsmouth, NH 03801

First ClassAll our readersare first class!

EL JIMMADOR’S TRIVIA PREGUNTA:

Last Issue’s Answer:

From the seventies television show Baretta, what was the name of Baretta’s trusted bird friend, the world’s second

most famous cockatoo?

Rachel Dratch, Ethan Zohn and Charles Ponzi all lived in Lexington (Dratch and

Zohn were born there).

Have you joined the Margaritas Circle of Friends E-Club? Find out more information at www.margs.com!

Cinco de Mayo is Coming! Cinco de Mayo is Coming! Cinco de Mayo is Coming! Cinco de Mayo is Coming! Cinco de Mayo is Coming! Cinco de Mayo is Coming!

Hector the Paper Maché Cockatoo answers some personal questions.

Favorite color: The deep, luscious red of freshly made salsa.

Favorite Season: When do avocados ripen? Whatever season that is.

Favorite Movie: Chinatown. Because this neo-noir thriller’s pacing, composition and acting are truly ground breaking. And also because it reminds me of just how yucky Chinese food is.

Pet Peeve: Pigeons. They eat anything. Even if it doesn’t have cilantro on it. They bring shame to my genus.

Advice for other handicrafts looking to break into show business: This business can be brutal. For every Hector the Paper Maché Cockatoo who is starring in commercials and flying private jets, there are a hundred Fernandos the Wicker Tortoises that end up tattered and forgotten in a dumpster somewhere. So finish school, kids. There’s no guarantee you will be a star like me

If you were a tree, what kind of tree would you be? Don’t waste my time with your silly questions. I am made from paper mach - I have tree in my blood.

Who is your favorite boxer of all time? Hector Camacho

Who is your favorite actor of all time? Hector Elizando

Who is your favorite baseball player of all time? Mark “The Bird” Fidrych

Who is your favorite basketball player of all time? Larry Bird

What is your favorite cartoon of all time? Hector Heathcoate

Favorite Jackson: Tito

é

HectorThe Paper Maché Cockatoo

Getting to Know The Journey of Creating a Paper Mach Cockatooé

Our friends Carlos and Albert from Tlaquepaque are making me ready to come to come to Margaritas. I am naked here, yet you cannot look away.

I am so mad that I am not finished. You might say I am red in the face.

Like a good chimichanga, these things take time. When you see me completed, you will drool with delight. But do not drool on me, for I am made of paper.