I recently went on an interview with owner of MTZ, Martin Martinez, who was born and raised here in Puerto Peñasco. Martin is also a licensed Real Estate agent as well as owning the place to go to for special events as well La Galleria on the corner of the entry to the Old Port. MTZ is on the harbor side over looking the shrimp boats and sunset cruise boats.
He had opened Bacanora Grill but closed it while back and then recently opened MTZ. The décor inside is unique, with the walls being decorated with pallets that have been painted, old metal barrels that now have been converted into hanging lights as well as wood from some of the old ships that make up the great back bar. Upon entering you will find a large stage which features a really nice mural by a young local artist. Out front, you will find seating as well, which will covered with shade screen soon. So you can sit outside and have a drink while waiting for your Sunset Cruise to depart or a night cap when you come back. Inside it is air conditioned and has comfortable seating as well as a lounge type atmosphere.
After talking for some time about the city and the growth and things that come with growth, Martin explained that his venue is great for showcasing local bands as well as others from outside the city. They have hosted several events since it opened. He has a passion for seeing Puerto Peñasco grow in culture and hopes to be able to help to make it better and introduce visitors to more of the Mexican culture. We discussed what is happening in the Old Port and what is happening in our town.
The discussion then evolved around hosting a fund raiser for a Rocky Point native who at the age of 37 had a stroke. His name is Julio Carlos Meza Mendez and he is the son of world renowned shell artist Julio Meza. Most of you who stay in the RV Parks like Playa Bonita or reside here full time have seen Julio walking the boardwalk by Playa Bonita selling his shell art or have gone to his workshop to see how the art is created and probably own pieces of his work. Julio has 8 pieces hanging in the Vatican as well as pieces all over the world. Julio Carlos has his Bachelor Degree in International Affairs and is working on Bachelor Degree in Law. His company specializes in legal advise in such matters as new and renewal of bank trusts as well as things like getting the Permanent Residency status. He also offers bill pay service as well as being a general contractor. His office is located on Blvd Freemont in the center where Chef Mickey’s is. He will have a way to go to recovery but he is in the capable hands of therapist Blanca Soto of UBR (Basic Rehab Unit).
- Wonderful for a gift.
If you never seen the works of Julio Meza, Senior, check out these photos. They are one of a kind pieces of art that can not be copied or duplicated.
Needless to say, his medical bill’s are staggering as he has been in the hospital in Mexicali for 2 months and just recently returned to Puerto Peñasco to get additional therapy. His family is doing a raffle with tickets selling at $200 pesos (they come in books of 10). First place will receive $10,000 pesos and second place with receive $5000 pesos. With help from First Lady Linda Pivac Munro, the ladies from DIF are selling the tickets or you can buy them from me as well. Proceeds from both of these events will go to defray the cost of his medical bill’s and assure proper therapy. The raffle will be held July 14th.
After much conversation about the plight of Julio Carlos, Martin and I decided to do the benefit for Julio and the event will be held July 28th from 4 pm to 8 pm at MTZ (across from where the Intripid Sunset Cruise departs) with music provided my “Puerto Luna” a local band that plays Mexican ballad type music. The cost of the tickets are $250 pesos and include 3 beer or wine tickets, Bacanora Tasting, reduced pricing on drinks and food from local restaurants. A bonus to the food, wine, Bacanora and music, your ticket will be placed in drawing for a condo stay at the Pinacate Condos. We are doing a silent auction in addition to the relaxing evening. All proceeds go to defray the costs of Julio Carlos’s current medical bills as well as the on going therapy. If you have something you would like to donate, please contact me at (nocomosi@msn.com) and we will make sure it is added to the list. If you want to purchase your tickets in advance, please let me know at Blog@Puerto-Penasco.com
