Think "American Idol" but local, minus the cameras and with a Mexican twist.
"Mariachi Idol" drew large crowds while it was held at La Fuente Mexican restaurant earlier this summer. The competition was held over six weeks, with each round drawing 250 to 350 spectators.
"It's beautiful to be that busy," bartender Mario Rocha says. "I made $200 in tips on the finale."
More than 60 mariachi singers from Tucson and Nogales competed. They were accompanied by the mariachi group Estrellas de La Fuente. The winner was Martin Marquez of Nogales.
La Fuente held the competition to celebrate its 50th anniversary, but it was such a success that organizers plan on making it an annual event. They also hope to add a competition for children.
Rocha has worked there for four years. He's originally from Caborca in Sonora, Mexico, but he's lived in Tucson for 21 years.
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He studied architecture in Mexico and earned money by working in the fields in Yuma and in Indio, Calif.
He stopped studying and moved to the United States after starting a family.
The 46-year-old has been a bartender for 14 years. He also has made drinks at La Parilla Suiza and the Hotel Arizona, which at the time was the Radisson Hotel City Center.
Do people recognize you since you've worked in several bars?
"Yeah. My 8-year-old son (Marito) is always very impressed because everywhere we go, people say hi to me. He tells me, 'You have a million friends.' "
You mentioned that La Fuente is known for its margaritas.
"Yeah. We have different-flavored margaritas. We have peach, mango, banana, strawberry. We have a whole margarita menu. It's what we sell the most."
Which is your favorite?
"La Fuente Margarita. It has Hornitos tequila, Controy, and sweet and sour,"
What is the strangest drink order you've ever had?
"University students like the Long Island iced tea. It has five different kinds of liquor."
What's your favorite dish here?
"The spinach enchiladas are very good. And we have a surf and turf dish; it has steak and shrimp. It's really popular."
La Fuente Restaurant
• Where: 1749 N. Oracle Road.
• Phone: 623-8659.
• Bar hours: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday and Sunday. Until 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
• Happy hour: 3 to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Friday. Free appetizers and half off for all drinks.
• Mariachi music: 6 to 10 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday.
• Guitar soloist: 6:30 to 10 p.m. Monday and Tuesday.
• Web: www.lafuenterestaurant.com
More online
• Read more about Tucson night life at go.azstarnet.com/ sceneatnight
• If you know a bartender who serves a mean cocktail, tells a good joke or has an attentive ear, tell us about him or her at aznightbuzz.com (click on "nightlife").
