Doctor, Carwash, Internet/Phone Provider

BEST DOCTOR

Dr. LEVID TORRES GUZMÁN

A self-proclaimed small town country boy, Dr. Levid Torres Guzman is a man amongst men. Winner of Mexico’s Man of the Year 2003, his General Practice in Centro is host to an array of patients, young and old, foreigners as well as nationals. Known for his perfect English and extensive knowledge in all things medical, Dr.Torres’ specialty is Emergency Medicine. “I love my job,” he says. “I enjoy helping people.” The good doctor has been involved in many local charities, including Friends of Mexico, the Lions Club and the Rotary Club, and is a founding member of the non-profit Hospice Mazatlan IAP. Not enough can be said about a man who has helped so many; it’s no surprise that Dr. Torres was your choice for the first “Best Doctor” Mazzie Award. -PHA

BEST CAR WASH

JOAQUIN’S AUTO BAÑO

You all didn’t have a favorite mechanic but you do have a favorite car wash – does that mean your cars are clean but not running well?! Hmm…at any rate, this vote was a landslide, with Joaquin’s Auto Baño in Olas Altas the clear and sparkling winner. And no wonder – the man is a white-booted fanatic, working with his crew seven days a week from almost dawn till it’s too dark to see. He cleans your car inside and out, quickly, perfectly and reliably, using (wonder of wonders) clean water from the spigots inside the big lot where his business is set up – no buckets full of brackish brown agua here. I like to leave my car and go to the malecón for a brisk walk or leisurely breakfast, or check out the newest exhibit at the Mazatlán Art Museum across the street, returning to find my little Toyota free from its weekly collection of grime and dirt. Depending on the size of your vehicle, expect to pay half or less what you would up north, and receive personal, hand-detailed service with a smile.

BEST INTERNET/PHONE PROVIDER

TELMEX

Sigh. We have to start by understanding that communication services here in Mexico are not, shall we say, at the same level as we’re used to up north. That said – and given the limited options that exist - Telmex seems to be doing a heck of a good job keeping folks happy and connected. They offer competitively priced paquetes with phone and internet service and have offices all over town. You can pay your bill online, in person at any bank or Telmex store or 24 hours a day at the automated machine in the main Centro office, and - wonder of wonders - it’s possible to turn your line off when you leave in the spring and have it reconnected, with the same number, when you get back in the fall. You can also arrange to pay your bill in advance if you go away during the summer months or just don’t want to be bothered paying every month. Of late, they’ve been changing their service turn-around time to accommodate our gringo sensibilities more, too. What’s not to love?