Ariana Grande Played The Count Basie Theatre, 8/17/13

And CoolDaughter #2 And I Finally Got Our Burrito

"This is just unacceptable!"

That was the 6-year-old CoolDaughter #2 upon seeing the crowd -- huge line, no available seating -- at the Red Bank location of Surf Taco.

"Can we pleeeeease go to that other one by the beach?"

So we headed back to the car to make our way to West End and the, usually, much less crowded Surf Taco outpost. As we walked, I became aware of the marked increase in well-dressed teen and pre-teen girls walking around the borough of Red Bank. This didn't surprise me, as CD #2 and I were out on our little burrito expedition together because CoolMom and CoolDaughter #1 were heading for the sold-out Ariana Grande concert at The Count Basie Theatre.

Ariana Grande is probably best-known for playing the lovably air headed Cat Valentine on Nickelodeon's Victorious and its spinoff Sam & Cat (which unites the Victorious and iCarly universes in kind of a 'tween Laverne & Shirley). Grande is also an absolutely huge social media presence with just short of 9 million Twitter followers and something like 80 million views of "The Way," her top 10 hit with rapper Mac Miller.

As CoolDaughter #2 and I neared the Long Branch Surf Taco, it became apparent that this was not our night. Brighton Avenue and the surrounding side streets were closed to through traffic for a car show and concert. The tears started flowing (hers). I doubled back on Ocean Avenue; and, against my better judgement, headed for Pier Village. Miraculously, we quickly found a parking spot and made our way to Shaka, the Hawaiian-themed purveyor of burritos and shaved ice. I always feel like I'm cheating on Surf Taco when I go there.

As we sat down to wait for our order, the texts from CoolMom (sitting in the cheap seats with CoolAunt while the girls sat in the orchestra) started coming in:

CM: "[CoolAunt] and I in nosebleed seats, 2nd from top row...packed!!"

CD: "Sold out. Will be lots of screaming."

CM: "No shit!! Insane!!"

Other than a few dark pics, that was the last we heard from them until they got home at about 9:30pm. The show, I guess, was pretty short. Understandable, given that Grande's debut album isn't even out yet. CoolDaughter #1 loved the show. CoolMom and CoolAunt were happy that The Count Basie Theatre serves wine.

CoolDaughter #2 and I had our burritos -- "Surf Taco is better, I think," she said -- and followed them up with a couple of delicious gelatos by the beach on the wonderfully cool, late summer evening.

Here are a few photos of the show. All photos by CoolMom from the upper-balcony.