Our new column opens the door to Nuevo Mazatlán

We live in what’s officially known as Nuevo Mazatlán, which encompasses the area near the Marina and to the east and north of it. It’s affectionately called ‘The Twilight Zone,’ given what’s happened in the last two or three years. Our once uncluttered beach is now home to a plethora of new high-rise condominiums and hotels in various stages of construction. However, this area is more than just a massive construction zone - it’s also developing into an exciting area diverse in services, amenities and eateries. I’d like to let you in on some of the news from my end of town.

The road from Maz Agua to the maxipista is being turned into a four-lane divided highway, with wide shoulders and a median! Because the stretch of road closest to the Emerald Bay turn to the north is still only one lane during construction, gridlock has occurred several times. (Who would ever have thought there’d be a traffic jam on the road to El Delfín?) It’s another step forward in the federally funded plan for an eventual connector route from this end of town to the airport. The driving time will be shortened considerably. Yay!

When you cross the threshold of the new Marina Flowers on the west side of Av. la Marina, you’ll know it’s a special place. (Flowers do that to most of us.) The decor is simple yet colorful, allowing one to appreciate the splendid selection. Birds of paradise, calla lilies, astromeria, roses and many other varieties wait patiently for the talented hands of co-owner Carolina Meza to blend them together into an appealing design. There are also potted plants, vases and pots. Carolina and husband Alan Steck work together to create and deliver orders to anywhere in the city, at no charge. Both speak impeccable English and are very pleasant to deal with. The shop’s been open for about a year and soon, they plan to add wire-service for long-distance ordering and develop a Customer Contact List to share monthly specials. We wish them great success

Here’s something new and different! The Sushi & Martini Bar at the Crowne Plaza Hotel on Av. Sabalo-Cerritos is offering a free sushi roll with the purchase of a house tequila, beer or tea, for $140 pesos. This special runs Thursdays to Saturdays, 6-10pm. Call 669-988-0324, ext. 5105 for reservations

The new convention center (legal name: Mazatlán International Center) is open and what a gorgeous facility it is! The inauguration wowed everyone in attendance, and it felt like we were in some larger, more chic and sophisticated town. The ultra-modern steel, glass and white buildings include a three-level parking garage with a catwalk to reach the main convention center, which has salons to hold 4,500+ and outdoor spaces for a few thousand more. In front, a giant, graceful arched white tent-like structure covers a round white cobblestone patio with lounge seating, crystal chandeliers and a killer sound system. And, the largest mural in the world (see M!’s cover this month) is on the north exterior wall. This should bring lots more visitors to our fair city, and we should be proud of the vision and work that went into this project. (JB)

Amid all the new remain treasures from the past. One example is Chalio’s restaurant, now on the northern, East side of Av. la Marina. Chalio’s first opened many years ago on the beach at what’s now the dredged entrance to the Marina. Then it moved near the Torres Mazatlán. After a few years, it was forced to move again because new construction took the upper hand. Now, Chalio’s is tucked quietly away in a place it can hopefully stay for a long time. The specialty is seafood and it’s terrific! It’s the only place we’ve ever been to where the fresh fish come with price tags on the roofs of their mouths.