tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7444082152312444929.post4351542207680482892..comments2024-02-15T22:18:00.385-07:00Comments on Bobby Byrd: Dreaming Martino's, Dreaming JuárezBobby Byrdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17990783036661848472noreply@blogger.comBlogger7125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7444082152312444929.post-18313189378573678472013-03-10T23:40:48.716-06:002013-03-10T23:40:48.716-06:00Hello.
Martino it's now open once again!!!...
...Hello.<br />Martino it's now open once again!!!...<br /><br />They start operations last February 14..i eat today there,and its superb!!<br /><br />Oscar M.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7444082152312444929.post-23436948190170901372011-07-28T17:05:40.210-06:002011-07-28T17:05:40.210-06:00Dear Carlsbad Ann, Thanks. The photographer, accor...Dear Carlsbad Ann, Thanks. The photographer, according to a few of the waiters, was probably Pedro Ruelas Alvarez. He died in the 1990s. I tried to find some of his photos but never could. You can see his photo of Lee and me at http://whitepantiesanddeadfriends.blogspot.com/2009/10/youtubing-lee-me-literary-el-paso.html<br />I used it in my book The Price of Doing Business in Mexico. Our favorite waiter was Moises II. He made a perfect martini while balancing the tray in his hand.Bobby Byrdhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17990783036661848472noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7444082152312444929.post-25706860442501821582011-07-28T16:16:48.850-06:002011-07-28T16:16:48.850-06:00I went for the first time to Martino's in 1965...I went for the first time to Martino's in 1965 at the age of 5. My family, from nearby Carlsbad, NM, used to vacation in Jaurez because with 7 people, you could really get a good deal. We would stay at the Camino Real, a very swanky hotel, and there would definitely be a trip or two to Martino's during the week. We would get all dressed up of course, and have a high time out for dinner, first class all the way. Our regular and favorite waiter was Oscar. He later became an owner I believe, along with another one of the long-standing waiters. My sister and I went to boarding school at Radford in El Paso, so whenever our parents came to visit, Martino's was on the list. I loved the little photographer that would come by your table, and take your photo in black and white. he would go to his shop, develop it, and bring you your copies. I don't know how many of the photos we have but they are many and varied throughout the years: like when an aunt of uncle visited, when I made National Honor Society in 1976. When I married we took my husband there...and it was soon his favorite too. the copper water pitchers and charger plates, the little tortilla chips with refried beans and jalapenos, the incredible margaritas, and my favorite dish, paella. In 2007 we took our kids, with two of my brothers to have dinner. Everything was much the same. With all the changes by then, the once flourishing tourist street, with the Kentucky Club next door, was desolate, hardly any shops and not full of laughter as we had known it. But we had one last meal there, said our goodbyes, and took one more black and white photo, digital style, with m children, to try to connect them with one of the happiest memories of our lives.<br /><br />Ann in CarlsbadAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7444082152312444929.post-41642826888229588222011-02-18T12:56:28.226-07:002011-02-18T12:56:28.226-07:00I'm devastated to learn that Martino's is ...I'm devastated to learn that Martino's is gone, although it is not surprising what with the violence in Juarez. I was hoping that Martino's would be spared, somehow...My family and I have had wonderful meals and good times there and I'm thankful for the memories.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7444082152312444929.post-48029297186889581992011-01-16T18:21:59.632-07:002011-01-16T18:21:59.632-07:00Sadly, Martino's is no more. One of the cultur...Sadly, Martino's is no more. One of the cultural losses to our lives with this tragic disease of violence. It all began with poverty--spiced with greed, hatred and delusion. I appreciate your comment and for reading the blog. John Davis too. May the New Year bring peace to Juarez. May Martino's rise again out of the ashes from all this violence. May everyday working people find peace and good wages in Juarez.Bobby Byrdhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17990783036661848472noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7444082152312444929.post-66803547734049981932011-01-16T13:30:51.817-07:002011-01-16T13:30:51.817-07:00First restaurant I ever wore a suit to. I was may...First restaurant I ever wore a suit to. I was maybe 8 or 9 at the time. Went with my parents many times over the years, the last time being in the mid-90's with my wife.<br /><br />I haven't been to Martino's, nor indeed even across the border to Ciudad Juarez, in at least a decade. I hope they're still going strong despite the horrific situation in Juarez.Kvatchhttp://ragebot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7444082152312444929.post-14540588046622925172010-08-03T10:23:19.130-06:002010-08-03T10:23:19.130-06:00I too dream of Martino's. My last visit must ...I too dream of Martino's. My last visit must have been in 1985 or so. I remember talking with Mr. Martino, sometime in the 80's. He was very old at the time. I told him how wonderful his restaurant was, and he replied, "The restaruant is not mine, it belongs to my customers." Another part of the charm was always the great respect that the staff has for each other. They were masters of an elegant and secret art.John Davisnoreply@blogger.com