Alfonso Rios, Cesar Cantu & Carlos Melchor at La Tramoya

What makes a good waiter the best waiter? It’s that “extra everything” that makes you remember the service more than the food, that takes your dining experience from “OK” to “exceptional.” You all - dedicated diners that you are - apparently agree, and from a list of many contenders for 2010 Best Waiter, this team of three was the clear, obvious (and might we add, well-deserved) winner.

At La Tramoya in the Plaza Machado, from early morning to late at night, you’ll find this “Terrific Trio,” together or separately, running the show at this cozy Italian restaurant in the Plaza Machado. Always smiling, Alfonso Ríos, César Octavio Cantú and Juan Carlos Melchor (left to right) have almost innumerable (hah!) years between them of working at La Tramoya, and their familiarity with not just the menu and drink offerings, but more importantly, with taking care of customers, is evident immediately.

Case in point: Pressed for time, heading to a show at the theater? No problem; let them know and your order will be ready muy pronto. Or, want to just sit with a glass of wine and relax? Todo bien, too. Big groups, impromptu parties, special diets – it’s all OK here, all “service with a smile,” and then some. And y’know, these guys seem to always be smiling, greeting people by name, just having a good ol’ time. (Oh that all our jobs could be so enjoyable, eh?!) Alfonso, Cesar and Carlos make you feel like you’re part of one big happy family. And don’t be surprised when they remember what you drink, what you’re most likely to order or what you ordered last time. One more thing: Cesár has been known to give impromptu Spanish lessons and he makes you feel good for just trying. This terrific trio of waiters take their jobs seriously - and themselves lightly. – Maureen Geraghty, JB

Dr. Marco Antonio

Kitty not well? Dog come down with a limp? Time for some shots? Or maybe your parakeet’s not singing like he usually does? A good vet is a Godsend, and although there are numerous veterinarians through Mazatlán, Dr. Marco Antonio of Veterinario del Pacifico is the clear favorite. Dr. Marco’s care and compassion (and love of animals) is evident. The combination of his medical and English skills, his well-trained and dedicated staff and his modern and up-to-date equipment and offices, has made Dr. Marco the vet of choice for the gringo community for many years. A big congratulations to our 2010 Best Vet. -BK

Dr. Levid Torres Guzmán

What makes a good doctor? Experience, yes; competency, of course. But it’s also that special something, that genuine, caring attitude that makes you – the patient – feel, well, cared for and like you’re in good hands. Dr. Torres, our 2009 and 2010 Mazzie winner for Best Doctor, does all this and more. Besides being fully available to his many patients over the years, he’s actively involved in the community, including being a founding member of Hospice Mazatlán. And although his specialty is emergency medicine, he’ll treat even the smallest of ailments with compassion and concern. -JB

Asked at Canuck's